The Red Hot Chili Peoopers, with special guests Foo Fighters, are coming to the SIU Arena March 27, and all signs point toward a large turnout.

The concert was announced 3 p.m. Friday amid a wash of theories and speculations about who would be the featured artist.

Gary Drake, arena director, said the concert will mark the most recent collaboration between the SIU Arena and Jam Records.

We’ve co-promoted a lot of our shows with Jam, and we have a long relationship together, Drake said. They know the arena and our market and this concert seemed like the perfect fit.

Both bands are finishing off a very successful year both in terms of touring and record sales. The Chili Peppers’ 1999 offering, Californication, has been well-received by critics and fans. The album finds a mature, more musically adventurous band to Rolling Stone music critic Greg Tate.

While all previous Chili Peoppers projects have been highly spirited, Californication’ dares to be spiritual and epiphanal, Tate wrote in his 1999 review of the CD.

The Foo Fighters’ latest album, There is Nothing Left to Lose, has also been mey by critical praise, and their single, Learn to Fly, has received much air play on local rock stations.

Drake said the date of the concert is the only obstacle that could slow ticket sales down.

I think we have the possibility of selling 6,000 tickets, Drake said. The only impediment could be the fact the concert is on a Monday night.

Michelle Suarez, deputy director of the SIU Arena, said the day of the concert will not make a difference.

I think the bands will certainly bring people no matter what day it is, Suarez said.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, Jan. 29, in the South Lobby Box Office. On-line, however, tickets will be available Jan. 26 at www.mtv.com. All tickets are $30.

The wristband-line lottery system will be used, and wristbands may be obtained Thursday and Friday between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. at the South Lobby Box Office. The wristbands to not guarantee a ticket or a particular place in line. Wristband numbers will be drawn at 10 a.m. Saturday with tickets going on sale immediately after. There is a 10 ticket limit.