Editorial: Having Macklemore is great for USD
Most of the year Vermillion is a quiet midwestern college town. But on Oct. 31, USD will be jamming to Macklemore.
Planning started back in July for the concert, but was only announced in September.
Vermillion, a town of barely 11,000, will host an artist with two songs on Billboard’s Hot 100. The event, sponsored by USD’s Campus Activities Board or CAB, represents a trend in campus events.
While most people see this concert as just something cool to go to, closer inspection reveals just how important it is for schools like USD to hold events such as this.
Maddie Hermes, co-chair for CAB, said the student organization aims to provide a “well-rounded college experience.”
To start with, concerts improve the college experience for students. Large events like Macklemore, much like Dakota Days or a football game, give students the opportunity to get out of library, meet up with some friends and have a good time.
Having a stable social life is just as important as having a strong academic life. But, of course, we are colleges students: money isn’t in abundance. Most students can’t afford the $50 or even hundreds of dollars for a concert ticket. And yet, this concert only costs students $15.
Cara Olson, the CAB advisor, said holding events like Macklemore “adds to the college experience without having prohibitively high expenses for our students.”
Additionally, holding events on campus keeps students safe. Sioux Falls may attract a popular artist now and then, but students typically have to drive to Omaha or even Sioux City to see a concert.
If that concert is on a Tuesday, students leave mid-afternoon and may not arrive back on campus until 3 a.m. Being tired and driving, especially if the concert involved alcohol or other substances, driving back to campus is extremely dangerous.
“Not having to drive is definitely a fringe benefit to hosting something locally,” Olson said.
One of the university’s top priorities is students’ safety. Keeping big events local is an easy way to achieve that goal.
Finally, hosting big names in Vermillion is great marketing for USD and Vermillion as a whole.
“It’s a big opportunity for Vermillion and USD,” said Jenny Hofer, membership chair of CAB.
Macklemore’s tour page has Vermillion between St. Paul, MN and Nashville, TN. Considering that the vast majority of Macklemore’s shows are sold out in the U.S., a lot of people have seen the name Vermillion, SD. Not only does USD’s name spread, but it can showcase some of the best facilities our campus has to offer.
USD will be able to show off its newest facility – the Sanford Coyote Sports Complex.
Considering all the effort required to pull this event off, CAB and its members should be commended for their work.
This concert gives students a chance to experience a popular artist without breaking the bank, it’s safer than travelling to other cities and USD is able to show off its campus.
