Student Section Entrance

[RailBaronYarr]

Alright so this may have been posted but I only remember speculation on the topic.

I spoke with one of my friends who works at the U. She is a recent grad and no longer a student so was interested in how the ticketing policy will be at the gate, and finally found out from an (apparently) reputable source at the athletics department. Here are the fine points to note:

- In the fall, those who ordered student tickets will be able to pick them up in a packet (same as in previous years). They must bring their U card, and it will be verified that they are currently registered for 6 or more credits in the fall. (we already knew this).

- In order to get in to any game, you must present a student ticket and a U card. This means a student CAN give your ticket to your roommate/ friend as long as they have a U card. HOWEVER, the U card that is presented will be SWIPED at the gate, and if that U card does not match up with a student registered for 6 or more credits, you will not get in. So, if a student plans to give their ticket to someone, they'd better plan to give their U card as well, and might also want to try and have them look like the picture on the card. We won't know until game day if the cards will actually be looked at or just scanned. (this is similar to what a lot of us expected, though many thought it might be like hockey where the ID name/ticket name just had to match, and if not, then the U-Card would be swiped to prove student-ship. Guess not.)

And finally...
- Another important note for entering the stadium: Don't be drunk! If you look or smell suspiciously like alcohol, you will be given a breathalyzer. Like all stadiums, there will be a lovely holding cell and paddy wagon for those who need it. Now here is the catch: If you are suspected of drinking and are given the breathalyzer, your card will be flagged. That means that every future game that you (or at least your U card) attends at the stadium, you will be ushered into a separate "scan and blow" line. So if you choose to drink before the game, be smart. ESPECIALLY if you are using someone else's card! (IIRC, Wisconsin had something like this where you will be flagged at later games once forced to blow the first time, but I didn't think they had a swipe station incorporated)

My comments:
On one hand, this is a good thing as it ensures current students get tickets, not really old people, 29 year olds living too cheaply, or opposing student fans by the masses. On the other, I certainly enjoyed sitting in student sections of opposing schools and it's too bad that the ability to encourage fan mingling. It also leaves out the possibility of bringing a younger/older sibling or someone who doesn't attend the U to go to a game with you if a buddy can't go (small occurrences, I know).

Anyway, just FYI. I think we all saw the writing on the wall for this, but it is nice to know in advance.

 

[Ski U Master]

I think this is good, students will need to start practicing their smuggling techniques. I hope a key component will be to make sure the photo on the ID matches the person using the ID, that should keep out the majority of moron opposing fans in the student section.

 

[RailBaronYarr]

If I were in charge of the people swiping/checking at the gates I would tell them that if the person is dressed in U apparel and looks of reasonable age (25 and below?) but they don't exactly look like the picture in the student ID, let them through. They were most likely a student very recently or are borrowing it from someone else and are obviously U fans. Be a little more discerning towards those dressed in red.

 

[2nd Degree Gopher]

Assuming that they don’t scrutinize all of the photos, this seems to be a modest middle ground. Students won’t be able to sell their tickets to the highest bidder, since in most instances that person won’t have a U card and the seller isn’t likely to lend his/her U Card to a random stranger. On the other hand, it shouldn’t be too hard to find someone’s card to borrow for your high school buddy who goes to another school.

 

[goldengopher2002]

Yeah it's not tough to borrow someone's ID....just from my experience at away games with friends they don't check them too much. Basically if the ID/ticket combo is valid then your good to go, or so I would assume.

 

[UptownMaroon&Gold]

For me, the breathalyzer stuff is too much. I actually ponied up to get normal person tickets this year, (Sec. 231!) but I really hope that they dont take this too far. I agree kids shouldnt be passing out during the game for safety reasons, but having drunk students at the game is a college tradition. Let's not mess with it too much.

 

[goldygoon]

For me, the breathalyzer stuff is too much. I actually ponied up to get normal person tickets this year, (Sec. 231!) but I really hope that they dont take this too far. I agree kids shouldnt be passing out during the game for safety reasons, but having drunk students at the game is a college tradition. Let's not mess with it too much.

Let the students come on in sober and we the people of Section 231 will hook them up with some. Or maybe not.

 

[ChemEGopher]

I'm calling my state legislator!!! If one entrance of the stadium breathalyzes game attendees, all entrances should have breathalyzers! This is totally unjust and clearly against the constitution! Students unite and fight for equal treatment!

And to you regular season ticket holders, don't give me any crap about paying more to get into the game than the students. Paying more is NOT justification for you to be spared from these breathalyzations. That argument is futile as was shown by our state's esteemed government actions on the previous alcohol in the stadium issue.

Once again, I plead, STUDENTS RISE UP!!!

