Suddenly, high-pitched screams erupted, heads flipped toward the glowing stage and the crowd surged forward as the man himself stepped up to the mic and kicked off the night with “Never Get Tired (of Loving You).”

Howdy, a longstanding tradition in the Baylor community, brought students together to celebrate the start of the fall semester and raise money for Pi Phi’s philanthropy, “Read>Lead>Achieve,” through music, dancing and western fashion.

A rising sensation in the modern country music genre, Ty Myers, will headline this year’s Howdy at the Hurd, put on by Pi Beta Phi. The free, students-only celebration will happen on Sept. 19 at 7:00 p.m.

Pi Beta Phi partnered with Baylor for Howdy at the Hurd Friday, allowing students to enjoy food trucks, a live concert from country star Bailey Zimmerman and more while marveling at the now-officially opened Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center.

Lori Fogleman, assistant vice president of media and public relations, said there are multiple parking solutions available to students, faculty and staff after the closures begin. Students with parking passes for the Dutton garage and Lot 38 can park at the Ferrell Center, where additional express shuttles will take students to multiple locations around campus every 10 minutes. Additionally, students can park in any available faculty and staff spaces on campus after 2 p.m. Thursday.

Pi Beta Phi and Baylor are hosting Howdy at the Hurd at 7 p.m. on Friday. The event, which is free for students but requires tickets, will include line dancing, food trucks and a Bailey Zimmerman concert.

Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management, Marketing and Recruitment Ross VanDyke said the exclusion of alumni or admissions in the title of the building is intentional. VanDyke said the building is meant to be a place for everyone in the community.