Ticket shortage frustrates

Many students were disappointed Monday morning when they went to turn in their voucher for a ticket to this Saturday's game against Notre Dame only to discover they were sold out. The 7500 reserved student tickets for the football opener sold out within 30 minutes. Even more frustrating to students is that several student tickets have since been sold on auction sights such as eBay for over $100 per ticket.

"I was really disappointed. I went Monday afternoon and they said that they were gone," said Jared Alvarez, a fourth-year Industrial and Systems Engineering major.

Even some of the students camped out in line overnight were unable to get tickets. Student demand for seats has not been this high since the 2003 game against Auburn.

"The anticipation that has built around this game has certainly changed [student] reaction. This game is unique in its demand," said Alison Graab, undergraduate student body president.

Graab said that it is important for students to realize that the Athletic Association (AA) followed the same ticketing procedures that it does for every game and that the AA has done everything possible to help students. "I want students to understand that the AA did everything that they could," Graab said.

Institute President Wayne Clough and Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich both received numerous emails from students who did not obtain tickets. Both said that they worked with students as much as possible to help the situation. "Dan is doing a great job of working individually with students," Clough said.

Many students are particularly upset that the student ticketing process is being used to make a profit. At one point Tuesday night, at least 18 student tickets to the game were listed on Ebay. Unless you have a license to broker tickets, reselling tickets is illegal in Georgia. Moreover, reselling student tickets is a violation of the Tech Honor Code.

"I think it is ridiculous. The whole system is broken; you have so much technology now that they should have a lottery or something. They are checking [BuzzCards] anyways. Is it really that hard to see if it's their ticket?" said Chris Dunkin, a graduate Electrical and Chemical Engineering student.

Most of the tickets distributed on Monday were to blocks of students wishing to sit together. One student is able to pick up tickets for a block of up to 300 students if they have their vouchers. Many students reselling tickets received their ticket with a block.

Not all students agree that reselling tickets is wrong.

"If you have a ticket there should be nothing wrong with selling it. I'd be willing to buy one," said John Johnson, a third-year Chemical Engineering major, who received a ticket with a fraternity block.

Radakovich said that the AA would be evaluating the ticketing procedures after this season to make sure it is fair to all students.

"We will work with the Student Government Association after the season to see where procedures need to be tweaked," Radakovich said.

"There were difficulties this time [with student ticket distribution]. We will look at it in the long run," Clough said.

Alternative solutions for students to still watch this Saturday's game were still being worked out as of Wednesday evening. Standing room only tickets for students were one proposal; however, this was rejected.

"There were some safety issues [with offering standing room only tickets]...it is an undue risk," Radakovich said.

"We are looking into alternatives so that students can watch the game with other students," Graab said.

One plan is to broadcast the game live in Yellow Jacket Park so that students can have the community atmosphere.

Graab said that offering this option to students would cost approximately $4,000 with some of the money coming from donations and possibly from an SGA bill.

"Showing the game in Yellow Jacket Park is a good idea and I hope that it goes well," Graab said.

Although much attention is being drawn to students who did not get tickets, the Athletic Association is still prepared for the excitement that will exist among students inside the stadium Saturday night.

"[The AA] has worked hard on a plan that will give everyone maximum protection," Clough said.

Radakovich also noted that not everything can be secured.

"No, [the goal posts] are not secure. It would take an incredible effort and more manpower to secure the goal posts. If they do come down we will do everything we can to make sure they come down safely," Radakovich said.