This year’s Modstock concert, set for May 2 and headlined by the rapper Macklemore, will be ticketed in order to limit the number of attendees.
“Due to recent security events and the overwhelming popularity of this year’s Modstock, BCPD and BC want to limit this year’s Modstock,” said Dan Rimm, deputy director of Campus Entertainment in UGBC and CSOM ’13.
The BCPD and University administrators, in conjunction with Boston officials, have set the number of tickets available at 6,000.
According to Mike Cavoto, director of Campus Entertainment and A&S ’13, the ticketing process will begin next Monday, April 29. Of the tickets available, 2,000 have been set aside for seniors, who will be able to obtain them beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday at Conte Forum. Tickets will become available to all other grades starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday at Conte Forum, and will be distributed by Campus Entertainment. The tickets will remain free, but students will be limited to one per BC ID. Cavoto said that, although Campus Entertainment had never handed out so many tickets before, the process should go quickly as there is no monetary transaction.
In addition to the switch to a ticketed event, this year’s Modstock will also see increased security measures. Security personnel will be strict about allowing individuals without BC IDs onto campus, in an effort to keep the event exclusive to students. Rimm said that no bags, backpacks, or purses will be allowed into the event. Outside drinks will also be banned, and there will be no reentry once students enter the concert area. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. and will close at 5:15 p.m., and Cavoto said that there would be performances as long as students are present.
“It’ll be big for people to get there early,” Cavoto said. “I’d recommend trying to be there as close to 3:30 as possible. There’ll be things happening-Sexual Chocolate is performing.” The two have not announced an opening act yet.
Security concerns arose about a month ago, after a Macklemore concert at Wake Forest University had to be canceled when students rushed the stage. In addition, the Marathon attacks last week heightened the University’s concerns about security.
Rimm added that Modstock was simply being “taken from an amateur level to a professional level … and it’s free.” He reiterated that, although students might not be happy with the changes, 6,000 was the maximum number of people for whom BCPD could ensure safety.
“Safety is the most important thing,” Cavoto said. “And it’s still going to be a great show.”
