FIU prepares for panthermonium concert

Ailys Toledo/Staff Writer

As the University’s annual Panthermonium quickly approaches, the community gears up for this year’s concert and performers. As part of Homecoming Week, the Panthermonium event expects to draw in big crowds.

Last year’s Panthermonium concert drew almost 8 thousand attendees according to Giselle Cancio, director of the Homecoming council. She said 3 thousand tickets have already been sold for this year’s concert and the council has given out 7 thousand.

“We hope to remain at that, or go to capacity,” Cancio said.

“I got my ticket as soon as I could,” said Doris Gonzalez, sophomore biology major. “I had a lot of fun when I went last year, so I’m definitely going again.”

Sunday’s concert will include performances by DJ Zog, J. Cole and Zedd.

“It’s awesome that FIU brings artists that I want to see in concert. Even better is that I get to see them for free,” said Andrea Gallipoli, senior psychology major.

According to Cancio, performers are chosen according to an online poll through Facebook. Cancio said the polled showed that hip-hop and electronic dance music were the top choices.

“We went from there to see who was available and see which artists are willing to come to a college show. We bounced off ideas and made sure we got lots of different inputs, and then we do a bidding process to see who can come and for what price,” Cancio said.

Homecoming receives a $500 thousand budget. About $250 thousand goes to the concert and the performers and the rest goes to the events for the rest of the week. Tickets for students are free, and tickets for general admission cost $40 online.

“In order to alleviate the cost of production, we have to charge for floor seating,” Cancio said. “Depending on who is here, we have to make accommodations for lighting and production and tracking the field.”

Homecoming and Panther pride is on the list of importance when planning Homecoming Week. According to Cancio, it is important to continue building strong FIU traditions for Homecoming Week.

“We want to include everyone: students, alumni and faculty and staff. We want to make sure people don’t forget what Homecoming is all about. Everyone participating can really showcase their blue and gold spirit, to Unleash the Spirit, rather than tailoring it to one specific theme,” said Cancio.

“Even though I’m now a graduate student and part of the FIU staff, I’m still interested in going and I like that the artists are for everyone, not just students,” said Alejandra Lugo, who is pursuing her graduate studies in accounting.

This year, the Homecoming council has made it a goal to improve on marketing tactics and promotions for the events. According to Cancio, over a thousand Facebook and Instagram likes have been gained from last year.

Using social media and emails to keep people informed of events and new information is of utmost importance according to Cancio.

“It was one of our main goals to make sure everyone knows what is going on, and also incorporating events at BBC. We wanted to get attendance higher and make sure everyone knows when these events are happening,” Cancio said.

-ailys.toledo@fiusm.com