The University is implementing some long overdue improvements to the ticketing system to get students into the stands for athletic events.

One major change will keep the existing on-demand online ticketing system open until six hours prior to the start of a sporting event. Other changes include creating a point system that rewards continued attendance and making a stand-by line for students without tickets to enter the game and to fill unclaimed seats after the game has started.

These changes are a definite improvement over previous ticketing policies, but there is plenty of work left to be done. According to Student Body President Jay Dawkins, getting out information about the details of the new ticketing system is the top priority. Both new and returning students need to learn about the revised system for athletic tickets, and University officials and Student Government leaders need to focus on informing students before football season begins.

Evaluating the effectiveness of the changes is also a high priority – while extending the hours for the on-demand system is a laudable reform, the stand-by line and point system present challenges to ensuring that athletic events are safe and enjoyable experiences for all students.

Security is another issue for the stand-by line. The University, SG and Campus Police need to emphasize safety issues with the stand-by line if it is to succeed.

The point system may also create problems for students. As it is, the system penalizes students for not using their tickets for games by taking away priority in later ticket distributions. Imposing a ban on future ticket requests for reaching a zero point score for missing too many games is far too harsh. While Dawkins said there is an appeal system that allows students to protest losing points, it should be scrapped. Losing priority for tickets should provide a sufficient sanction for students, particularly for major sporting events with a limited supply of tickets and high student demand.

Regardless, these changes represent a victory for N.C. State students – they now have an opportunity to build leverage for general admissions tickets for basketball season.