Bringing guests to Fling will cost $20

Getting alcohol into the Quadrangle for Spring Fling may be tough at times, but at least it doesn't cost $20.

That's what you'll have to pay to get your out-of-town guests into the festival this year, as passes for non-Penn students have doubled from last year's fee of $10.

"Our security costs are enormous, and, unfortunately, we need to be able to cover our costs," Social Planning and Events Committee Spring Fling co-Director Jake Chanin said, adding that while SPEC officials didn't want to raise prices, budget constraints made it necessary.

In 2004, guest passes cost $5 each.

Chanin, a College senior, added that the group will hire extra staff members to support the weekend-long event. SPEC takes on extra guards from security company AlliedBarton, as well as Penn Police and event staff, to help with "crowd control," Chanin said.

He also said that the additional funds from guest passes will go toward other services, including extra housekeeping staff for the Quad and an on-call plumber for the festival.

Many students have already expressed distaste over the price hike for guest passes.

"The increase from $10 to $20 is a huge jump," College junior Anna Edwin said, adding that it may be a let-down for students from other schools who look forward to visiting their friends here for the weekend.

"A trip on a college student budget is already expensive," Edwin said.

Wharton freshman Joshua Daniels shared Edwin's sentiment, noting that no specific event seems to have warranted the change.

"Paying that much just for access to the Quad and a real Penn tradition is really disappointing," Edwin added.

Chanin said that, although the price hike is not ideal, it is necessary for the continued success of Spring Fling.

"I honestly don't think that people are going to be happy about the increase in price, and I understand that it is a big rise, but it is something that we had to do," Chanin said, adding that SPEC officials did not make the decision lightly.

Other changes to the guest-pass policy include a Guest Pass Waiver, which must be signed by students purchasing the passes, acknowledging their understanding of Fling rules and policies.

This waiver will also include the student's PennCard number and cell phone number in case of emergency.

Guest passes can also be officially revoked without refund if the guest does not comply with University and Fling policies over the course of the weekend.

Guest passes will be sold starting next Monday through April 6 in the Office of Student Life in Houston Hall. They will not be available for purchase during Fling itself.

As was the case last year, each student will only be allowed to purchase two guest passes.

All guests planning on attending the Fling concert featuring Of A Revolution must also have a valid guest pass.

10

5

'02

Moving on up

Increases of prices of Fling passes

'06

'05

'04

'03

20

Year

Price (dollars)

15

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