WKU is paying Flo Rida $150,000 to perform on the South Lawn on Oct. 30 before that evening’s home football game against Kennesaw State.

The contract between WKU and Wasserman Music, the agency representing Flo Rida, states that WKU must pay $15,000 no later than Oct. 30, with the rest of the balance being paid on the evening of the performance. In addition, WKU is responsible for paying for the backline for the performance, which includes the speaker system, microphones, instruments, DJ equipment, lighting and more.

WKU, referred to in the contract as “Purchaser,” agreed “to provide, at Purchaser’s sole cost and expense, a first-class sound and lighting system, to include the equipment and technical specifications on the Artist Rider.”

In addition to performance and equipment requirements, Flo Rida’s rider states that WKU must provide:

• “1 First Class Ticket and 16 Economy tickets on Artist Management’s approval.” WKU may also choose a $10,000 buyout option on domestic flights. Travel funds were required to be paid in full upon signing of the contract.
• “Two (2) Full Size Black SUV’s (Escalade, Suburban or Similar) to be directed solely by the Artist’s Tour personnel. These vehicles shall be available to the Artist without interruption for the entire Engagement period.”
• A $2,000 per diem for Flo Rida and the band and crew, which is to be made available “as soon as the ARTIST arrives in the show’s market. NO EXCEPTIONS.”
• Lodging in a five star hotel requiring a presidential suite, as well as eight double rooms and five king rooms.

The contract also details requirements for what should be included in the artist and band dressing rooms. The requirements for Flo Rida’s dressing room include a couch and matching loveseat, as well as a banquet table for catering and “(2) DOZEN RED ROSES DETHORNED (To be ready 1 hour prior to performance).”

According to the contract, WKU is required to provide meals and refreshments to the artist, band and crew, the specifics of which are also detailed in the artist’s rider. 

Eastern Kentucky University also paid Flo Rida $150,000 for a performance at the EKU Ravine on Aug. 16, according to the contract signed for that performance. EKU was also responsible for the artist’s backline equipment. According to the contract, these additional requirements were estimated to cost EKU $52,670.48 in fixed expenses and $1,203.13 in variable expenses, bringing the total estimated cost of the performance to $203,873.61.

The Herald requested WKU’s estimated expenses for the Oct. 30 performance on the South Lawn.

“The records you requested are preliminary and therefore exempt under KRS 61.878(1)(i) and (j),” WKU Assistant General Counsel Lindsey Carter wrote in response to the request. “Expenses related to the concert won’t be final until after the production, when all final invoices have been received.”

Flo Rida’s pregame concert is the third to be held on the South Lawn since 2022. Shaquille O’Neal, also known as DJ Diesel, performed on Oct. 21, 2022. On Oct. 24, 2023, country music star Jordan Davis performed before WKU Football took on Liberty. The pregame concert begins at 5 p.m. on Oct. 30 and is free for all students, faculty, staff and the Bowling Green community. Kickoff of the football game against Kennesaw State is at 6:30 p.m.

Editor-in-Chief Price Wilborn can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X at @pricewilborn.