Jesse McCartney performs for Roadrunner Days
Students, faculty and alumni gathered at Six Flags Fiesta Texas for a night of fun and music to celebrate the kickoff of a new school year. Grammy nominated artist, Jesse McCartney, performed “Beautiful Soul” and other pop hits at Lone Star Lil’s Theater.
Beginning at 3 p.m., students were offered free shuttle rides to Six Flags, which ran continuously throughout the event. For students who chose to drive, parking was free after 5 p.m. for event attendees.
Regular park attendees were escorted out of Six Flags prior to the start of Jesse McCartney’s performance at 6 p.m., making the event exclusive to UTSA students, faculty and alumni.
After the performance, attendees received a complimentary ticket only redeemable during the month of September.
For the rest of the night, attendees were given exclusive ride time and access to the entire park until closing time at 11 p.m.
“It was my first major event with UTSA and I loved it,” said Jeanine Vasquez, a senior biology major. “It was great that Six Flags was closed just for us because that meant shorter lines and it felt cool to be able to look around and know we all came from the same university.”
This was the 23rd Howdy Rowdy Bash, an event originally designed to introduce the student body to student athletes. When the UTSA football program began in 2011, Howdy Rowdy Bash became a part of Roadrunner Days.
Barry McKinney, UTSA associate dean of students and director of student activities, commented on previous artists who have performed at the event.
“Four years ago, when we had We the Kings perform, we decided having a concert was important in fostering an exceptional student experience,” McKinney said. “We have had Robert DeLong, an EDM artist, and Smallpools, an indie-pop band. We were excited to bring Jesse McCartney this year.”
As a collaboration with Roadrunner Productions and the UTSA Roadrunner Days Committee, with the support of UTSA’s vice president for student affairs, Sam Gonzales, and vice president for strategic enrollment, Lisa Blazer, a night at Six Flags was added to the agenda.
“The partnership between Six Flags Fiesta Texas and UTSA is unique to UTSA because their marketing director is a UTSA alumnus and worked to get this very special arrangement,” McKinney said. “We are currently the only university with this type of partnership with Six Flags Fiesta Texas.”
The UTSA Roadrunner Days Committee obtained Jesse McCartney as this year’s musical entertainer for the event. The committee wanted to bring someone that connected with the student population.
“Jesse McCartney’s greatest hits were in 2009 and 2010 and our student population was, at that time, in his target market,” McKinney said. “That’s what makes him great. Students remember him from when they were growing up.”
Politics and law senior, Blanca Palomo, enjoyed her time watching Jesse McCartney perform.
“The concert was very nostalgic and reminded a lot of students of their childhood,” Palomo said. “It was nice seeing Jesse during my college experience.”
With over 3,500 students, faculty and alumni in attendance, McKinney states the event was a success.
Communication senior, Caroline Munoz, said the Howdy Rowdy Bash was a great event to start her final year at UTSA.
“It was a unique experience to see Roadrunners take over the park,” Munoz said. “What a great way to start the fall semester! I look forward to attending future UTSA events and watching the university grow.”
