The NIU Convocation Center will have its first country concert this Sunday.

Tickets for the show, scheduled for 7 p.m., still are on sale. The concert features headliner Diamond Rio and opening acts Mark Wills and Blake Shelton.

Joe Coots, Convo Center marketing director, said ticket sales are doing well, although he was not sure exactly how many already have been sold.

“This area is a populous for country music fans, and there are a lot of students that are into country as well,” Coots said.

Even though two big concerts (B.B. King on Saturday) are moving into the Convo Center in a matter of a day, Coots said there won’t be any problems.

He added that the concerts are under the same promoter and the stage setup is the same, the difference being the band’s equipment.

“We’ve saved a lot of work and a lot of dollars having these two shows this close,” he said.

Diamond Rio has been known for its large, elaborate shows and its huge fan base. The band has received four County Music Association Vocal Group of the Year awards and Academy of Country Music Vocal Group of the Year awards. Diamond Rio currently holds the No. 8 spot on the Billboard Country charts with “I Believe.”

Mark Wills is coming off of his No. 1 hit “19 Something,” which has been nominated for Single Record of the Year by the ACM. In 1999, he was named Top New Male Vocalist of the Year by the ACM. Some of his biggest hits are “I Do (Cherish You)” and “Back at One.”

The other act, country newcomer Blake Shelton, already is making a splash in the industry. Shelton rides into the Convo Center on his latest No. 1 hit “The Baby.”

All tickets are reserved seating and are available for $29.50 through Ticketmaster or at the Convo Center box office, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway. You also can charge by phone at (312) 559-1212.