ASUI Vandal Entertainment has made the decision that student tickets for Finals Fest will now be free.
The event, which will feature the indie-pop dance band Grouplove in addition to three opening acts, will take place Thursday May 8 with music anticipated to start at 8 p.m.
“Watching ticket sales in the 20-odd days since the release they just weren’t happening,” said Vandal Entertainment Board Chair Sammi Gunning. “We realized students just weren’t able to and didn’t want to pay for tickets. Especially in light of last year being free.”
Students will still be able to pick up their tickets at the ticket office in the Kibbie Dome. Gunning said they are making efforts to have tickets available in the Idaho Commons as well. Students who already purchased tickets can visit the ticket office for a refund.
Non-student tickets will remain $25 and can be purchased online, over the phone or in person at the ticket office.
To cover the cost of student tickets, Vandal Entertainment will draw from the ASUI general reserve with the support of Student Affairs administration and ASUI President Max Cowan.
Gunning said only 71 tickets had been purchased since the initial announcement of this year’s Finals Fest. She said about 50 of those purchased were student tickets.
“The overarching goal of Finals Fest is to bring a fantastic entertainment and college experience,” Gunning said. “We decided that cost was the issue so we addressed it as needed. We still expect it to be a fantastic event. It’s basically going to be the biggest dance party of the year.”
Kaitlyn Krasselt can be reached at [email protected]