Two weeks ago, I hinted that the process for buying hockey season tickets this year would be different, with priority given to those who have purchased tickets in the past.
On Friday, the official announcement was posted on the Athletics web site. I'm quite biased, but I think it's a good system.
Previously, priority among undergraduates was only given to seniors, regardless of whether they had purchased tickets before. This resulted in two problems. Younger students would "game" the system by having disinterested senior friends pick up line numbers, and the younger students would use these line numbers to purchase their tickets. And seniors who had never shown a previous interest in hockey were allowed to choose seats before juniors and sophomores who may be substantially more interested in Cornell hockey.
The new system does a much better job of rewarding the biggest hockey fans. Seniors who have picked up line numbers in the three previous years are virtually guaranteed tickets, and they have first choice. (Why not? These students are the most dedicated fans.)
Juniors and seniors who have picked up line numbers in two previous years are also essentially guaranteed tickets, and they pick after the seniors with three years of experience.
Priority is even given to students who have picked up one line number in previous years, since they have also shown some degree of dedication to Cornell hockey. The 400 tickets reserved will cover almost all of these students.
All students who have never tried to buy tickets before, whether they are freshmen or seniors, are grouped together in the general group. But don't worry, these students still have a very good chance to get tickets. There are 550 tickets reserved for them, plus any leftovers from the previous three groups. And I'm sure freshmen with a strong interest in hockey will be able to figure out a way to ensure that they get tickets.
In addition to the changes in the distribution of tickets, the other major change is the elimination of the "camp out." Due to concerns over H1N1, including the fact that the Ramin Room in Bartels may be used by either Cornell or Tompkins County in the event of a flu pandemic, it was impossible to hold the "camp out" this year. Many students will certainly welcome this change, although it eliminates a central part of the Cornell hockey experience.
The new system seeks not to simply reward the older fans, but to reward the most dedicated fans. This is a change which will result in a stronger Lynah Faithful to cheer on the Big Red as they embark upon what should be their best chance at a national championship during my time at Cornell.
It makes me a little sad that there won't be a camp out, even though I've graduated. That was an integral part in getting excitement going with the hockey team introduction and the pep band.
ReplyDeleteIt's almost as impersonal as my new school. I simply walked up to the box office and requested tickets in a certain section because I have friends who already sit there. You'd think for a school that just won the national championship there'd be a little more competition for tickets.