Friday's Flo Rida concert years in the making

Since arriving at Purdue University Fort Wayne in 2009, Krissy Surface has wanted to bring a big-name performer to campus. It's also something students have annually asked of the vice chancellor for enrollment management and the student experience.

"As our campus continues to grow and attract directly from high school students who crave the college experience, it is a must that we deliver that," Surface said. "And, what says fabulous college experience more than a huge concert on campus?"

So, what made this year the right time to bring best-selling recording artist Flo Rida to campus Friday night at Gates Sports Center? Partly, Surface said, she found the right partners in the Student Government Association, Student Activities Board, and Fort Financial Credit Union.

One of those key figures is junior Maleah Boyd, the SGA vice president of legislation. Among other things, Boyd added Dons Got Music to the project, an April 15 competition among three student bands to select Flo Rida's opening act. Natalie and Crew won the lively battle of the bands.

"My hope is this will mean more school spirit and school pride," Boyd said of the full series of activities leading up to Friday's concert. "I know for a fact that there are a lot of events on campus, but that doesn't mean they connect with each student. It doesn't matter which student you ask, they have all heard about this. We all have one thing in common right now-we know Flo Rida is coming, and we are excited."

Since his debut album, 2008's "Mail on Sunday," Flo Rida has produced 11 Billboard Top 10 hits, including No. 1 songs "Low" in 2007, "Right Round" in 2009, and "Whistle" in 2012. In all, he's had 29 songs rank on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

There's still time to get in on all the fun, and the 7 p.m. concert is just the nightcap.

A free pre-show party will kick things off at 4 p.m. in the International Ballroom at Walb Student Union. It will feature DJ Key Lo, food, a photo booth, and oversized games. A concert ticket is not required to attend this event.

Both Surface and Boyd said they'd like to see a concert become an annual or at least bi-annual PFW event. For this year, it may also be the last chance for students to have fun before they prepare for next week's final exams.

"It is a huge undertaking, but one that is worth it to feel the energy and see the smiles on all the students' faces," Surface said. "While we are limited to sizes of venues on campus, packing Gates with a ton of people feels pretty darn exciting!"

Student tickets to see Flo Rida perform cost $10 for general admission to the main stands. Faculty and staff tickets are $20. Everything may be purchased through the Schatzlein Box Office or PFW's online ticketing platform. A $1.50 convenience charge is assessed per ticket for online orders. The concert is being offered exclusively to students, faculty, and staff of Purdue University Fort Wayne and Indiana University Fort Wayne.

A valid Mastodon Card or IUFW student ID will be required to acquire a ticket to this exclusive event for members of the campus community, and also be required for admittance to the concert. Faculty and staff will need to enter their PFW or IUFW email. Once purchased, tickets can be texted, emailed, or picked up at the box office. There will also be a temporary box office located at Gates for tickets being picked up on the night of the show.

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