Mississippi State University-Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts officials said Thursday that season packages to all performances are still available — but only for a limited period of time.

Friday, Aug. 18 is the cut-of date to buy a subscription package to all 28 performances booked in the Grand Opening season that runs from September 2006 to May 2007.

Individuals and corporations interested in purchasing season tickets to all shows are strongly encouraged to do so in the next seven working days. Subscription sales must be completed before tickets for individual shows go on sale the week of Aug. 28.

“The response to the season thus far has been great. Approximately one third of available seats per show have been sold via season packages. But, the sale of season subscriptions can’t go on indefinitely,” said Dennis Sankovich, executive director of the MSU-Riley Center.

“It is important that we give people who want to purchase tickets to specific shows ample time to do so.”

The MSU-Riley Center has sought to provide a variety of options for purchasing tickets. The staff will will continue to offer the popular “Viewer’s Choice” package — which allows customers to build their own packages by choosing five or more events they most want to attend. The customer receives a discount on the event costs and preferred seating ahead of individual ticket purchases.

“This is a great option for someone who knows they want to attend at least five shows. More than the price break, people love being able to cherry-pick the shows and know they’ll have good seats without waiting in line or worse, the show selling out,” said Penny Kemp, marketing director of the MSU-Riley Center.

“But it is important for people to understand, the only way to be sure you’ll get tickets to the shows you want to see is to purchase the Viewer’s Choice package before individual shows go on sale August 28.”

The MSU-Riley Center box office is receiving phone calls, e-mails and subscription orders from around the state, including a large volume from Jackson and the surrounding area, and as far away as Tupelo, Mobile and Birmingham.

BOX OFFICE

The temporary box office for the Mississippi State University-Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts is at MSU-Meridian Campus on Highway 19 North. Ticket sales will be conducted from office until the grand opening on Sept. 8.

Where: MSU-Meridian Campus, 1000 Highway 19 North

Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Deadlines: Last day to buy season tickets is Friday, Aug. 18. Tickets for individual shows go on sale Aug. 28.

Information: Call (601) 696-2200 or visit www.msurileycenter.com.