Collegiate Times

After watching Tech dismantle UAB in an NIT game in front of a raucous crowd at Cassell Coliseum, I wrote a column in which I advocated general admission for students to every game to increase intensity and make the Cassell a tough place to play night in and night out.

The best games I've ever witnessed in the Coliseum were the three NIT games this year and the Maryland game last year - each time the majority of the crowd was students. It's because the people who were there wanted to be there more than any other place and were determined to be part of the experience.

No matter who you are, either a student or older alumni, an electric atmosphere at a live sporting event is one of the biggest thrills for a sports fan. I thought then that the idea of general admission was a pipe dream, seeing that no older fans would support it, and eventually forgot about it. Then I received the following anonymous letter in my newsroom mailbox from someone who claimed to be an older season ticket holder.

It lays out an action plan for season ticket holders to donate their unused tickets to students who will fill the seats, and asks a student organization to step up and help implement it. After talking to Matt O'Leary, the director of Hokies on Fire (an SGA program) and a senior accounting major, I found that his organization had heard from alumni looking to get more students in the stands, too.

"We were actually contacted by an alumni who had the idea of an online system where he could submit his ticket the day of the game," O'Leary said. "Because the problem is that the alumni who can't make it down for weeknight games or have conflicts usually don't know until the last minute, and by that time they can't really mail their tickets back in. If there is some type of online system where students could type in bar codes and bring them into the game I think that would be productive."

It would benefit students who always complain about the lottery process, and, in the long run, the program that is currently being built by Seth Greenberg. If the athletics department is willing to put forth the effort to enhance the fan experience in one of their biggest sports, then I'm sure SGA and Hokies on Fire could mobilize to help its efforts. Greenberg has already reached out countless times to the student body, including graciously purchasing thousands of tickets for students for the NIT games. A ticket redistribution system for students would be a way to consistently reach out all season.

"I think it's definitely going to take a lot of cooperation on the part of athletics and then stepping up to the plate and helping out with this program," O'Leary said. "I think if there was a way for people to check on the SGA Web site to see if there was tickets available we could facilitate it that way, but as for the distribution of tickets I think that would have to be more coming from the part of athletics."

It's a plausible idea that simply needs both dedicated students and athletic personnel to launch and stay relevant. When it becomes successful, the fruits of the labor will be worthwhile for all parties involved. Students gain access to previously unavailable tickets and boost attendance numbers. Every game can be packed, leading to a consistently intense atmosphere that can inspire Tech's players to raise their level of play on the court. More wins, a better record and consistent postseason berths. What's not to like?  

So, without further ado, here is the letter from the anonymous alumni that supports increased student attendance at basketball games. It would be a shame if the idea went to waste.

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