By Glypie Grider
Greg Virgin was tired of looking at empty student seats at University of Louisville athletic games, so with the help of several organizations on campus, he helped develop a system designed to improve the student cheer section at men’s basketball games.
“This idea stems from the positive impact an enthusiastic student section at games could have on students. We hope that students become passionate about U of L, and our athletic programs seem to be an excellent starting point for connecting students to our university,” Virgin said. Virgin serves as Chair of the Student Ticket Committee and sits on the Athletic Board of Directors as a student representative.
The new system, referred to as priority seating, went into effect last April when students purchased season tickets at the annual Ticket Tailgate at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Students could choose between Priority I or Priority II when they purchased their basketball passes. The benefit of this method, Virgin explained, was that students elected which arrangement suited their needs and their decision had no bearing on the price of their ticket.
Priority I is based on a first-come, first-served basis. As part of the agreement, students agreed to pick up their tickets before the basketball game begins and to wear a red shirt. The first people to pick up their ticket will be given the closest available seats to the floor in the student portion of the red section.
“It rewards the people who are first in line. Those are generally the loudest, rowdiest and most decorated fans,” said Bill Brammell, president of the SGA. It also prevents empty seats in the front of the section and allows friends to sit together at games if they wait in the ticket line together.
The Priority II arrangement allows students to purchase a specific seat for games, but this section is located behind the Priority I section.
Though this new seating arrangement won’t go into effect until basketball season, Virgin said if the first run is successful, priority seating will be used during the 2006 football season.
The SGA, along with the U of L Athletic Department, the Department of Public Safety, various member of the administration and a selection of concerned students, hammered out the details of the priority seating for several months, debating whether to have a points system or switch to this new method.
Virgin said the committee is currently establishing guidelines that will regulate the distribution of postseason student tickets in the fairest and most reasonable manner.
If students wish to comment on new system or have any questions, contact your SGA student senator, e-mail the Student Ticket Committee at studenttickets@yahoo.com, or call the U of L Ticket Office at 852-5151.
