More than 6,000 people attended the University’s annual Friday Fest, headlined by alternative rock band Lifehouse.

The Los Angeles band performed songs like “First Time,” “Whatever it takes,” “Hanging by a Moment,” “You and Me” and “Halfway Gone.”

According to Bobby Fitzjohn, vice-president of the Union Activities Board and senior in natural resources, this year’s Friday Fest cost more than previous years.

“The cost increased with the larger act being brought to campus. There is a huge difference between what Josh Gracin costs and what Lifehouse costs,” Fitzjohn said.

“We went with a bigger name based on the response we had from students about previous concerts.

Fitzjohn said UAB contributed about $80,000 of the approximate $115,000 needed to hold Friday Fest.

“The total cost for the event was a little over $115,000. With the help of on and off campus partners, as well as selling few general admission tickets, we were able to bring the UAB’s contribution to around $80,000,” Fitzjohn said. “Much of this went to cover the headliner’s fee.”

Phiroze Divecha, a sophomore in biomedical engineering, said he was very impressed with Friday Fest.

“It was crazy,” Divecha said. “Sheer delight!”

Zach Swann, a sophomore in FYC, said he was also impressed by the band.

“We came because we’re huge fans,” Swann said.

According to Swann, Friday Fest was much more than just a concert.

“There was sumo-wrestling and all sorts of free [stuff],” Swann said.

Spencer Bowman, a sophomore in civil engineering, said he was impressed with the number of people attending Friday Fest and enjoyed the social aspect of the event.

“There were so many people there, too,” Bowman said. “It was perfect for mingling.”

According to Fitzjohn, the cost-per-student associated with Friday Fest was much less than the cost of other concerts.

“The UAB’s cost per student for this event was about $14.28. This is remarkably cheap if you compare it to any other concert of this magnitude,” Fitzjohn said. “You would easily pay $30 a ticket and still pay extra for food, drinks, T-shirts and all of the other free stuff given to students Friday night.”

According to Fitzjohn, UAB went with Lifehouse based on student responses.

“We went with a bigger name based on the response that we had from students about previous concerts,” Fritzjohn said. “The total number of student tickets distributed was around 5,600.”

Rhonda Lemon, a sophomore in mechanical engineering, said Lifehouse did what most bands do.

“The last big song they performed was ‘First Time’ before they left for the first time,” Lemon said.

But not every student liked the artist.

Adam Holt, a sophomore in mechanical engineering, said he chose not to attend.

“For starters, I’m from England and haven’t got a clue who Lifehouse is,” Holt said.

Correspondent Isabella Vigilante contributed to this report.