The Lied Center for Performing Arts is providing 3,000 free tickets to University of Nebraska-Lincoln students to attend the musical “Once” for the annual Big Red Lied Experience.

Tickets are available to students on a first-come, first-served basis and can be reserved through the Lied Center’s Arts for All program via UNL Marketplace. Tickets can be picked up by students at the Lied Center box office, 301 N. 12th St. Students may choose one of three performances to attend: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7, or 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. Oct. 8.

Winner of eight Tony Awards, including best musical, “Once” tells the tale of a Dublin street musician and a beautiful young woman who takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, “Once” draws the audience in from the first note and never lets go.

“The Lied Center is one of the most student-attended performing arts centers in the nation, thanks to programs like Arts for All and the Big Red Lied Experience,” said Bill Stephan, executive director. “It is our hope that every UNL student will enjoy a world-class performance at the Lied Center at some point during their time on campus.”

Free Arts for All tickets are available to students paying the Fund A Activity fee. The majority of free tickets are released on the first day of classes in the fall and spring. Additional tickets are often released throughout the semester as they become available. For more information, visit UNL Marketplace.

The Big Red Lied Experience is supported by the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska, Pace Woods Foundation and the Lied Performance Fund.

Those interested in bringing a student group to “Once” should email lieda4a@gmail.com for more information.