LETTERS: Respecting Penn Hoops fans

To the Editor: When Richter stops rewarding the true, loyal fans and begins rewarding those lucky enough to call the "Penn Phone Line" at the right time (who ever heard of that line anyway?), he in practice converts "The Line" from a tradition into a joke. What is the point of surprising the student body by commencing the ticket line on a Thursday morning, as opposed to its traditional Friday morning beginning? The answer only goes to serve the egos of the Athletic Department. They place the pride stemming from the secrecy of information above the enthusiasm of Penn Hoops fans. Sure the department feels good about keeping the line secret this year, but it only makes it harder for the true fans to support the team. If Richter's goal was to keep the true fans guessing, in essence pushing them to the back of the line and high up in the bleachers of the Palestra, he was very much successful. However, if his goal was to give the real fans the best shot to get the prime seats in the house, his plan was a dismal failure. I suggest that next year the date and location of the sale be announced at the beginning of the semester. Consequently, one will be able to reward the true fans that will camp out of their own volition and give them the best seats. Think how silly it would be to announce only two weeks before the concert, the time and date that Billy Joel tickets go on sale. Instead Ticketmaster announces it months ahead of time and allows those who really want the tickets the opportunity to camp out as long as they see fit to get what they see as the best seats. Consequently, the diehard Billy Joel fans are near the stage and those less caring are toward the back of the arena. Let's put an end to the guessing game, Bill, and not reward those fans lucky enough to load a Web page at the right time, but those who really care about Penn Hoops. David Hyman College '99