With the new hockey game entrance procedure in place for students hoping to snag free admission complements of the Experience Tech fee, the pre-game experience is a whole lot different compared to in past years. For better or for worse, the change has certainly given students something to talk about.

In the past, students were able to pick up Experience Tech hockey tickets days in advance. Diehards looking to reserve the same seats week after week would consistently show up to the SDC ticket office on Tuesdays at noon when the tickets first became available. Fourth years Sam Hilliger and Danny Leppek can attest to that.

Considering the number of Experience Tech tickets being distributed throughout the week in years past, it was determined that fewer students than expected were showing up to games. Essentially, tickets were being claimed by no-shows, which seemed unfair to students who actually went to games but ended up having to pay for their tickets.  

In order to combat this abuse and ensure that all 750 Experience Tech seats were actually filled come game time, a new entrance protocol began at the start of the 2013-2014 hockey season.  

So far this year, the Mac has hosted six hockey games, so students have had a good taste of the new entrance procedure. The most notable change from previous years and most common complaint from students has to do with getting to the arena early and having to wait in line. “It’s just an inconvenience, but I’ll still show up. It’s hockey,” commented Leppek.

Students start lining up at the SDC over an hour before games are scheduled to start. Last year, if you showed up to a hockey game at 6:30, you were there early. This year, show up at 6:30 and you will more than likely be paying for your ticket. Joe Jaworski, a second year, commented, “I preferred what they did last year. I didn’t have to get here at 5:30.”

Third year Dave Walsh sided with Jaworski. “I definitely like last year’s system a lot better.” Having that said, Walsh expressed appreciation for the Experience Tech tickets, noting, “The deal we’re getting is still a lot better than at other schools where varsity events cost a lot more money.”  

Various attempts have been made to increase the overall enjoyment of the waiting period, including distributing t-shirts and pizza. “It’s not too bad when you’re with friends,” noted first year Evan Tsuchiya, who picked up a t-shirt and free pizza two weeks ago. Broadcasting the Northwestern vs. Michigan football game up on the big screen before Saturday’s game was another successful attempt to keep the crowd entertained.

For Hilliger and Leppek, not being able to sit in the same seats every week is another downfall to the new system. “I don’t like that I am unable to choose my seats prior to going up and the fact that to get a ‘good’ seat you have to get there at least an hour prior to the game,” said Hilliger.

Not all that student had to say was negative, however. Fourth year Scott Ringwelski shared one of the more optimistic of student responses about the new entrance procedure. “I think it’s a good idea. It’s more difficult for students, but I think it’s going to raise attendance.”

In fact, one of the main positive outcomes from the new system which has been noted by many is the increase in student attendance. Hilliger expressed, “I think that the new system is great because there are more students now than I have seen at games in past years.” Leppek agreed, stating, “The one good thing is that it’s filling up the stands.”

Getting more students in the stands earlier has certainly created a hyped-up pre-game atmosphere in the arena which carries over into the game. This has had a positive impact on the athletes who look forward to playing in front of a buzzing crowd.  

Despite mixed feelings from students about the new entrance procedure to hockey games, attendance is up, and the entertainment value of games is as high as ever. Even if the hour-long wait is an inconvenience, the fact that the stands are filling up early is a testament to the students’ willingness to cope with the new system and overall dedication to the sport. Given a great Division I hockey team and an arena full of energized fans, there’s no better place to be than the Mac when Michigan Tech Hockey is in town.