Nick Swardson packs Plachta, receives standing ovation
Despite setbacks which forced Program Board to relocate comedian Nick Swardson from McGuirk Arena to Plachta Auditorium, student cheers were deafening as the former Reno 911 star took the stage.
And then immediately walked off.
Coming back on after a few moments, Swardson went on to talk for the better half of an hour about his life and experiences working in Hollywood as a stand-up artist. From football to drunk driving, nothing was safe from Swardson's scathing remarks - not even his own low ticket sales.
"(Swardson) has brought a great energy to the crowd and students who came tonight were really enjoying themselves," said Damon Brown, director of Student Activities and Involvement. "Some of the feedback that we've heard (from students) is that they were excited for Swardson. They thought that this was a better venue change and they felt more closer to the comedian here (than in McGuirk)."
As of 8 a.m. this morning, a reported 867 tickets had been sold for the 1,126 seat Plachta.
Brown said tickets were still selling prior to the show and a total number of tickets sold could not be finalized until Monday.
"We’re disappointed that we’re not in the event center but Plachta is the better venue for this because on this campus, we don’t really have a medium sized venue," Brown said. "We have the events center, then Plachta, but nothing in between. We’re just trying to create the best possible atmosphere for students, our guest and our performers.”
Students agreed that Plachta was a much better fit for the show.
Freshmen friends Will Dool and Brendan Sullivan said that Plachta enabled them to see Swardson closer than what would have been possible in McGuirk.
"We weren't really expecting such a big turnout," Dool said. "I was kind of surprised when it was moved from the basketball arena to here but it was worth it. Very hilarious."
Program Board President Kaylee Bloom said although ticket sales weren't great, the true measure for how successful a show was is based on how much students were engaged.
"I am extremely proud right now with all of my executive board and volunteers that took part in this," Bloom said. "I am very grateful that this was a packed house in Plachta and it was a great show. There's nothing but positive vibes on social media right now and, talking to a couple students walking (out of) the show, everyone's in good spirits. (Swardson) definitely killed it tonight."
