West Virginia University holds their annual FallFest during Welcome Week to create a sense of unity and celebration for students (and guests) before classes start the next day. This year’s lineup consisted of MisterWives, Brothers Osborne and Lil Yachty.
“I thought it was a good way to have some fun with the new friends we just met and make some new memories,” said freshman Ciara Litchfield. “My favorite part was singing along with Brothers Osborne & dancing. I think they need to establish sections because when everyone rushed the stage when Lil Yachty performed I got crushed and punched in the head twice.”
In the past, FallFest was held on the downtown campus behind the Mountainlair, but due to major budget cuts WVU has since moved the event to Evansdale and has brought more low-key artists to the scene.
WVU’s Daily Athenaeum reported that the university’s most expensive concert in recent years was 2013, with a price tag of $791,609. Though the 2018 cost has not been released, we have seen drastic decreases in price over the last decade.
“Downtown would have been a lot better, experience-wise. I know a lot of people that didn’t make it because it was on the less populated side of campus, which made the crowd smaller than it should’ve been,” comments freshman Brayden Schlegal.
This FallFest, WVU tried something different for admittance to the event– wristbands. Prior to attending the event, students were required to download the WVU Pass app to access a QR code needed to register for a wristband. Days before, there were tables in the main student unions across campus to have your QR code scanned and to receive your electronic wristband.
While it was convenient when arriving to Fall Fest, many students felt the extra steps to get the wristband were unnecessary. Perhaps WVU should’ve stuck to the chaotic swiping of IDs?
“I think the wristbands overall made the entry process easier, but it was definitely a hassle to have to download yet another app for WVU,” said senior Kristen Uppercue. “I also live off campus so having to travel on campus for the sole reason of getting the wristbands was a challenge as well. WVU should have had students show ID to get the wristbands or use the app as they enter into FallFest, but not both.”
While there will always be negative reviews on FallFest every year, I think it is safe to say that each student benefits from it one way or another. Whether you’re taking advantage of the opportunity to “darty” the day before classes, or appreciating the artists our university brings for us, FallFest doesn’t seem to be leaving campus anytime soon.