In just a few days, Waka Flocka Flame will take the stage headlining Wittfest 2019 in the newly-renovated 1929 Fieldhouse. Before the big day, there are a few changes to this year’s Wittfest for students to prepare for.
“This year, we have made improvements to numerous aspects to Wittfest,” Lauren Geraci, ’20, Union Board co-president, said.
For starters, tickets are now completely online and will be used to scan attendees into the HPER starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Although students should have received an email with a link to reserve tickets, the following link can also be used to reserve tickets: https://wittenbergevents.universitytickets.com.
New this year, students will no longer receive free guest wristbands; instead guest tickets can be purchased for $5 per guest, up to two guests.
“Our reasoning for [the price change] is for purposes of best practices, to ensure a day long experience, offset costs such as T-shirts, previously sold for $10, now will be $5,” Geraci said. “It also allows us to enhance the production value of the concert with special effects [and] video screens.”
Besides the change in ticketing, there are also a few security concerns for students to be conscious of. When entering the HPER, students will be asked to show their tickets either through e-ticket or print and will proceed through a security check.
“Our contract with Waka Flocka Flame requires our security service to utilize wands to ensure safety,” Geraci said. “Additionally, no bags, clutches, fanny packs, purses, bottles or beverages will be permitted upon entry to the concert.”
For anyone with medical concerns, those can be discussed with staff at ticket check-in.
It is also important to acknowledge that students should not come overly intoxicated, as they will not be allowed into the HPER for the concert.
Wittfest 2019 begins with a Food Truck Festival and games at 11 a.m., followed by an all-campus meal, which is beach-bonfire themed, and student performances in the 1929 Fieldhouse at 5 p.m. Student performers include: Shante Leslie (’22) and Deryn Tye (’19), Molly Moran (’22), Pocket Lint, Just Eve, Maia Grandy (’20), Dance Company and Wittmen Crew.
At the Food Truck Festival across from Krieg Hall, students can eat food from two trucks: McNasty’s Food Truck and Pa’s Pork. At Pa’s, students can try Nashville Nachos, MackDaddy, Soft Tacos, Pete’s Schnitzel and Pulled Pork Nachos. At McNasty’s, students can try a Chicken Cheesesteak, McBurger, McCheese Burger, OMG Burger, Fat Cat Burger, Bacon Burger, Cuban Sandwich, Italian Sub, Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Spicy Black Bean Burger and a variety of different ice cream flavors from Young’s Jersey Dairy. There will also be giant pong and a mechanical surfboard for students to try their hand at.
After the conclusion of student performances in the Fieldhouse, Nashville country recording artist Conor Clemmens will take the stage at 8:15 p.m. followed by a Paintless U DJ Rave at 9 p.m. to prepare for Waka Flocka at 9:45 p.m. Following the conclusion of Waka Flocka, students can stay in the Fieldhouse until 1 a.m. to have a Paint U Rave. As a precaution, students may be covered in paint during this rave, so wear clothes that you don’t mind getting paint on.
For students with any questions, Union Board Co-Presidents Geraci and Veronica Bidwell (’20), along with Kevin Carey, are prepared to answer them.
“Students can expect a day packed with fun: food trucks, a mechanical surf board, giant pong, t-shirt sales, a beach bonfire themed meal, student performances, an amazing country singer opener, Waka Flocka Flame and PaintU,” Geraci said.
