Students express concern over Pirate football seating

For many students, the home game against Tulane was supposed to be a special family-filled event.

For some, it was four quarters of anger and frustration, but not because of the score.

ECU student Richard Wells and a group of friends arrived at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium excited to support the Pirates in another game.

However, when Wells and his friends went to their assigned section and seats, they were surprised to find people already sitting there.

The students approached the security officer at the nearest gate for help, but were told to find empty seats and sit down. After talking to three different security officers and ushers, the students found no help, and decided to find empty seats to watch the rest of the game.

A few minutes after being seated, a security officer informed them that they must relocate because they were in assigned seating.

Once again, the students had to move. Wells and his friends say they left the game with a feeling that they had been cheated and treated unfairly.

"We felt that the problem was mainly due to an inconsistency with the security and ushers at the game," said Wells. "Even though they were there, the security was of no help to us."

While all students may not experience these problems, there are still students who have endured this scenario and are not pleased about seating arrangements at home games.

For those who experience similar problems, there are actions that can be taken to improve student experiences at future games.

ECU Chief of Police Scott Shelton agrees with the students who believe the situation was handled unfairly.

Shelton explains that during games, all seating issues should be directed toward ushers. The only reason an officer should be involved in seating issues is if a fan does not listen to an usher and police force is necessary.

"Before each home game, officers and ushers go through a briefing," said Shelton.

At the next briefing, Shelton plans to bring up seating in an effort to ensure that all similar complaints and needs for assistance are handled on a consistent basis.

All students are strongly encouraged to sit in the section printed on their tickets, especially the tickets that are reserved for the student overflow area. One student sitting in the wrong seat can throw off an entire section.

Students are also encouraged to voice concerns and problems to ushers. According to the ECU official athletic Web site, "all requests for assistance should be directed to ushers, which are located at every entrance way throughout the stadium."

If issues still are not resolved, contact the ECU police department on the non-emergency extension.

This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.