New Mexico State’s Crimson Kickoff is the start to many events for the school year. For most first year students, the annual “Welcome Back” concert exceeded all expectations; with acts ranging from the Ying Yang Twins, MadeInTYO, and NMSU’s very own DJ NARAY.

“Over the years, I heard about these concerts but never got to experience one until now,” said Lillian Martinez, current NMSU freshman.

This year’s welcome back concert was held, August 18, 2017 at the Corbett Center Outdoor Stage. With long days of planning and lots of scheduling, NMSU’s student body also known as ‘ASNMSU’ were so excited to see the final touches put into place, in order for the event to go on.

“I started planning back in June and that was my first day at that capacity,” Donovan Olvera, Director of Activities with ASNMSU said. “Even during that time I felt like I was a little bit behind. But, we hit the ground sprinting, and 2 maybe 3 full months of planning and preparation went into this concert.”

This event is a way for the school to give back to the students – and for students to engage and meet others.

“The goal is for everyone to mingle and have fun,” Olvera said. “I feel like it’s a great way to introduce yourself, you can go with your roommate, suitemates, anyone and meet new faces you’ll see around campus.”

For the last 10 years, it’s been a tradition for artist to come and showcase their talents on the NMSU stage – and every year, the artists get bigger and bigger. Ranging from different styles and genres. Big faces come and get their feet wet with what Las Cruces has to offer.

“We’ve had a lot of cool artists come,” Olvera said. “Last fall it was Trinidad James, the fall before that was Hoodie Allen, before that it was G-Eazy.”

While having all these cool artists come, one thing Olvera makes sure of is, budgeting.

“It’s a bit more work because we want to stick in our budget but, also have really good acts perform.”

Overall, with the help of ASNMSU and the huge turnout from the student body and staff – this year’s event met all expectations; and in hopes, will continue to be a NMSU tradition for years to come.