Matthews concert may cause $5K loss

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Program Board could lose $5,000 by bringing Dave Matthews to Rose Arena in April.

Program Board President Aaron Ebnit told the Board of Trustees-Student Liaison Committee meeting Thursday that profits from ticket sales will not match the costs.

The Alma senior said Program Board expects a loss of $5,000.

“The show was very expensive,” he said. “But this looks good for us and for CMU.”

Student organization leaders, trustees and University President Michael Rao heard how Program Board paid $150,000 to book Matthews and guitarist Tim Reynolds and another $75,000 to put together the April 1 show, totaling more than 60 percent of the organization’s $350,000 student-fee funded budget, Ebnit said in response to questions posed by committee Chairman and Board of Trustees member Jeffrey Caponigro.

Rose Arena won Dave Matthews over 70 other venues state-wide who bid for the highly-sought-after entertainer, Ebnit said.

By beating out the other venues, Program Board and CMU have proved to big-name entertainment agencies that the university can put on a big show, meaning more acts are sure to follow, he said.

Last year, the Board of Trustees approved an increase in the campus programming fee, significant enough to boost Program Board’s total budget by 60 percent.

“By bringing in shows such as Dave Matthews, higher fees are being put to good use,” Ebnit said.

Central students will fill an estimated 70 percent of available seats, he said. The other seats are either reserved for Matthew’s fan club or taken by people outside CMU. Tickets are gained through a lottery and cost students $40.50.

“Program Board’s goal is to provide the most programs for the lowest cost,” Ebnit said.

The board typically pays a portion of ticket costs so students pay less.

Upcoming Program Board events include the cast of “Who’s Line is it Anyway” in Finch Fieldhouse Saturday and an April appearance by Erin Brockovich, the woman whose story formed the basis for Julia Robert’s Oscar-garnering movie that bears her name, Ebnit said.

Caponigro, trustees Stephanie Comai, Gail Torreano and Jerry Campbell and Rao also heard reports from Residence Hall Association and Student Government Association.

SGA now is funding a student survey regarding the university services students deem most useful in the face of looming cuts, which the association will present to the Board of Trustees.

“It is the most important thing we are doing right now,” said SGA President Nicole Wright, Clinton Twp. junior.

SGA elections will take place March 24 to 27 in the Bovee University Center and the Student Activity Center. The organization is attempting to spark interest in voting after only 500 students showed at the polls last election.

RHA has completed its yearly and internal elections and is preparing to induct the three new residence halls into its assembly next fall, said RHA president Nick Marinello, St. Clair Shores junior.

Kesseler, Maroon and Gold halls will become the first since the Towers were built 30 years ago, he said.

The group also completed its annual residence hall council gathering, “Dream Conference 2003,” and soon will sponsor its end of the year banquet.