Ticket Demand High Despite Pessimism

Students are lining up for a chance at tickets to the annual UNC-Duke game at the Smith Center, even though they are pessimistic about the likelihood of a UNC win.

Numbered ticket distribution bracelets were given out on Tuesday and Wednesday at Gate 5 of Kenan Stadium. Students also can get bracelets from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

The starting bracelet numbers for the distribution -- which are separate for seniors and all other students -- will be drawn at noon Friday in the pit.

Seniors will line up at 6 a.m. Saturday to get tickets. If there are any tickets left after the senior distribution, other students can claim them beginning at 10 a.m.

Some students said they think expectations of an embarrassing loss, given UNC's 5-11 win-loss record, will mean not as many students will be interested in getting tickets.

"I've seen hardly anyone wearing bracelets," said senior Doug Crump. "The team is down this year ... I don't think people want to see their school get beat."

Senior John Roam also said he was pessimistic about UNC's chance of success in the game. "If you consider good watching Duke scoring 30 points in a row uncontested, then this'll be a good game," he said. "If you consider good Carolina doing good, then this is going to be a terrible game."

But Carolina Athletic Association officials distributing tickets Wednesday said the demand for bracelets has not changed noticeably from last year, adding that the day's rainy weather could account for any decrease.

Though students aren't optimistic about UNC's chances of winning against Duke, many say they are still looking forward to the game.

"It's not going to be as exciting from a competitive standpoint, but I think there's enough rivalry there that the fans can get pretty excited," said graduate student Kate Bayard. "Cheer them on regardless."

The tradition of filling most of the student seats at the Duke game with seniors also has an impact on students' attitudes about the game, even if UNC is not expected to win. "It's a big rivalry, and in rivalry games, records don't matter," Crump said. "(I hope) I can get a good seat so I can see what is, I guess, the best rivalry in college sports."

CAA President Reid Chaney said other activities planned for "Beat Dook Week" aim to keep interest in the game high. Scheduled events include the annual "What Would You Do for Dook Tickets?" contest, which will be held at noon Tuesday in the Pit. Students will try to impress judges, who will award UNC-Duke tickets. Students also will receive free pizza Thursday in the Pit.

"(The game might not be) as good as in the past," Chaney said. "But it is Duke, and we're going to play the best we can -- the best, probably, that we did all year.

"I expect it to be a good game."

 

The University editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.