THE FACTS: With the economy still uncertain, funding for Homecoming and the Pack Howl Concert in particular is troubling. The Homecoming Committee is still exploring various options in order to ensure students can get the best concert they can with available funds.
OUR OPINION: An inexpensive alternative to paying for a major entertainer would be a battle of the bands with local talent, giving students a wide array of music for the concert and helping local bands get exposure.
Ludacris, Common, N.E.R.D. and Chris Daughtry — these have been some of the acts for the Homecoming Pack Howl concert in the past few years. But with the continuing economic doldrums, it looks like this year’s Pack Howl won’t feature a big name performer.
Instead of bemoaning the situation and providing nothing but pointless criticism, students should embrace this opportunity to try to make this a memorable Pack Howl. Barring the Homecoming Committee securing a big-name performer at a bargain rate, students and the committee should consider holding a battle of the bands with local talent.
The economy is definitely taking its toll on the budget for Pack Howl. According to Adam Compton, chair of the Homecoming Committee, this year’s budget for the concert is dramatically lower compared to last year’s budget of about $40,000 to $55,000. Normally, the Alumni Association and various local sponsors contribute the bulk of funds for Homecoming and the Pack Howl, which uses most of the funds. Compton said the committee is still exploring options, though with limitations in place to avoid having to charge students to attend the concert.
Here’s a creative solution: hold a battle of the bands with bands from the area — it would be a fantastic idea for all parties. The University saves money by not hiring a major name for the musical performance. The Homecoming Committee avoids having the hassle of negotiating major talent and paying extra if the performer is not on tour. Local bands get an inexpensive opportunity to get exposure to a big venue of potential new fans. And students get a free access to a variety of music.
The Homecoming Committee should also consider looking into using some of the money allocated for hiring talent to give bands an additional reason to show up — to the victor go the spoils, as it were.
The University is already coming up with creative ways to get the most bang for their decreasing supply of bucks. If students want Homecoming to be better than before, then they need to be daring and consider alternatives like a battle of local bands.
Homecoming is when N.C. State and the local community come together to make memories — let’s go make that vision a reality.
