Tickets will go on sale Friday for the March 9 Convocation Center show featuring R&B rapper Nelly.

The show in the 10,000-seat arena includes the St. Lunatics, starring Nelly, Murphy Lee, Ali and Kyjuan as well as other feature artists.

Nelly played at the Chick Evans Field House in 2001. Four years and three Grammys later, R&B rapper Nelly is returning to NIU.

“Nelly has gained in popularity [since the 2001 show],” said Kevin Selover, marketing director for the arena. “He’s one of the hottest acts out there right now.”

The 2001 show followed the release of his 2000 debut album, “Country Grammar,” which sold more than 9 million copies.

The St. Louis-native made history recently, becoming the first rap artist to release two albums simultaneously on Sept. 14, titled “Sweat” and “Suit.”