The Show 2005, which co-headlines Cake and Akon, will kick off at 8 p.m. tonight at the Joyce Center Fieldhouse. According to The Show chairperson Anja Smitz, ticket sales have been strong and could potentially be the highest to date. Half of sales usually occur at the door.
"[Sales] have been better than in previous years," said Smitz. "We're excited because we think it could be a record turnout this year."
The Show committee puts on the annual concert, which has been run under the Student Acti-vities Office since 2002. Smitz has been leading organizational efforts since last winter.
"I was interviewed last January and given the job in February, and then we formed a committee," she said.
The 17-person committee includes subcommittees for marketing, finance and production, as well as Saint Mary's and Holy Cross liaisons.
The search for musical acts began late last year, when the committee talked with students and compiled a massive list of potential candidates. They then researched groups' touring schedules and fees before deciding upon Cake and Akon.
"These were two bands we thought everyone could get really excited about," Smitz said.
She noted that the University's reputation has played a part in getting big names to come to campus.
"We tried to sell some big bands on the experience of Notre Dame," she said.
This year's The Show will be held in the Joyce Center Fieldhouse instead of the Arena, where it has been held in past years. Scheduling conflict prevented The Show's use of the Arena, but this may benefit students who wish to get up close to the bands. While the Arena was able to fit 1,000 people on the floor, the Fieldhouse is able to accommodate a larger audience near the bands.
"It can easily accommodate twice last year's audience that has direct access to the stage," Peggy Hnatusko, assistant director of Student Activities, said.
Other new features of The Show 2005 include large projection screens over the stage, complete with a live feed filmed by NDTV.
Smitz stressed the unifying potential of an event like The Show.
"It's a great experience because it brings the school together with a big event where everyone can just have fun," she said.