When U2 originally announced dates for their “Vertigo” tour, in support of their new album “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb”, local fans must have been upset. The closest the Irish rockers were coming to D.C. was Philadelphia’s Wachovia Center — a road trip that wouldn’t dissuade the most hardcore fans, but would leave more casual fans without the chance to see the band’s live show. But local fans have reason to celebrate: U2 is coming to the MCI center for two nights, Oct. 19 and 20. Priority sales for U2.com subscribers began this morning at 10 a.m., hopefully without the problems of previous pre-sales. Sales to the general public begin at 10 a.m. this Saturday, with a lottery for priority at 8 a.m. Tickets are priced at $52.50, $98.00, and $163.00 and are available through Ticketmaster or the MCI center box office.

The last time U2 came to D.C. — for a concert, as opposed to lobbying — was in June 2001 on their “Elevation” tour. Their set moved between current hits and classics like “I Will Follow” and “Pride (In the Name of Love).” DCist wasn’t able to make it, but reviews were generally positive. Back then, DCist favorite P.J. Harvey opened. Kings of Leon are supporting the band for the first leg of the Vertigo tour; the opener for the second leg has not been announced.

To be honest, this DCist has not been impressed by “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb” — especially surprising because we’re one of the few fans of both the band’s older material and the more widely panned “Pop.” In fact, our first major (read: not local) concert was the Popmart tour at RFK in 1997. DCist was hoping U2 was actually skipping over D.C. this time around, saving us a healthy chunk of change. But with the band coming in for two nights, we might just have to bite the bullet and hope Bono, Adam, Larry, and The Edge steer away from newer songs and focus on their earlier hits. Seeing “Mysterious Ways” or “New Year’s Day” live may make the ticket price worth it.