If you have been wanting to attend a Lil Yachty concert, students will have the opportunity to do so on Thursday, April 16 at 8 p.m. at the Martire Family Arena.
Grammy-nominated artist Lil Yachty is headlining the university’s 2026 Spring Concert, with DJ duo Loud Luxury as special guests. Sacred Heart University Student Involvement announced the concert lineup on March 27, and ticket sales for full-time undergraduate students began March 31.
“The spring concert is a longstanding SHU tradition with students attending to hang out, listen to music, and celebrate the last few weeks of the semester,” said Katie Morovich, director of Student Involvement and First Year Programs.
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Although the concert takes place during the spring semester, the planning process began in the fall when Student Involvement emailed students a genre interest survey. The 2026 Spring Concert features two different genres: rap and dance music.
According to Billboard, Lil Yachty is a rapper who “rose to prominence following the success of his 2016 mixtape ‘Lil Boat,’ and the Atlanta star was hailed as part of a new wave of young artists changing the game.” He has had multiple songs on the Billboard Hot 100 like his 2016 hit, “Broccoli.”
According to Loud Luxury’s official website, “Loud Luxury is a Canadian-born, Los Angeles-based international touring dance music duo, composed of Andrew Fedyk and Joe De Pace.” The duo is known for their career-launching song, “Body.”
While student interest matters, administrators must consider other factors when deciding on artists.
“Budget, artist availability, campus space, production availability, and background checks all play a factor into who we submit an offer to,” said Morovich.
More than 15 offers were submitted to different artists. The booking process is difficult because of high production and labor costs. Despite these challenges, administrators try to stay on trend with what students enjoy on social media.
“TikTok has played a major role in the music industry, so as college shows used to be for the up and coming/current artists, college shows have increasingly become throwback events,” said Morovich.
Students could purchase either floor tickets for standing room or bowl tickets for seating. Prices vary depending on whether you are a student or guest, the type of seat, and the year.
“We want to keep student ticket pricing as low as possible, $15 for bowl seats and $20 for floor general admission,” said Morovich. “Lower than last year.”
Despite low ticket prices, some students are uninterested in the concert. Because of his dislike for Lil Yachty, sophomore Jackson McLaughlin is not attending the concert; however, he liked last year’s concert starring rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and DJ Pauly D.
“Even if you don’t know A Boogie, you’ve definitely heard a few of his songs,” said McLaughlin. “It was definitely a fun concert.”
Sophomore Ryan DeSimone is also not attending the concert because rap is not a genre of music he listens to often.
“I think they need to switch it up now,” said DeSimone. “The past two years it’s been rap artists.”
Past performers at SHU included Ne-Yo in 2008, the Chainsmokers in 2015, among others. DeSimone wants a return to artists like those of previous concerts.
“I think they should try to target more country artists, pop artists, or R&B artists rather than rap performers,” said DeSimone.
Doors will open to the concert at 7:30 p.m. and the first 100 students will receive a free T-shirt.
“Administrators are hoping for a great SHU student showing that is fun and safe for all,” said Morovich. “Campus events are successful when students show up and make memories with their classmates.”