 

[gopheraschells]

For me, the breathalyzer stuff is too much. I actually ponied up to get normal person tickets this year, (Sec. 231!) but I really hope that they dont take this too far. I agree kids shouldnt be passing out during the game for safety reasons, but having drunk students at the game is a college tradition. Let's not mess with it too much.

agreed...who are these losers making these rules???? sounds like they were the ass hole roomate who stayed in every night and never lived it up while they could...looks like their attempt to curb binge drinking is going to back fire even more than it alreay has when they have students waiting to get into the stadium before they pound down water bottles of hard liquor..this just ruined my day

 

[parkinglotgopher]

For me, the breathalyzer stuff is too much. I actually ponied up to get normal person tickets this year, (Sec. 231!) but I really hope that they dont take this too far. I agree kids shouldnt be passing out during the game for safety reasons, but having drunk students at the game is a college tradition. Let's not mess with it too much.

I think it's safe to say the breathalyzer stuff will be at the discretion of the staff taking tickets, which I imagine won't hassle people if they're vertical, coherent, etc. I don't think they're going to be pulling you out of line because you're a little buzzed because they detect a subtle smell of beer on your breath.

Again, it will be the will of the person at the gate. Some might let everything that won't get them fired slide through - which was often the case with those doing pat-downs at the Dome - and some might get a little zealous.

Honestly, if they enforce this to the letter of the law (which they won't), expect a pretty empty student section. I don't think I'm going out on a limb by estimating that a majority of students would fail a breathalyzer on the way into a football game if there's a .00 limit on what is considered acceptable.

 

[GoAUpher]

I think it's safe to say the breathalyzer stuff will be at the discretion of the staff taking tickets, which I imagine won't hassle people if they're vertical, coherent, etc. I don't think they're going to be pulling you out of line because you're a little buzzed because they detect a subtle smell of beer on your breath.

Again, it will be the will of the person at the gate. Some might let everything that won't get them fired slide through - which was often the case with those doing pat-downs at the Dome - and some might get a little zealous.

Honestly, if they enforce this to the letter of the law (which they won't), expect a pretty empty student section. I don't think I'm going out on a limb by estimating that a majority of students would fail a breathalyzer on the way into a football game if there's a .00 limit on what is considered acceptable.

"Stupid Rule" applies. If you are drunk do not get into an argument with a ticket taker, start falling over in line, etc. That will get you denied entry or tossed in the drunk tank.

This isn't rocket science. Just like the cops won't be hunting down every open container violation the U isn't going to waste the time, energy, and money to catch every student who is over the limit. This just gives them cover to punish those that do step well over the line.

 

[DiehardGopher]

Do you think they will treat students of legal age the same as they would under agers?

 

[GSLgopher]

Is it safe to say that many under age students would be turned off by the breathalyzer threat? I sure hope not because I'd rather not see the student section half full like we experienced at the dump...

 

[ChemEGopher]

I bet that there are there are just as many students as general admits that enter the game legally drunk. We MUST be consistent and stick to what our great legislators decided for the last alcohol related stadium issue. Breathalyze them ALL or breathalyze NONE!!!

 

[MadisonRaisedGopherCrazed]

I wonder if it will be similar to the driving laws. If you are above .08 you are not legally allowed to root for the Gophers. You could get charged with a CWI (Cheering While Intoxicated).

 

[GoldenGo4Fan]

I bet that there are there are just as many students as general admits that enter the game legally drunk. We MUST be consistent and stick to what our great legislators decided for the last alcohol related stadium issue. Breathalyze them ALL or breathalyze NONE!!!

In the OP they are talking about the student entrance, but do we know for a fact that this won't be done at all the entrances?

 

[parkinglotgopher]

In the OP they are talking about the student entrance, but do we know for a fact that this won't be done at all the entrances?

No inside information here, but I can tell you I'd be completely shocked to see this at all the entrances. Frankly, I was a little surprised it was even happening at the student entrance. Minnesota's not the first school to do this at the student gate (let me say here that I don't agree with doing it at all), but I'm pretty sure we'd be the first to do it at public gates.

 

[gopherguy05]

No inside information here, but I can tell you I'd be completely shocked to see this at all the entrances. Frankly, I was a little surprised it was even happening at the student entrance. Minnesota's not the first school to do this at the student gate (let me say here that I don't agree with doing it at all), but I'm pretty sure we'd be the first to do it at public gates.

It won't happen at all gates. The program will be just like Wisconsin's show and blow program. Basicially if you are caught drunk or drinking underage, you will be flagged and have to blow prior to being admitted to the game. I know if you are flagges, Wisconsin requires those under 21 to blow .00 to be admitted.

If they do include students 21 and over, that in my opnion is over reaching, but I could see it happening.

The easiest thing to avoid being made to stop is don't be so drunk you can't walk, or don't puke all over...if you can walk straight, and not puke, you probably won't have any problems whatsoever....

 

[bmbriefs]

I'm one of those "cheap 29 year olds" who goes to the games. I am a full-time graduate student working on a Ph. D. My friends and I have had student tickets for four years now and sit in back with the other geezers.
There is some confusion because Ph.D. students are technically not taking 6 credits. Instead, we take a 1 credit "full-time equivalent credit" as part of some sort of accounting trick to keep our departments from paying full tuition. We are full-time students and pay full-time fees.
I contacted someone from the gopher sports customer service regarding this and they said they are "working on a solution" for students in my situation. They said they'll be figuring out the solution in a week and will get back to me. I'll post back here when I find out what the solution is.

