Daily Staff Writer
Cooped up in the Happy Joe's stand at the Taste of Veishea, Matt Theisen sat waiting for his chance to enjoy Iowa State University's greatest tradition.
Theisen, a freshman in liberal arts and sciences - open option, said he hasn't had much of an opportunity to take in his first Veishea, but is anxiously awaiting the weekend's remaining festivities.
"It's been alright so far. I haven't really gotten a chance to get out all that much, so that's a little disappointing," he said.
Despite the weather, which he said was hurting sales at the Happy Joe's tent, Theisen plans to go to the Live @ Veishea concerts — even if the weather doesn't cooperate.
"I'm going to the concerts no matter what," Theisen said. "I just hope everybody's attitudes pick up and the weather clears up a bit so everybody can enjoy themselves."
Just down Union Drive from the Happy Joe's tent, Campustown quickly became the most populated area around campus. At 9:30 p.m., lines of approximately 15-20 patrons stood waiting to enter almost every watering hole on Welch Avenue.
Gene Hoth, security director for Per Mar Security Services, said officers on duty at the Veishea stage between Howe Hall and the Design Building were prepared for any rush from the Campustown vicinity.
"Right now we're prepared and staffed for maximum capacity [7,000]," Hoth said. "We have roving teams rotating in and out right now."
Jon Grove, security officer for Per Mar, said if a rush were to happen it would most likely take place between 11:30 p.m. and midnight. He also said that as of 10:00 p.m. there had already been a few "phony" wristbands that were turned away at the entrance.
He said the "real" wristbands have either a heart-shaped punch-out or a horizontal number printed on them.
"They just turned around and walked away," Grove said of the individuals attempting to enter with the "phony" wristbands.
In regard to the anticipated concert rush, both Hoth and Grove said they were unsure what to expect.
"We really don't know how many people are actually going to arrive at concert time," Hoth said. "The weather is going to be a big factor."
While Grove echoed Hoth's sentiments on crowd population, he said a peaceful atmosphere on the parts of the crowd and security would go a long way in making the event a success.
"If everyone is being decent and respectful we'll treat them like like humans," Grove said. "As far as arrests go, it really depends on the situation."
In regard to the anticipated concert rush, both Hoth and Grove said they were unsure what to expect.
"We really don't know how many people are actually going to arrive at concert time," Hoth said. "The weather is going to be a big factor."
While Grove echoed Hoth's sentiments on crowd population, he said a peaceful atmosphere on the parts of the crowd and security would go a long way in making the event a success.
"If everyone is being decent and respectful we'll treat them like like humans," Grove said. "As far as arrests go, it really depends on the situation."
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