Roanoke Civic Center’s marketing director Corrie Prater said that she expects this show to sell out, as did last year’s, but good seats would likely still be available today.

This time around, though, the civic center will be prepared to handle the influx of people — last year’s show started a half hour late, in large part due to the massive staging Urban’s show required, and about 150 people who bought floor-level seats wound up elsewhere in the building.

“We have the benefit of having done this show before, so we know what to expect and have planned accordingly,” Robyn Schon, civic center assistant general manager, said via e-mail.

The venue’s pre-show Party on the Plaza will start at 5:30 p.m., a half-hour earlier than usual, which show planners believe will help the parking lot fill quicker so staff can begin directing traffic to Elmwood Park Garage.

The civic center encourages guests to arrive early. Message boards will be posted at each entrance to help direct parking. Free shuttle bus service to and from the civic center will be available from 6 p.m., operating from the Elmwood Park Garage, at Williamson Road and Tazewell Avenue. Shuttles will run until all guests have been returned to the parking garage.

If you haven’t used the garage parking before, take the Elm Avenue exit off Interstate 581 and follow the signs.

— Tad Dickens