By CANDACE MIERS

Contributing Editor

From Portland to Pennsylvania, Sydney to St. Louis, Switchfoot has made its musical mark, and tonight, the band will perform at the Thomas Assembly Center at 8 p.m.

Switchfoot, the alternative rock band which has sold out shows all over the country and has record sales that have reached over one million dollars, has made its way to Ruston, compliments of the Union Board.

"As an organization, we are all extremely excited about this concert," Stephen Bell, the president of the Union Board and a senior biology major, said.

Excitement in preparation of Switchfoot is all over campus.

"It is definitely about time Tech has had some good entertainment," Matt Martin, a senior forestry major, said.

"I love the fact that Switchfoot is a positive moral band and doesn't sing about the same stuff that every other band does," Martin said.

In addition to students voicing their enthusiasm, there are also signs on campus and near the TAC in efforts for people to go buy Switchfoot tickets.

Monroe's local radio station, KNOE FM 102, gave away Switchfoot tickets during the DJ-Swap to bring the community to campus for the concert.

"It is awesome that Switchfoot is coming to the area because not only are they a band with a good reputation but incredible performers as well," Fisher Alexander, an FM 102 DJ, said.

Wes Anthony, a junior computer information systems major who bought his ticket last week, is another student who said he is eager about tonight.

"I'm glad a big name like Switchfoot is coming to Tech," he said. "Whether the concert is good or not, it's is a great opportunity to get a whole bunch of friends together."

Anthony said he is going to make a night out of the concert event with his friends.

Having a great time with friends is what the Union Board said they to accomplish.

"The students and community have shown a lot of excitement for this show; hopefully we'll sell out the TAC," Bell said.

Selling out the TAC would take approximately 8,000 people at the concert.

"I expect this concert to be the biggest that we've had in a long time," Bell said.

Nickelback, a chart-topping alternative band, came to Tech in 2002 with MTV's Campus Invasion Tour, which was the biggest event to come to campus in past years.

Bell said the Union Board is hoping to top that audience attendance this year.

"We're all hoping that [Switchfoot] will rival the success of [Nickelback's] concert," Bell said.

Bringing a popular band like Switchfoot to Tech not only hypes up hopeful students, but also costs a pretty penny.

"This concert is a testament to the student fee increases that were passed last spring," Bell said.

"Large, high quality concerts are becoming more expensive every year.

"We needed that fee increase so we could continue to provide Tech students with great entertainment without having to increase ticket prices for the students."

Tickets are $10 for students with a valid Tech ID and $20 for general admission for non-students, and are available at the SGA information desk in Tolliver Hall.

Alexander said he thinks the show is well worth the money and Tech's time.

He said, "This is a band that is not only great for adults but everyone because they are rooted in faith and Christian music; these guys are inspirational."