But there was no denying everyone was really there to see Canadian-born Shania, and you just knew you were in for a special night.
The gig was `in-the-round', with the stage in the centre of the Arena, and there was only one song that could kick-start the proceedings properly.
As soon as the opening strains of Man! I Feel Like A Woman! rang out, everyone was on their feet.
She teased us first, apparently silhouetted behind the stage curtain. But then she surprised us, by running on to the stage, through the crowd, from a side entrance.
And if you expected a glammed-up Shania, akin her video for the song, you were disappointed. Despite three costume changes, she looked more like she was dolled up for a session at the gym than playing a 10,000-strong concert.
That said, when you saw how much running around the stage she did, it was no wonder she chose that attire.
She revelled in playing to the crowd and spent a good deal of the time signing autographs and slapping hands, as fans rushed to the stage, laden with roses, to get even more up close and personal.
A sight to behold at first, but it got somewhat tedious when time and again you couldn't really see Shania for her bending forward and signing programmes, while continuing to sing.
She may have been trying to please her hard core of fans on Valentine's Night, but ended up alienating others, rendering some of the songs soulless as she seemed to just be singing the words with no emotion or depth.
How could she? She had programmes to sign and hands to shake.
It only detracted a little from what ended up a well-executed performance, which also saw her sitting in the audience for one ballad.
The rockier numbers went down the best, with the likes of That Don't Impress Me Much, Don't Be Stupid (You Know I Love You) and I'm Gonna Getcha Good, getting everyone on their feet.
For me, though, Ka-Ching! and You're Still The One stood out, while Shania donning a Newcastle United top for the encore got the biggest roar of the night.
Few could have left the Arena feeling they didn't get value for money.
Delight of fans
Two Shania fans got more up close and personal with the superstar when they joined her on-stage.
One fan, Derek, from Washington, won a raffle to have his picture taken with the singer, raising money for the Rainbow Trust charity.
And another fan, Zoe, got the surprise of her life after she handed Shania a note and was invited on stage too.
Are you Derek or Zoe? We'd love to hear from you. Ring Gordon Barr on (0191) 201 6294 or email gordon.barr@ncjmedia.co.uk
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