Tiger athletics ticketing, seating discussed

Groups across campus are collaborating to streamline athletic events.

By Kelly Hagen

Published June 3, 2009

As football season draws near, the MU Athletics Department has announced changes with student seating and ticketing.

The Athletics Department partnered with the Missouri Students Association, Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Association, Residents Halls Association, Associated Students of the University of Missouri and Mizzou Spirit to make decisions regarding a new seating method.

"The group was organized by former MSA President Jim Kelley," said Brad Fischer, executive director of Mizzou Spirit Zou Crew and Tiger's Lair. Fischer is a former Maneater staff member.

Most changes address problems that cropped up during last season's games, others aim to improve the system.

"There will be a designated student entry on the side of the stadium," Missouri Students Association President Jordan Paul said. "Also, we will be moving to a ticketing model that is all general admission, similar to the men's basketball games."

Paul explained the tickets will still be printed with specific seat numbers, but students will be free to sit anywhere within their section.

"There also will be a fair amount of group seating designated for student organizations," Paul said. "If you are the leader of an ORG here at MU, like fencing club, you will be able to apply for student seating."

Also, due to the general admissions model, residence hall floors and social groups will no longer need to purchase tickets together, but rather meet up within the general admissions seating.

In addition, individual seat width within the student section will be narrowed.

"Students in Tiger's Lair rarely take a seat anyway," Paul said.

Fischer explained smaller seating would decrease the large amount of students standing on the hillside.

"The Athletics Department told us the new seats will be on par with the size of student seats at other major universities," Fischer said.

Fischer said similar benefits should come with the general admissions model.

"This style will make things easier for the event staff," Fischer said. "Also, as the non-group seating section will be general admission, and the group section will be general admission within the section, this will help to promote the pride points, one of which is to come early."

The Tiger's Lair will have a section for itself similar to the Zou Crew at basketball games. Fischer estimated the section would increase significantly, but he didn't have exact numbers for the increase.

An alternative for tailgating is also being sought after, as Frat Pit is shut down and Reactor entry time has moved closer to game time.

Paul said the tailgating area is still being discussed and both student groups and the administration are weighing their options.

Associate Director of Athletics Whit Babcock said the decision to make Reactor a donor lot will be decided near the end of June.

"This decision will be made at the university level with significant input from the MU Police Department and the Department of Athletics," Babcock said.

Fischer acknowledged the changes will take some patience.

"This will take some getting used to for students," Fischer said. "With any new system, people will have to have a little time to adjust, but in the long run, I think these changes will have positive results."