 

[RailBaronYarr]

By "cheap 29 year olds" I meant people no longer students that were able to secure student tickets because they were cheap and easy to get. Not actual students who happen to be 29.

 

[Im All Right]

- In order to get in to any game, you must present a student ticket and a U card. This means a student CAN give your ticket to your roommate/ friend as long as they have a U card. HOWEVER, the U card that is presented will be SWIPED at the gate, and if that U card does not match up with a student registered for 6 or more credits, you will not get in.

QUOTE]

Anybody heard anything else about this? I am sure the OP is reporting accurately what he heard, but I would like 2nd source confirmation. (the swiping thing in particular)

 

[parkinglotgopher]

Anybody heard anything else about this? I am sure the OP is reporting accurately what he heard, but I would like 2nd source confirmation. (the swiping thing in particular)

This isn't the confirmation you were looking for, but my expectation all along was that they'd build something into the stadium to allow them to swipe cards. The technology has been available since before the building plans went into place, so I had anticipated they'd use it. This would be similar to a lot of schools... I think PSU actually puts their student tickets on the bar code of the ID and doesn't print a paper ticket.

 

[Bronko Nagurski Gopher]

- In order to get in to any game, you must present a student ticket and a U card. This means a student CAN give your ticket to your roommate/ friend as long as they have a U card. HOWEVER, the U card that is presented will be SWIPED at the gate, and if that U card does not match up with a student registered for 6 or more credits, you will not get in.

QUOTE]

Anybody heard anything else about this? I am sure the OP is reporting accurately what he heard, but I would like 2nd source confirmation. (the swiping thing in particular)

AND your face will also need to match the picture on the U-Card presented. some students who don't think they are going to match up the face presenting a subsidized student season ticket to the U-Card ID being presented are in for a rude awakening come this season.

 

[GoAUpher]

AND your face will also need to match the picture on the U-Card presented. some students who don't think they are going to match up the face presenting a subsidized student season ticket to the U-Card ID being presented are in for a rude awakening come this season.

I'll believe this when I see it. I'll all in favor of this being the policy, but I don't see the stringent ID checks (other then a swipe) happening consistently.

 

[bmbriefs]

...
There is some confusion because Ph.D. students are technically not taking 6 credits. Instead, we take a 1 credit "full-time equivalent credit" as part of some sort of accounting trick to keep our departments from paying full tuition. We are full-time students and pay full-time fees.
I contacted someone from the gopher sports customer service regarding this and they said they are "working on a solution" for students in my situation. They said they'll be figuring out the solution in a week and will get back to me. I'll post back here when I find out what the solution is.

I checked up on this and graduate students taking a "full-time equivalent credit" will be allowed into the games even though they are technically taking only one credit.

I'm also wondering if anyone else has heard any sort of confirmation regarding the u-card scanner at the door issue. The person I spoke with at the gopher ticket office seemed to think that as long as I had a voucher and a u-card, that I would be let into the game regardless of my registration status. Take this with a huge grain of salt because the person I spoke to was just a random sales rep in the ticket office and may not have the inside scoop.

 

[gopherguy05]

From the daily yesterday regarding the brethalizers:

The plan, according to the Daily:

If a student is caught for underage consumption or ejected from the stadium for public intoxication, they are automatically enrolled in the program. If the student comes back to a game that same season, they will be required to provide a breath sample on a portable breath tester.

If they are underage and have alcohol in their system, they will not be allowed entry into the game. Even if they are of age, depending on their level on intoxication, they might not be admitted into the stadium.

 

[WestBank08]

AND your face will also need to match the picture on the U-Card presented. some students who don't think they are going to match up the face presenting a subsidized student season ticket to the U-Card ID being presented are in for a rude awakening come this season.

When I attended the University of Kansas, this is how basketball tickets work. You don't get a paper ticket. You just get games put onto your ID card. So the face has to match the card and there is no way to transfer a ticket to someone else. Basically sucks.

 

[WestBank08]

Also, couldn't you theoretically enter through any entrance and find your way into the student section? I'm assuming the seats are bleachers? But if so, no one is going to count out exactly how many people belong in a row. Might be a way to see the game with a friend that isn't a student.

 

[year of the gopher]

Also, couldn't you theoretically enter through any entrance and find your way into the student section? I'm assuming the seats are bleachers? But if so, no one is going to count out exactly how many people belong in a row. Might be a way to see the game with a friend that isn't a student.

I'm pretty sure student tickets will only be accepted at the student entrance. In fact, it's been a few years but isn't that how it worked at the dome?

On the other note, I also don't see the strict photo checks actually happening. Too many students and too few ticket takers to make that happen. Same thing with the breathalyzers...I have to think it'll only be the people who are way, way beyond buzzed that get stopped.

 

[WestBank08]

I'm pretty sure student tickets will only be accepted at the student entrance. In fact, it's been a few years but isn't that how it worked at the dome?

Yeah, I know that, but I'm saying couldn't you buy any ticket for somewhere else in the stadium and find your way to the student section?