In a meeting held early Thursday morning, the Student Association executive board and Fall Fest administrators decided to hold the coming Fest indoors in Alumni Arena instead of at Baird Point, citing a possibility of rain and storms.
"We can't gamble with students' money," said SA President Peter Grollitsch, who explained that rain on the electrical equipment was the primary cause of concern.
He added that the artists refuse to perform in the rain but would still be paid regardless.
According to Grollitsch, the beer tent and carnival are currently still planned for setup in the Slee lot.
The change separates the tent from the main floor of the performance, increasing difficulties with distributing alcohol.
"We don't let intoxicated people in. That's the way it's always been," said Assistant University Police Chief Richard Linde. He went on to comment that he expects no security problems this year, regardless of venue.
Linde explained that there will be a minimum of a ten-foot barrier space isolating the beer tent, to minimize the possibility of IDs and beverages being passed to students outside the tent.
Every ID will be checked before entry into the tent, and non-alcoholic beverages will also be made available.
Students were generally disappointed with the change but understanding of the reasons behind it.
"It's going to be so hot in there. Outside would have been much better," said Ellen Janicki, a freshman undecided-major who plans on attending the show.
"It would be better outside," agreed sophomore communication-major Tom Hersey, who then commented that the acoustics were an important part of the show. "Fall Fest didn't sound too good outside last year. Maybe this will be better."
The biggest concern among students seemed to be the beer tent, a major change in this year's Fest.
Drinks will be three dollars with a maximum of five drinks per visit, and the alcoholic beverages offered will be Labatt Blue and Blue Light.
"There was more buzz about the tent than the Fest, which wasn't our goal at all," lamented Grollitsch with a laugh. "This is supposed to be a safe alternative to pre-gaming at your place before the show."
In the interest of students' safety and convenience, the number of metal detectors will be doubled this year to alleviate long waits.
"I apologize ahead of time, but there's going to be lines," said Grollitsch.
So far, administrative confidence of the event is high.
"The bands are good enough to carry themselves indoors or out," said Takla Boujaoude, SA Entertainment public relations manager. "The crowd is going to be pumped."
Not every student shares the certainty.
"The things we were most excited about were the beer tent and the outdoors. I think they should risk it," said Colin Size, a Student Union manager frequently seen working the information booth.
Campus minister Tim Stewart views the change and the show with a certain degree of light-heartedness. "College students are going to do what they're going to do. Anything to make it safer."
He advises students to stick with friends at the show, especially if they're drinking. "Go with people who you know and trust, people who care what happens to you."
Eric Hillery, a senior psychology and English major, is planning safe fun but also intends to enjoy the evening to its fullest.
"I'm really looking forward to Fall Fest this year. And I'm excited about two words: beer tent."
E-mail: spectrum-news@buffalo.edu
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
