West Virginia Universitys back-to-school FallFest concert is moving to a new locationthegreenbetween the Life Sciences and Business and Economics buildings (the old site of Mountaineer Field)because of ongoing Mountainlair plaza renovations, WVU officials announced this week.
The outdoor extravaganza will kick off at 8 p.m. the first night of the fall semester, Monday, Aug. 23, with three or four big-name actsto be announced in early Augusttaking center stage.
In years past, an estimated 15,000 students packed theLair plaza to listen to the diverse sounds of groups such as 3 Doors Down, Black Eyed Peas, Blues Traveler and De La Soul. With nearly 12,000 responses to an online FallFest poll, WVU Arts&Entertainment predicts an even larger turnout this year.
The green is a better venue space-wise. It can hold just as many people as the plazaif not more,said A&E Director Eric Andrews, also noting that the area is a natural bowl that will provide a unique acoustical experience.
A fantastic fall awaits WVU students,said Ken Gray, vice president for Student Affairs,and this new, temporary location promises to deliver the same safe, fun atmosphere that our students have come to expect year after year.
TheLair plaza, the traditional site of the concert, is currently undergoing a $4.5 million makeover that will add terraced walkways, increased lighting, tables and seating and other features. Changes should make the popular outdoor gathering place an even better concert venue, he said. The renovation project is expected to be finished in time for FallFest 2005.
In the meantime, another change to this years event is a slightly later start time to accommodate evening classes, Gray added. WVU officials are also opting not to hold the usual Mountainlair activitiesmovies, hip hop dance, comedy clubso that faculty in the B&E and Life Sciences buildings have the option of moving their classes inside theLair. Those two buildings will close at 8 p.m.
FallFest is free and open to WVU students with valid ID cards and their guests. For more information, call WVU Arts&Entertainment, 304-293-SHOW (7469).