MTV is scheduled to invade the Saint Louis University campus on Oct. 26, thanks to the efforts of the Student Activities Board.
According to Chris Grabau, coordinator of Student Activities and co-advisor for SAB, the bid for the MTV Campus Invasion tour was more than $45,000, including production and hospitality. Ticket sales will help fund the event.
“The cost includes bands, audiovisual production, production crew and the entire MTV village event that is running during the day,” Grabau said.
SAB is sponsoring the event and paying a large portion of the cost. According to Grabau, Student Development is also supplementing the cost.
An interactive village will be set up in the grassy area at the corner of Laclede Avenue and Vandeventer Avenue. The festivities begin at noon and end at 5 p.m.
The doors of the Simon Recreation Center will open at 6:30 p.m. to house the Wyclef Jean, De La Soul and Black Eyed Peas concert. The show is set to begin at 7:30 p.m.
“I’m excited about the MTV invasion,” said SLU student Tammy Nassar. “This fall seems to be full of activities.”
According to Ashli Armstrong, coordinator of Student Activities and co-advisor of SAB, the interactive village will have free admission and will consist of six tents and a 20’x20′ television screen.
Interactive tents will have themes such as “Hip-Hop History,” where participants can learn more about hip-hop “100 Greatest,” where participants will be able to vote for their favorite pop song and “Techtronica,” where participants will experience virtual reality and be able to mix electronica music.
There will also be giveaway prizes. A huge, inflatable MTV logo will decorate the lot.
“This is a great thing for SLU,” said freshman Steve Kratky. “I know a lot of people who are interested in going to the MTV activities.”
Junior Kathryn Thomas said, “I think it’s a good idea and it sounds like a lot of fun.”
Tickets for the concert are $5 for students. Up to four tickets can be purchased with each SLU I.D. They can be purchased at the Office of Student Life, Room 300 in the Busch Memorial Center, in the basement of the BMC and in the Griesedieck cafeteria during dinner hours.
Grabau encouraged students to purchase tickets soon. “The event is likely to sell out,” he added.
On Monday, a limited number of tickets went on sale to the public through Ticketmaster for $10 with a service charge.
“We’re hoping for a big turnout,” said Erin Dunn, SAB Internal Vice President.
SLU is the first campus in the St. Louis area to host this event, Grabau said.
Ticket prices at other universities are significantly higher than the price being charged at SLU. Other Missouri campuses hosting the MTV Campus Invasion tour are Truman State University and University of Missouri-Columbia.
