DAM Jam, formerly known as Flat Tail Festival, is the biggest music festival put on at the Oregon State University campus. Every year bands compete to be a headliner in a Battle of the Bands competition, logos are designed by graphic designers on campus (which are often students), announcements are made, set-up arrangements are figured out, and headliners are selected by the MUPC Dam Jam committee.
1. Don’t forget your student ID!
If you purchased a student ticket you must have your school ID along with your ticket at the gate otherwise you won’t be allowed in. So double and triple check your pocket before you leave and make sure you have all your essentials!
2. Get your ticket beforehand at the SEC.
Especially for an artist like T-Pain you’re going to want to get your tickets beforehand. This is also a good way to purchase tickets for your friends coming in from out of town to join you. This is really the best way to avoid the crazy ticket lines on the night of Dam Jam.
3. It will get crowded as it gets later so get your spot up front right away!
4. Don’t skip the openers.
Often the openers for Dam Jam are just as good if not better than the headliner for the show. Check them out so you can get a closer spot and broaden your musical horizons! The openers this year are the Battle of the Bands winner, Adieu Caribou and the Colourist.
5. Bring a blanket and a sweatshirt.
It always gets chillier than you think standing out in the cold so bring a blanket just in case. You may think you’ll be jumping around all night but if there are breaks and you feel like sitting on the grass you’ll definitely want to be a little bundled up.
6. Don’t forget your money for food or drinks.
Normally every year there are food trucks of some kind as well as a beer garden so bring money for food. In the past they’ve had cheesy fries, burgers, and so much more yummy goodness!
7. Get a band tee and support your fellow OSU students.
Graphic designers on campus normally design the logos for the event and the MUPC team plans the entire event so buy a shirt and support their hard work. Plus the shirts are always super cute!
8. Don’t pre-game too hard.
If you cause problems at the concert you will be kicked out. So have a good time but know your limits or security will pull you aside.
9. Don’t push people around you to get a better spot.
You may think you’re not being obvious but you absolutely are. It’s fine if you accidentally run into people. It happens. That said, don’t be that jerk that pushes multiple people to get to the front. Get there early if you really care about being right near the stage.
10. Have fun!
No matter what you do just have fun! Dam Jam is the last big event for most before dead week and finals week insanity so have a blast.
Comment below your favorite Dam Jam memory.