Rap sensation and local native Nelly will be performing tonight in the Simon Recreation Center to an audience of Saint Louis University-only students. The concert is brought to SLU by the efforts of the Student Activities Board.

According to Erin Dunn, SAB president, about 2,000 tickets have been sold for the event, leaving around 700 more available.

“We’ll try to sell as many tickets as possible,” said Chris Grabau, program coordinator for the Office of Student Life. “We’ve been selling them steadily, but we still haven’t sold out.”

Nelly, along with the St. Lunatics, will be performing with rap artist Toya. The opening act will be DJ K9, a local DJ who has previously opened for Nelly. Toya, a newly signed rap singer, was a SLU student until last semester.

Yesterday SAB members spent more than eight hours setting up the stage, lighting and sound in the Rec Center. With more than 30 members working at all times, the work went fairly quickly and finished hours before the midnight deadline, according to Dunn.

But SAB members do not mind the physical labor of setting up the stage. “It’s worth it when we see students appreciating our hard work,” said David Young, a member of SAB.

“We’re all working together as a team,” said fellow SAB member Pat Contreras. “The positive outcome will be the success of this major event.”

The stage will be set up on the west end of the Rec Center, the same place as last fall’s Wyclef Jean concert. Even without all of the tickets sold, the standing-roomonly event will be packed, according to Dunn.

SAB member Mike Rozier was impressed with the Rec Center staff. “They have been extremely helpful in every aspect of the event,” he said.

“We really appreciate people who already bought their tickets, in order to ensure future events as large as Nelly,” Rozier said. “We need as much support from the University community as possible.”

Regardless of how many tickets sold, SAB will be able to cover the price of the event. However, “for every ticket we don’t sell now, it’s one less event that we’ll have next spring,” Rozier said.

Both Nelly and Toya have their own personal security. Since the event is being held on University property, SAB is required to utilize the Department of Public Safety.

Students without a ticket are still in luck. They are available today until 5 p.m. in the Office of Student Life, on the third level of the Busch Memorial Center. They are $15 and can be purchased with a SLU student identification card.

“I’m going because it’s a huge event,” said senior Lauren Smith. “Even though I’m not a huge Nelly fan, I think it’s awesome that such a big name is coming to our campus for a private show. I’m sure as hell not going to miss it for only $15.”