Pop-punksters The All American Rejects are slated to headline this year’s SEE-sponsored Art Attack, though no opening act has been announced for the May 4 concert.

SEE officers said the band was chosen because it is a big-name group that can please a large student body.

“Everyone always asks us to bring a big name,” said Michelle Rattner, SEE’s public relations director. She added the group is “a very popular, well-known band at the moment, and covers more than one genre.”

Rattner said SEE is in the process of finalizing the contract with an opening act and will be able to release the information in the next few weeks. Traditionally, the opening and headlining bands are announced on the same day, but Rattner said they didn’t want to withhold the information because students were “getting antsy” for the event.

Oklahoma natives The All American Rejects gained commercial success and widespread radio play with the 2005 album Move Along. Since its release, three singles – “Dirty Little Secret,” “Move Along” and “It Ends Tonight” -have gotten non-stop play and propelled the group to the status of MTV-darlings.

Rattner said because of the high profile status of the group, tickets for non-students will be $15, a $5 jump from the $10 price offered last year, while tickets for students will remain free. Rattner added that she expects a higher turnout this year, especially from off-campus students drawn by the name of the group.

Student bands vying for a chance to play at Art Attack will fight for this opportunity during the Battle for Art Attack. Four bands played last night, with College Park Projects advancing to the final round. Tuesday, four more bands will duke it out, and the winner of that round will go head-to-head with College Park Projects for the coveted Art Attack gig.

The concert is just one part of SEE’s Art Attack festivities, which will also include a tie-dye area, moon bounce, Velcro wall and vendors sprawled out on McKeldin Mall. In past years, scheduled bands included rapper Common, pop band Guster, alternative rockers Chevelle and popsters The Ataris.

Doors for the show open at 5:30 and the show will begin at 6 p.m. at Byrd Stadium. Students can pick up tickets beginning today at the Hoff Ticket Office in the Stamp Student Union. The All American Rejects will also be performing at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, on April 20.

Contact reporter Melissa Weiss at weissdbk@gmail.com.