New Event Space brings more musical acts and special events to campus

Liberty University opened the doors to its new Event Space at the LaHaye Student Union in Green Hall this semester, making way for additional Student Activities and providing a personal setting for guests.

With 650 seats or a standing room capacity for up to 900 people, the space replaces the former stage in the Tilley Student Center, which was expanded with more seating and dining options. The LaHaye Event Space, adjacent to the Tilley, boasts better acoustic quality and up-close seating for guests to enjoy musical acts and other performances.

“It’s a very intimate environment, much different from the Vines or Schilling Center,” said senior Celeste Martin, who attended a Mac Powell concert in the Event Space on Friday, Sept. 19. “I think it brings a unique event experience unlike any other space we have on campus. The best part was the ability to be so close to the stage. … It really seemed to allow for a connection between the performer and the audience.”

Students crowded the atrium in Liberty University’s LaHaye Student Union in anticipation of the Mac Powell concert.

The space will be well used this semester thanks to a diverse slate of events, including the Campus Artist Series, Open Mic nights, Game Nights, and Bingo. The seating is easy to arrange and flexible, making the space perfect for the ever-growing array of events on campus.

“The brand new LaHaye Event Space is the perfect size for intimate concerts and other various events,” said Chris Misiano, senior director of Campus Recreation. “It allows Student Activities to provide a broad range of local artists, new national acts, and other creative events. There is not another space quite like it on campus, and I’m excited about all that we have in store for the student body.”

Throughout the semester, students will get to hear from up-and-coming artists and student bands. Notable artists this semester include:

• Andrew Belle on Sept. 26 at 8:30 p.m. The concert is free to Liberty students and $5 for the public.
• All Sons & Daughters on Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. The admission fee is $7 for students in advance and $10 for the public in advance.
• Indelible Grace on Oct. 14 at 8 p.m. The concert is free to everyone and tickets must be picked up at the Student Activities office or the ticket office with a maximum of two tickets per person.
• John Mark McMillan on Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. The admission fee is $5 for students in advance and $7 for the public in advance.

The Event Space highlights talented student performers through the Campus Artist Series. About two to three acts are featured during each event, and the artists are interviewed talk-show style prior to performing, helping audiences get to know them better. These events are free. Campus Artist series events this semester are scheduled beginning at 8 p.m. on Sept. 25, Oct. 16, and Nov. 18.

Students can also share their talents on stage during Open Mic nights on Oct. 6, Oct. 20, Nov. 3, and Nov. 17 at 8 p.m.