Stadium walls separate two worlds

During Saturday's football game against N.C. State, University administrators and members of the Board of Trustees enjoyed cookies, hot dogs, popcorn and an array of other snacks inside the chancellor's box.

Outside Kenan Stadium, though, others weren't as comfortable - some students were denied entrance after the student section filled to capacity.

As students screamed profanities outside the stadium, demanding entrance into the year's most heated contest, Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for University advancement, described the meet-and-greet opportunities offered by the chancellor's box, high above the field.

"It's just a great environment to come up to in the most beautiful stadium in America," Kupec said.

Student Body President Matt Calabria, another regular in the box, touted the chance to get to know University officials on a personal level to discuss business in an informal environment.

"When you see someone in a suit in an office every week, it's nice to associate with them when you're just hanging out at a sporting event," he said.

Calabria also said he enjoys watching officials get involved in the game. "It's really fun to see the chancellor and other trustees giving standing ovations to our team and getting really into it," he said.

For his part, Chancellor James Moeser said he never misses a game and was especially excited about Saturday's rivalry match. "This game is more intense," he said.

But as Moeser spoke, students who wanted to enter the stadium using a UNC ONE Card were being turned away because the student section was full.

Looking down at the filled student stands, Calabria discussed his desire to sit in that section, instead of in the chancellor's box, for at least one game. "I feel like my identity is in both places," he said.

And 30 minutes after game time, Calabria began playing a dual role when his cell phone rang as desperate students looked to him for a solution to the shutout.

After talking to security guards and students, Calabria returned to the chancellor's box to alert administrators of the problem. He was able to obtain "three or four" extra tickets to deliver to students. "I was trying to help out in any way I could," he said. "That's part of my job description."

Many students, especially seniors, said they were upset at their inability to watch the game, even though the fire marshal said it was not safe for more students to be admitted.

"It's really frustrating to watch State fans walk right by us when they don't pay tuition," said Walker Rutherfurd, president of the Interfraternity Council, chairman of the student government Board of Elections and just one of the students who didn't make it into the stadium. "And this is my senior year."

William Keith, president of the Carolina Athletic Association, said a ticket distribution system was not used this year as in past years because it can be time-consuming and confusing. He also said a distribution system still bars many students from attending games.

Keith said it's important for students to come to the games early and not give ONE Cards to non-UNC students.

But he also said there was one positive outcome of Saturday's situation. "It's a problem that's unfortunate, but it also shows a lot about the student support for the athletic teams."

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.