Tennessee Tech’s College Town Kickoff event in Downtown Cookeville may be relatively new, but it has already become a highlight of the school year.
Tech News and Public Relations Director Jonathan Frank said the block party and concert was started three years ago to give students a high-energy welcome to Tech and expose them to what Downtown Cookeville has to offer. Frank said the biggest sign of growth this year was the ability to bring in a big name musical act.
“We’re talking about somebody who is Grammy nominated, multi platinum musician, international music sensation,” Frank said. “So to have Flo Rida here in Cookeville is a big deal for our students and the community. It’s something that we’re really excited about.”
Frank said other acts like American Authors and Sean Kingston have played the College Town Kickoff, but Flo Rida is among the biggest names to have ever performed in Cookeville. The College Town Kickoff will be Saturday from 2pm to 10pm, and it is free to attend.
Frank said there is a committee assembled every year for College Town Kickoff. When the event started a few years ago, Tech President Dr. Phil Oldham challenged them to bring in a notable musician.
Frank said the heart behind this event is to give students more opportunities to explore the Downtown Area. Frank said there are already shuttles from campus to downtown, and students are becoming more familiar with the local businesses and restaurants it has to boast.
“Many of those places are offering specials and discounts for College Town Kickoff,” Frank said. “It’s just a great introduction to Downtown Cookeville, to the West Side. And we want them to be aware of these places their freshman year, so they can be patronizing these businesses and enjoy Downtown Cookeville for the entire four years, or however long they’re here as students.”
Frank said the relationship between Tech and Downtown Cookeville is paramount, and College Town Kickoff is a great picture of the school and community coming together.
“We like to say that Cookeville is Tennessee’s college town because we’ve got a great, vibrant downtown,” Frank said. “So many wonderful local businesses, many of which are owned by Tech Alums. And our students, once they have awareness of all those great places, they love going to those businesses and restaurants.”
Frank said College Town Kickoff has already become a valuable tradition for Tech students, and he thinks it will continue to grow and improve each year. Frank said putting the event together is a labor of love, but staff work hard on it because they care about the student experience.