Athletics proposes second fee option

Due to a high number of fixed costs, the Athletic Association (AA)is looking to increase revenue through ticket sales, but also through increased student fees.

The Undergraduate House of Representatives (UHR) sponsored a presentation by Dan Radokovich of the Athletic Department on Jan. 11. Radakovich discussed the potential increase to the mandatory student athletic fee to the undergraduate representatives.

The proposal initially put forth by the AA was to increase the Athletic fee 96 dollars per year.

After the presentation, students were permitted to bring their concerns to Radakovich. The students were mainly concerned with ticketing procedures and any direct benefits of a fee increase.

Several students were skeptical of an increase in the athletic fee because of past occasions in which they could not purchase tickets to high-profile games. A few particular students were outraged that block seating ticket-holders can grab 300 seats before individuals could have a chance.

"The AA should charge an extra fee per person who does not stand in line because they are part of a block," said one student present.

"The ticketing committee is looking at similar electronic systems as that of basketball for football games. This is an issue [possible unfair advantages of block seating] that we are currently looking into," said Alison Graab, undergraduate study body president.

A representative from the athletic ticketing department stated that 500 seats will be added to the student section of Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Another issue among the students in attendance was the ability of non-students to attain student tickets.

"We have become more vigilant and have shown a renewed interest in tracking this down," Radakovich said.

One concerns was how an increase in student athletic fees directly benefits the students.

"All money goes to the revenue pocket for providing travel, scholarships, costs and expenses," Radakovich said.

Thus, students will not be able to perceive a direct relation between their financial contributions and the final outcome.

"On the other hand, an increase in fees could allow for Tech to continue as a competitive program and to be an important entity of campus," Radakovich said.

According to Radakovich, the best assumption for a student to make is the following: contributing money to the AA will create a wider outlet for promoting the school name across the nation.

The only tangible items coming from an increase in AA revenues would be more spirit gear, resurfacing of the track and any other facility renovations and repairs. The most important asset to gain from an increase in AA revenues, according to Radakovich, is a competitive sports program.

A second proposal has recently been put forth by the AA. According to Graab, the second proposal would consist of each student paying 88 dollars per semester total. However, if the student wanted to attend the football games, they would have to pay 100 dollars for football passes. The same is also true for ACC basketball games. Potentially, a student could pay 376 dollars per year if the student wanted to go to both football and basketball games.

The Mandatory Student Fee Committee is scheduled to vote on the proposed increase on Monday.