How much does homecoming week cost?

A free Jeremih Concert outside of Cardinal Towne officially kicked off U of L’s homecoming week on Friday. Changing the usual tradition, the Student Activities Board decided to replace last year’s block party with a concert.

According to SAB, the event was attended by approximately 1,000 people.

The SAB Concert Committee was granted $175,000 for concerts, and $50,000 was spent on bringing Jeremih to U of L. They decide on the performers based on what students listen to at parties, what’s on the radio, and the cost effect.

“Compared to the other concerts we have had, this was probably one of the easiest ones we have planned.” said Tra Taylor, SAB Finance Director.

The budget for the previous Homecoming was $56,000, but SGA advocated for more money for the newly founded Concert Committee. With planning each Homecoming Week, each committee develops an estimate cost for each event and then requests the necessary amount. According to SAB, each event always goes over budget due to unplanned circumstances.

The remaining homecoming week events include Paint the Town Red, Nearly Naked Mile, Wear Red to be Fed, Spirit Games, second annual talent show, first annual homecoming parade and the homecoming game against North Carolina State. All of the events are free to students, with the exception of the Nearly Naked Mile where students must donate at least one clothing item to participate.

“We encourage students to follow SAB on social media and check out our website for events that you like and don’t like and then leave feedback,” said Taylor. “We are here as a service to the student body and we want to see hundreds of students at every event.”