Mississippi’s largest outdoor concert, Bulldog Bash, is once again coordinated by Mississippi State University students and will be held Friday in the Cotton District.
Amanda Fones, co-director of Bulldog Bash, said the event unites the campus and the community. 
“Its purpose is to celebrate Mississippi State along with enjoying the afternoon full of music and fun,” Fones said.
She said 30,000 people usually gather for this event, but this year’s crowd might be much bigger because Black Crowes will play. At 7 p.m. Fides, Battle of the Band winner, will play followed by Chris Young at 8 p.m. Black Crowes will perform the last set at 9:30 p.m.
 
“This year, we are expecting a pretty large crowd because we are bringing the Black Crowes this year, and that brings a whole different aspect of population. Because you have a lot of older generations that will be coming,” she said.
Several other events will be held in the Cotton District throughout the day starting at 4 p.m., including fanfare, a cook off competition and the Dawg Rally. Dan Mullen, head football coach, will make an appearance with the football team, and the band and cheerleaders will be present as well. 
“Bulldog Bash is not just a concert. It entails a whole day of activity that brings the community together,” Fones said.
Fones said Bulldog Bash is a completely sponsored event, and it is also a charity event. All the money that is raised in excess of the budget goes to the Reclaim Project, which is a local charity that was founded in Starkville.
“Everybody should come for a great night and tons of fun,” she said, “We worked really hard, and we are excited to see the hard work come through.”
Michael Hogan, Student Association president, said the Bulldog Bash budget this year was almost $300,000. He said students have worked hard since March to arrange this event.
“The day of Bulldog Bash we start working at four in the morning, and we don’t stop picking up trash until the next morning so it’s a 24-hour work day for us,” he said.
Hogan said the Starkville Police Department will work the entire day and the fire department will be available as well. He said every single safety issue is drawn out and prepared for the day.  
“I hope everyone will let us know if there is something that needs to be improved,” Hogan said. “I like hearing things, so Twitter or email me if there are issues.”
Jackie Mullen, director of student activities, said Bulldog Bash is a great event, and the fact that it is all student-run is the best thing about it.
“Students work really hard to put on a great show not just for Mississippi State students but for the Starkville community and the state of Mississippi,” she said.
Mullen said students planned this event for at least eight months. She said everyone should attend to support other  students who worked hard to arrange this event. 
“It’s a free live music show, and a lot goes behind putting on a big concert like this. Everyone should come to see the atmosphere and be a part of the Bulldog community,” she said.
 

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Megan Bean | Courtesy Photo

Eli Young frontman, Mike Eli, rocks out at last year's Bulldog Bash