The Student Association has, at long last, confirmed that Passion Pit will headline this year’s Spring Fling concert, which will be held in the Events Center.
Passion Pit, known for songs like “Little Secrets” and “Sleepyhead,” will take the indoor stage on May 5.
The Cataracs — who wrote and produced the song “Like a G6,” which was made famous by Far East Movement, one of last year’s Spring Fling performers — will open for Passion Pit. A smaller third act will be announced after spring break, according Catherine Cornell, SA vice president for programming.
Although this is the first year in memory that will require students to purchase tickets for the Spring Fling concert, Cornell believes that a great show is in the works.
“We knew students would have to pay no matter what, so the Student Association Programming Board made it its mission for students to get the most out of their ticket money,” she said.
For Cornell, Passion Pit was the best choice.
“There was an overwhelming response in the survey that people wanted to see live instruments, and Passion Pit is known for putting on an amazing show,” she said. “Even though students will have to pay, we’re getting a better quality act at a cheaper price than what they usually charge.”
That price will be $10 for students if purchased during an exclusive pre-sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Tillman Lobby of the Old University Union. 1,000 pre-sale tickets will be available.
The remaining tickets will be available for sale online through the SAPB website and at the Events Center box office at noon on Friday, March 30. Tickets will cost $10 for students and $20 for members of the public, plus an additional Events Center fee of $3 and $5 respectively. There will be another 3,000 tickets set aside for students and 1,000 tickets for the public, with maximum concert capacity set at 5,000.
According to Cornell, this is an unusual ratio of student to public tickets. She said it is typically half and half for an Events Center show.
“We really wanted to keep this a student event, it’s supposed to be for students,” Cornell said.
Passion Pit has performed at many college campuses, having recently played a show last semester at Cornell University.
The show is slated to begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. Spring Fling itself will begin around 1 p.m. with the daytime activities centered around the Peace Quad.
The SA was forced to make these changes because of campus construction. All rides and stands will be set up in an L-shape starting at the Dickinson Community bus stop, passing through the Peace Quad and ending at the Fine Arts Café.
Sodexo will cater the event, highlighting Cinco de Mayo with an array of Mexican-inspired dishes and drinks. Food can be paid for with a meal plan, cash or charge, but there will be free water, popcorn and cotton candy available, according to Cornell.