As the seconds ticked down on the RBC Center video board Saturday afternoon, there was more going on than a lashing of the Tar Heels. The RBC Center staff was ushering students from the 300 levels down into the lower levels in anticipation of a court storming.
Without checking tickets or asking questions, staff members slowly and safely let students creep closer to the court waiting for the final buzzer.
All students in the lower level and those who made it downstairs on time made it onto the court and participated in the most necessary celebration of most of our tenures’ at the University.
Not only were the players right in the middle of the mass, jumping and shouting with all the stormers, but no one was hurt, nothing was broken and the RBC staff and police officers maintained control of the celebration the whole time.
When it was time to clear the court for the ensuing hockey game Saturday night, RBC Staff ushered students off the court. Everyone complied and just like that, a major N.C. State tradition went off without a hitch – like a well-oiled machine.
This is a perfect example of how proper planning and execution can lead to a safe, fun environment for everyone.
There is no reason that the same amount and caliber of planning can’t go into Carter-Finley Stadium.
The only difference is there are more people at football games trying to get onto the field. Be that as it may, the field is much bigger, there are more staff members and the goalposts can be taken down before anyone makes it onto the field.
If there is a concrete plan students can adhere too, we will. We displayed that Saturday.
There are ways to get people onto the field or court efficiently with little risk of injury, and the RBC Center staff displayed that perfectly. They should be commended for how they handled the storming.
Moreover, RBC organizers should collaborate with Carter-Finley staff on how to recreate Saturday’s atmosphere.
This is the first step in bringing back traditions that not only students, but athletes and alumni deserve to have.
