Mother Nature has done it -- again. For the third straight year, the organizers of tonight's Spring Fling concert, sponsored by the Social Planning and Events Committee, have decided to move the Mighty Mighty Bosstones-headlined show indoors to the Palestra due to weather forecasts calling for showers. The annual Fling concert is traditionally scheduled for Hill Field but is relocated to the Palestra in the event of inclement weather. Forecasts for the weekend call for a 30 percent chance of rain today, with highs in the 60s. Saturday and Sunday could also see showers, with lows in the low 40s and highs in the low 60s. According to SPEC Concerts Tri-chairperson and Nursing senior Jocelyn Jennings, Recreation Department officials said the combination of inclement weather and large crowds would damage Hill Field, currently the University's only major outdoor recreational space. And the downpour last night firmed up that decision, leading crews to erect a stage on the Palestra floor yesterday afternoon. "I think everyone would have liked to have the concert outside, but everyone wants a sunny and nice day, too," Jennings said, noting that foul weather would make the event less enjoyable. "But it was strictly [the University's] decision. If the field got muddy and ripped up, [the University] would be up the creek." Last year's concert, featuring jazz musician Maceo Parker, was also moved to the Palestra when weather reports called for rain. And in 1997, organizers moved the concert -- headlined by A Tribe Called Quest -- to Irvine Auditorium, which is currently under renovation. Besides the Bosstones, this year's show will feature hip-hop artists Run DMC, up-and-coming New York punk group D-Generation and Wailing Souls, a reggae act. Although both Hill Field and the Palestra can hold upwards of 8,000 people, organizers capped the number of $16 tickets sold at 4,000. Still, with fewer than 2,500 tickets sold as of yesterday, organizers say that there will be plenty of seats available. The concert will still begin at 7 p.m., but the Palestra's doors will open at 6:15 p.m., with the first 1,000 ticket holders being given wristbands which entitle them to floor seating. Jennings noted that security will be increased in and around the Palestra. She said that security guards will be searching bags at the door to deter people from bringing alcoholic beverages, drugs and cameras into the building. Rain could also force other Fling activities indoors. Organizers of the barbeque on College Green said that they are considering moving the event to the Veranda, located at 3615 Locust Walk. But according to SPEC Spring Fling Tri-Director Bryan Grossman, foul weather won't be too much of a downer for the weekend. "Spring Fling is going to happen, rain or shine," the College junior said.
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