The last big Activities Council performer of the school year is not only stirring up excitement, but positive ticket sales.
“The ticket sales have surpassed my expectations,” said Assistant Director of Student Activities Dain Gotto. “We sold over 1,000 tickets on the first day.”
Director of Student Activities Michelle Whited said the high number of tickets sold so far has put Student Activities and ABCU in a good position.
“We are right on the mark and right where we want to be – we’re thrilled,” she said.
A total of 1,177 tickets have been sold for the Lupe Fiasco concert with opening act B.o.B and there are plenty of tickets left. Students have until April 12 to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the public.
“I think it will definitely sell out once it is open to the public,” Whited said. “The Peoria Civic Center hosts a lot of country performers, and because its not often that there are hip-hop performers in this town, the tickets will go.”
Whited said she encourages students to purchase tickets if they haven’t already so they do not miss their chance.
“Try it even if you are not familiar with [Lupe Fiasco or B.o.B],” she said. “For $5 it’s worth it, what do you have to lose except a few hours of time? It’s the perfect study break.”
Gotto said ACBU has been working on this performance since November and when the opening performer, B.o.B, was confirmed he was not well known. Now since B.o.B has a recent hit on the radio, “Nothin’ on You,” he said it is perfect timing for him to perform.
“Lupe and B.o.B fit the college type of show, and it is geared perfectly for college students,” Whited said. “The fact that Lupe is from Chicago brings a hometown connection to campus, and I think that has encouraged many students to go to the concert.”
For freshman nursing major Emma Ruegge, it wasn’t her desire to see Lupe perform that encouraged her to purchase tickets but the experience of seeing a show.
“I don’t even like Lupe,” she said. “I just think going will be a good social experience for a good cost.”
Lupe Fiasco and B.o.B will be the last Bradley-sponsored performer at the Peoria Civic Center because of the opening of the new Puterbaugh Athletic Performance Center, Whited said.
She said organizing concerts next semester will be more convenient.
“With the new performance center all planning and ticket sales will be going through one office,” Whited said. “Everything will be on campus and we wont have to worry about transportation.”
She said the level of excitement with performers will grow next year because the performers will actually be on campus. She also said by hosting shows on campus students will gain new opportunities.
“Students will be given a behind the scenes look at concerts that they have been unable to have at the Civic Center,” she said. “There will be student volunteer opportunities allowing students to transform a gym into a concert venue. They will get to see it all come together.”