FAQ’S

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What’s the difference between Campus KickOff and PANTHERFEST?

Campus KickOff is ten days of programming (we’re not counting the Labor Day weekend) to welcome new/returning students to UWM. We want them to see everything that the UWM campus has to offer in terms of events, activities, amenities and more. With more than 75 events between Aug. 25-Sept. 5, that’s where the “10 days/75 ways to experience life at UWM” comes in.

PANTHERFEST is the culmination of campus KickOff. It’s the biggest UWM event of the year – that’s one reason we’re doing it off campus. It’s a chance for the entire campus community to get together and celebrate our institution, its unique relationship with Milwaukee, and to build excitement for the year ahead. It’s also about building a tradition that promotes Panther pride among students, alumni, faculty and staff.

2.  Is it really free?

Yes. Every UWM student gets one PANTHERFEST ticket with ID. Faculty/Staff can obtain tickets with ID, also. Alumni also are welcome to free tickets.

Campus KickOff programs and events are also free to UWM students.

3.  Where can we get tickets?

UWM Students can pick-up their free ticket at the following locations on the following dates:

  • UWM Union Concourse, 8/28 – 9/11
  • UWM Housing, 8/28 – 9/4

UWM Faculty & Staff can pick of their free ticket(s) in the UWM Union Concourse starting 8/28 until 9/11.

UWM Alumni must fill out the ticket request form and can pick up their tickets at the Alumni Association table on 9/11.

For people who need to purchase tickets, you can go to the following locations starting 8/21/2009*:

  • Marcus Center Box Office
  • UWM Bookstore information desk

*All sales must be in person, there are no phone/internet sales.

4.  What do I get with my free ticket?

  • Free admission to the Indian Summer Festival
  • General admission seating at the Marcus Amphitheater
  • Fireworks display from 9:30-10 p.m.
  • Access to all forecourt activities (Tarot reading; salsa lessons; sports demos; music; obstacle course; more)

6.  Can I bring friends who don’t go to UWM?

Yes. Friends and fans from outside the UWM community are welcome at PANTHERFEST. Tickets for non-UWM college students, with student ID, are $15. General public tickets are $25. These tickets are on-sale at the UWM Bookstore and Marcus Center box office beginning August 21.

7.  Is PANTHERFEST an all-ages event?

Yes, it is. Some areas near the Amphitheater will be closed to students under-21, but alcohol will be served to students who provide proof-of-age and who drink responsibly. Do not bring any backpacks to PANTHERFEST and anticipate a search from Amphitheater or UWM security.

8.  How do I get to/from PANTHERFEST?

Take a free shuttle bus from the UWM Union, Sandburg Hall, Kenilworth, Lubar Hall or Riverview. Marked shuttle buses begin taking students to the Amphitheater grounds at 4:30 p.m. from both locations. Programming starts at 5 p.m. The first main stage act takes the stage at 8 p.m.

Pick up a shuttle outside the Amphitheater gates beginning at 11:30 p.m. for free return trips to the Union, Sandburg Hall, Kenilworth, Lubar Hall or Riverview.

9.  Who are the bands?

The performers for PANTHEFEST 2009 are Dashboard Confessional and Common. Check out the TV spot here.

10.  What time does PANTHERFEST start?

PANTHERFEST starts at 5 p.m. and goes until midnight. The tentative schedule of events is below:

5:00 p.m. Summerfest grounds gates open

6:30 p.m. Marcus Amphitheater gates open

7:30 p.m. Welcome

8:00 p.m. Dashboard Confessional

9:30 p.m. Fireworks

10:00 p.m. Common