Katrina Sargent

The Coughlin-Alumni Statdium field was covered in yellow during the Welcome Back Bash Sept. 4.

The first of many big events put on by the University Program Council, the Welcome Back Bash had approximately 800 students in attendance, according to Ryan Velgersdyk, a senior graphic design major who is a member of UPC. Most of the students were wearing their vibrant yellow Jackrabbit shirts to show their school spirit.

The Welcome Back Bash began at Coughlin Stadium at 5:30p.m., and included a concert, pep rally, inflatable games and a free movie.

Lady Antebellum kicked off the Welcome Back Bash. The trio from Nashville, Tenn., could be described as a young, rock-country group. According to their website, they have opened for acts such as Josh Turner and Carrie Underwood.

After rocking out, students were pumped for the next part of the bash. The pep rally included a performance by the SDSU Pep Band, speeches from SDSU coaches and a preview of Hobo Days. The Hobo Day Committee gave the preview when they pulled up to the stage in their Bum Mobile.

When the energetic presentations were complete, students sat down and turned their attention to the scoreboard. “Knocked up,” a comedy featuring Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogen, was shown to conclude the evening. UPC also gave away $500 worth of prizes from Brookings businesses and $400 in Apple Accessories during the event.

“[The Welcome Back Bash is] important because for many people it is their first experience on campus, and we want to make it enjoyable to have people keep coming back to events,” said Velgersdyk.

The next major event from UPC is Cavorts, the annual talent show. The theme for this year’s Cavorts is “You,” because it’s all about the students, Velgersdyk said. Auditions are being held Sept. 11 from 5-10 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Cavorts will take place Sept. 28, the Friday of Hobo Week.