Just days after the Student Association released tickets for Fall Fest, students are already having mixed reviews about the new system as well as this year’s selection of artists.
Some students are thrilled with an all-rap lineup that includes Travis Scott and his new album Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight headlining the bunch on the Sept. 10 show. The four artists – Scott, Rae Sremmurd, Lil Yachty and D.R.A.M. – all hail from the same southern region of the U.S. and all have popular singles out at the moment.
Fall Fest is funded through the undergraduate mandatory student activity fee of $104.75 a semester. In the past, students have gotten in with a student I.D. card and the general public paid a separate fee.
This year, no tickets will be sold to the general public and UB students had to reserve their ticket online, which will be linked to their student I.D. card and assigned to a specific seating zone.
Students have the option of buying one $55 ticket for a friend or family member.
Shane Griffin, a freshman computer engineering major, was confused as to whether or not the new ticket system would be easier than swiping student I.D.s as they have in years past.
“It could be a hassle for some people who have trouble connecting to the site. They may lose their chance at getting a ticket,” Griffin said. “But it’s also a lot more effective than making everyone wait in line with the uncertainty of knowing whether they’ll get into the concert or not. Since it’s their first time doing this, it could pose some problems.”
Griffin said he decided he’s not going to attend what would be his first Fall Fest because he’s not interested in listening to rap music.
“I think since UB is such a diverse community and their music choice should be too,” Griffin said. “They should consider having multiple performers of different genres come and perform, not just one specific type of music.”
Other students are thrilled about the lineup for this year’s Fall Fest, saying they don’t mind an all-rap selection of performers.
John Rojek, a senior mechanical engineering major, said he’s excited to see Travis Scott and the rest of the Fall Fest performers.
“I really like all the performers they picked this year. They all have really catchy singles out right now,” Rojek said. “I personally don’t mind the fact that it’s only rap/hip-hop again this year, but I would like to see some classic rock. I know a lot of students wouldn’t really be into it but it’d be a cool switch up from the usual types of performers.”
While many students have mixed reviews about the performers, some students say the selection of artists won’t affect their decision to attend the concert. Regardless of the genre, some students are still excited to go and be a part of the experience.
Jared Kibler, a sophomore communication major, said rap wasn’t his style until recently and even though he may not know all the artists’ material, he’s going to attend.
“I’m definitely going to Fall Fest this year. Rap was never my style, but this past summer I really started to listen to it more and I’m really looking forward to hearing some of the more popular songs.” Kibler said. “I’m really looking forward to hearing ‘Broccoli’ and ‘Anecdote.’ They’re both really catchy and I think it’s going to be a good set list to jam to.”
With no tickets being sold to the general public, this Fall Fest should be a lot more intimate and UB student exclusive. In past years SA has sold numerous tickets to outside buyers, causing venues to fill up past capacity.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the show will start at 6:30 p.m. It is unknown if the concert will be held indoors or outside, but with the new seating zones, expect less of a wait time, more student seating and a show catered to a new generation of rap fans.
Max Kalnitz is the senior arts editor and can be reached at max.kalnitz@ubspectrum.com. Follow him on Twitter at @mkalnitz
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
