When I first got word that the Athletic Department had decided to sell a limited amount of season tickets for this year’s basketball season, I was really excited at the thought of not having to wait in line every Monday morning next semester. The tickets were supposed to go on sale at 1 p.m. Wednesday, and I planned to be there early to be sure to get my tickets.
However, I got a call Tuesday afternoon that the ticket office had decided to start selling the student season tickets early.
I was not happy that the office decided to sell the tickets a day before their e-mail said they would, but I do applaud them for selling the tickets to whoever wanted to purchase them on Tuesday.
I believe that MSU’s student basketball tickets should be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis.
I have nothing against the Rick’s Rowdies organization, but I don’t think that paying a $10 membership fee for a T-shirt and attending a weekly meeting qualifies them for a student ticket before me. I love following college basketball, most especially the Bulldogs, and I believe I care as much about our team as do the Rowdies members.
I pay the same tuition fees their members do and I should be entitled to the same rights to the student tickets.
What the Rowdies do is great for our team, but they don’t deserve a ticket before any other full-time student on the State campus because they joined their respective organization.
The ticket office made the correct decision, whether by accident or on purpose, to give out the student tickets to anyone Tuesday afternoon.
Unfortunately, I received word late Wednesday afternoon that some MSU students were turned away from the ticket office because they were not Rowdies members and the remaining tickets were reserved for the Rowdies.
I encourage the Athletic Department to rethink this decision and open up their sales to any willing student.
Rob Glenn is a senior international business major.