STAFF EDITORIAL: Putting Palestra tix to good use

Giving students the chance to donate winer break b-ball tickets to neighborhood kids is a wonderful idea. But rather than let hundreds of student tickets go to waste, the Athletic Department will allow students to donate their tickets to charitable and community groups, particularly those that benefit children in the West Philadelphia area. As a result, the basketball team will have the opportunity to perform before a larger crowd while hundreds of area kids get a chance to watch a game at one of college basketball's most storied arenas. In fact, the solution seems so beneficial to all involved that we hope it is extended to the rest of the season as well. After all, most season ticket holders are unable to attend at least a few games over the course of the season. Why limit their opportunity to donate unused tickets? But whatever may happen in the long run, students have a wonderful opportunity to put their tickets for the Villanova and Lafayette games to good use. We encourage season ticket holders to take advantage of the Athletic Department's program by handing in their tickets at the Palestra at either of the two home games this weekend. For those not in attendance, a drop-off box will also be available in Weightman Hall. And we encourage the Athletic Department to make the program -- and the faces of neighborhood children in the crowd -- permanent fixtures at the Palestra.