Common and N.E.R.D. headlined the Pack Howl concert Friday, bringing nationally recognized artists for the closing act to Homecoming Week.
However, the big names brought in some big numbers, and students reported problems with getting into the lower-level of Reynolds, as students could initially only get to the stage through one door.
Failing to plan a way to safely and efficiently get students from the upper-level seats in Reynolds to the floor is not okay.
Jeff Gray, Pack Howl chair, said about 3,000 students attended the concert, which is roughly the same attendence from last year. He said he was not aware of any problems, with mostly positive feedback about the performers. Gray also said the planning committee will continue to find ways to please as many people as possible with the quality of performers at Pack Howl.
Attendence is not the issue here — any event that brings in large numbers of students and leaves most of them happy is a good thing. Keeping them safe is the issue. If the University cannot guarantee students will have a safe, enjoyable experience, then it does not matter if it can secure top-notch entertainers for concerts like Pack Howl.
Gray said he will start looking at possible complaints Monday. This is three days too late.
Pleasing as many students as possible by securing big-name entertainment is a legitimate goal, but keeping them safe should be one of the Pack Howl concert planners’ top priority.
The fact that none of the student complaints have filtered up to the Pack Howl’s planners is disturbing — Gray said he has yet to hear a lot of negative feedback.
Clearly, the Pack Howl committee needs to find a way to get immediate feedback on all aspects of the concert, including the quality of the performers and the venue’s safety. After the reports of the event staff only admitting students through one door, the concert’s planners need to address logistical issues well in advance and inform event staff of exactly what doors to open and where to direct students.
As Gray said, making the maximum number of people happy with the performance at Pack Howl is aa priority. But ensuring that everyone is safe at the concert is a priority also. The event planning needs to reflect that goal.
