By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Pelham Civic Complex officials said they are planning to use an upcoming concert and fundraiser in the complex’s main arena as a “springboard” for future concerts at the venue.

Iyaz, who is best known for his songs “Solo,” “Pretty Girls,” “Replay” and “So Big” will be performing at 7:30 p.m. on May 4 at the Civic Complex. He will be joined by special guest Mann, whose singles include “The Mack” featuring Snoop Dogg and Iyaz.

The concert is being produced by the Pelham-based Event Operations Group, and proceeds from the concert will benefit local youth athletic associations.

General admission tickets are $20, premium floor seats are $40 and VIP tickets, including a meet-and-greet session with the artists, are $100.

Tickets are scheduled to go on sale on March 16 on Pelhamciviccomplex.com.

The concert will be sponsored by the city of Pelham, the city of Helena, Cox Media Group, Event Operations Group, the 95.7 Jamz radio station and Ticketbiscuit, which has helped Civic Complex officials to organize ticket sales for the event.

Pelham Marketing Director Eva Shepherd said the concert will be the first of its kind at the Civic Complex. During the concert, the city will set up a stage in the front of the main arena, and will offer seating in the bleachers and in seats on the drained ice rink.

The arena will hold about 3,500 people with the seats added on the drained ice rink, which places the complex in a market unserved by larger venues, Shepherd said.

“There’s a niche market out there for shows this size,” Shepherd said. “Some may not be big enough for the (Oak Mountain) Amphitheatre or the BJCC. Our size is perfect for a lot of shows.”

Shepherd said the Iyaz show could serve as a blueprint for future concerts at the Civic Complex.

“We are really excited,” Shepherd said. “I think this will really open the door for us.”