Bill Cosby’s grand opening event at the NIU Convocation Center generated a huge turnout. But what about future performances?

The list of events for the upcoming school year is far from complete, said Joe Coots, the Center’s marketing manager.

Coots believes twice as many events will be scheduled than are currently planned. He thinks the Cosby event set the pace for the kind of year the Center will have.

“I think it went great,” he said. “Cosby did a great show and it was an enjoyable evening for everybody.”

Coots believes weekend events, such as trade shows, will bring in the biggest crowds.

“NIU basketball and concerts will bring in big crowds, but it will be the two-day events that will draw the biggest crowds,” he said.

Coots has received positive feedback from center visitors.

“People can’t believe it is here,” he said. “People are amazed at how nice it is.”

Because some agree that the Center is impressive, they think it should be used to its full potential.

“The center costs $35.8 million; that’s a lot of money,” senior nutrition major Joanne Beynon said. “It’s a waste of money if it is not being used to its ability.”

Beynon would like to see more concerts and comedians brought to NIU.

“That is up to the Campus Activities Board and the university,” said Michael Coakley, executive director for Student Housing and Dining. “The Convocation Center allows for events to be here that couldn’t be here before.”

Coakley is interested in seeing events such as concerts, traveling theater productions and major speakers.

“Who doesn’t like a circus,” asked Sarah Hammer, a junior textile, apparel and merchandising major. “I would like to see the circus come to NIU.”

Coots thinks the Center will be successful in the years to come.

“The future is untelling,” he said.