Requires the LSU Board of Supervisors to offer first-time entering freshmen tickets for purchase to attend football games in Tiger Stadium
Impact
The implementation of HB 144 will significantly alter how ticket sales are conducted for LSU football games. Specifically, the bill stipulates a student ticket purchase period of five consecutive days before the football season. If tickets remain unsold after this period, they can then be made available to the general public. This change aims to prioritize student access to games while enforcing a standardized ticket offering process for new students, which could foster a stronger sense of belonging and school spirit among freshmen.
Summary
House Bill 144 mandates that the Board of Supervisors at Louisiana State University (LSU) provide first-time entering freshmen with the opportunity to purchase tickets for football games held at Tiger Stadium. Under this bill, each freshman enrolled full-time at LSU-Baton Rouge must be offered at least one ticket to each game during the football season. The bill is designed to enhance student engagement and access to college football, an integral part of LSU's campus culture and community identity.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 144 appears to be generally positive, with supporters emphasizing the importance of integrating freshmen into the university community through direct engagement in campus traditions, such as attending football games. However, while the bill has enjoyed support from many legislators and university officials, there may be some contention regarding implementation logistics and the fairness of ticket distribution processes.
Contention
One notable point of contention relates to the potential for complications in ensuring that all freshmen receive their allocated tickets in a manner that is seen as fair and equitable. Concerns may arise over demand exceeding supply, particularly for high-profile games, and the methods adopted for distributing surplus tickets after the purchase period. Stakeholders may question how to maintain transparency and equity in ticket allocation to avoid dissatisfaction among students.
Levies a tax on tickets for admission to certain college football games and dedicates the avails of the tax to passenger rail service between New Orleans and Baton Rouge (OR INCREASE SD RV See Note)