NIU’s Convocation Center is in its second year of existence, and officials plan to make it a good one.

The 10,000 seat, $36 million facility has three events booked for the upcoming semester and plans on several more before the year is up.

The sophomore year will kickoff with “Fame: The Musical” on Sunday, Sept. 21. On Sept. 28, country group Rascal Flatts will perform as part of Country Music Television’s Most Wanted Live Tour.

Wayne Brady and Friends will perform a night of improv comedy on Nov. 1. Brady is best-known for his antics on the TV show “Whose Line is it Anyway?” and “The Wayne Brady Show.”

Kevin Selover, director of marketing for the arena, said they have a good idea of what shows to bring.

“We pretty much ran the gauntlet last year,” Selover said. “You name it and we tried to bring it here.”

While variety might not be as wide this year, Selover said the arena is focusing more on what students want.

“I think it’s important that since this is a student-funded building, we try to book shows that the students are going to come out for.”

Besides musical acts and comedians, Selover said the Rockford Lightning will play several basketball games at the arena.

Throughout the year, the arena is also home to several NIU sporting events.

For tickets and pricing information for events at the arena, go to www.convocenter.niu.edu, or call 752-6800.