As we reminisce in the defeat of the Irish and the disappearance of Manti Te’o’s “girlfriend,” Saban has moved on, shifting focus to a new season and different team. However, one thing that will not change with a new season is the continued discussion regarding student support for the Tide.
As columnist John Brinkerhoff pointed out, “It only takes one game to see the lack of dedication. … The flight of students from the stadium typically begins after Alabama gains a small lead over its opponent. By halftime, it becomes blatantly obvious that the student section is beginning to empty.”
Any student who attended a home game this season, besides Texas A&M, knows this fact to be true. We have become a spoiled fan base. Leaving during the Shula-year halftimes was one thing. But now, as our fellow classmates have delivered back-to-back titles, leaving before the game clock strikes double-zeros shows a lack of appreciation for the past, present and future of Alabama football.
Originally, I did not feel this was a problem I should involve myself with, as people tend have the right to enter and exit an establishment as they please. Yet, the more I thought about it and spoke with friends who were not able to receive tickets, my opinion drastically changed.
Greek, independent, black or white, watching Alabama football in Bryant-Denny Stadium is not our right as students. It is a privilege and thus should be treated as one.
The blame game is often played to find where the faults lie, leaving people asking questions like: Do greeks or non-greeks frequently leave earlier than the other group? Is it the same individual/groups that consistently leave early? At what point during a game do we see a “mass exodus?”
All of these questions can be answered with a proposal – a proposal to reward faithful fans and penalize those who chose to turn their back and walk out of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Just as we use our ACT cards to swipe in for games, the same “action” of swiping should be required for any student leaving the game before the final five minutes of regulation.
The logistics would be simple: the same individuals who sit at the student gates during the game with ACT card readers beside them will now have an increased task to do throughout the game.
If a student is exiting, the worker should first remind them of potential penalty points for leaving the game early. This way, a conscious decision is being made by the student to either return to the game or continue on with penalty.
The penalty system for leaving early should follow that of the current point model: 1-point penalty for leaving before or during halftime, 0.5 point penalty for leaving before the five-minute mark. Gameday security and UAPD can help enforce the gates to ensure the employees are not overburdened with exiting students.
Currently, if you receive more than three penalty points in one home season, you are ineligible for postseason tickets as well as the next season. This should not change, as it should be an equal factor in determining future seating.
Admittedly, circumstances will arise during a game in which it becomes necessary to leave early and those instances should be given merit during the already established appeal process for ticket penalties.
As the Tide has won more games and championships, our expectations for the team have increased to the highest point in decades. Shouldn’t we, the student fans, bring our performance up to the level we expect from the players? It is only fair, and as Saban would say, “a part of the process.”
Davis Vaughn is a junior majoring in communication studies and political science. His column runs biweekly on Tuesdays.
