I concur completely. BBT (Before Big Time) you could drive to Orono from
where I live (in Winslow 1:15 away) and get a ticket. My schedule
doesn't really allow me to make arrangements weeks, or even days, in
advance, to call for tickets. As a result, I don't even bother any more.
I drove to Orono twice one year and was turned away each time. Two and a
half hours is a long, boring time just to listen to the game on the
radio. Especially when you're seething from the situation inside.
Last year, there was a game I really wanted to go to, both for the game
but as much because a friend I hadn't seen for years was a coach on the
opposing bench. As a member, FOMH got me the last-minute ticket. For
which I was eternally grateful, but not something I would want to
repeat. It was a very special situation.

Chesley, Clair wrote:

>I don't remember very many empty seats when there were a lot non-season
>ticket seats.  I have seen a significant number of empty season ticket
>seats, but I suppose that since they were paid for so it's ok.   I certainly
>understand the economic concern however.  I guess it's a balance between
>money and noise.  Since the hockey program pays for itself a few times over
>already, I vote for more noise, AND of course my own selfish interest in
>being able to go to more games.   And don't forget, team performance,
>recruiting, fan enjoyment, etc. are all at least partly related to noise.
>
>I also want to say this. It's not just about money and noise.  I am an
>alumnus of UMO (71) and now I have two children going there and another one
>starting next year.  I can't afford season tickets.  I can afford a couple
>of tickets 3 or 4 times a year.  And so can a lot of other people like me.
>Most of my friends are in my category and they're not going to games any
>more either.  Isn't there something to be said for having enough regular
>ticket seats so that in the course of a season a lot more people are able to
>at least get to a couple games?  And don't forget, there are a lot of people
>who live a long way away that are willing to drive the distance a few times
>in a season but to buy a season ticket and drive a long way for every game
>isn't reasonable for most people.
>I just have to question the fairness to the general public that access to
>the hockey games at a taxpayer supported institution is so restricted
>towards people with money.  Just because it's possible to almost totally
>sell out the whole arena for season tickets doesn't make it fair or even
>right.
>
>GO BLUE!!!   BEAT BU!!!
>
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