Ludacris is set to perform at Reynolds Coliseum on Friday. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the performance will begin at 8 p.m.

According to Bobby Fitzjohn, with the Union Activities Board, they were approached by the Air Force Reserve this summer to see if the concert would be possible.

“They choose the artist and we took care of the production and venue,” Fitzjohn said.

The goal for the Reserve is to do 10 shows at 10 different universities, with the goal of getting their name out there, according to Fitzjohn.

“Ludacris performed at homecoming about five or six years ago. It was a general public concert, and there were a few problems, by making this concert student faculty and staff only we hope to avoid those problems.”

According to Capt. John Barnwell, patrol division commander with Campus Police, they will be staffing the concert.

“We have a standard operating plan for concerts at Reynolds Coliseum and we will be staffing the event with both law enforcement and event staff and will be able to handle any issues that arise both in and outside of the facility,” Barnwell said.

According to Fitzjohn, all of the tickets were handed out within the first week.

“We handed out over 3,600 tickets in the first day at ticket central. It was mainly through social networking and word of mouth that the event got out there,” said Fitzjohn.

Seven thousand tickets were distributed in total.

Bradley Gilmore, a sophomore in turfgrass management, said although he isn’t a Ludacris fan, he’s going to the concert.

“I feel like it’s a good event, I’m not really a Ludacris fan but I’m going because it’s free,” Gilmore said.

Fitzjohn said this is an amazing chance for students.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to have two free concerts within a month of each other.  Lifehouse for welcome week and now Luda,” Fitzjohn said.

Tiana Thorpe, a senior in psychology, said she is excited for the concert. 

“I hope all students enjoy themselves in a positive and safe matter, I’m looking forward to it,” Thorpe said. 

According to Fitzjohn, Ludacris will be the only performer and the show should last around 75 minutes.

According to Fitzjohn there are many goals UAB are trying to accomplish within the concert.

Fitzjohn said, “We are encouraging donations to Stop Hunger Now.”

The annual red and white charity ball will not be taking place this year because of the concert therefore there will be a donation bucket at the main entrance of the concert, according to Fitzjohn.

“It’s for a good cause; hopefully because the concert is free we can expect generous donations,” Fitzjohn said.

Brittany Strachan, a senior in computer science, said Ludacris is a big name. 

“It will bring a lot of energy to campus. Plus it’s for a good cause, so you can make a difference by donating and having fun at the same time,” Strachan said.

According to Fitzjohn, another goal is for the concert to act as a catalyst to get the “waste reduction” recycling initiative started.

“There is also a huge recycling initiative taking place, one of the largest Reynolds has ever seen,” Fitzjohn said, “There will be a push for every bottle to be recycled, staff will be directing and collecting recyclables during the concert.”

Elvin James, a junior in communication, said the concert is a great opportunity.

“I went when Common came and that was good. This is a good opportunity for students to have a good time with a different genre of music,” James said.