TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – The University of Arizona is shaking up its seating plan at the Casino Del Sol Stadium, causing a stir among season ticket holders.
The university announced that starting this upcoming football season, the home bench will move from the east sideline to the west sideline. This decision will affect the seating arrangements for many, including 40 season ticket holder accounts.
In a statement, the University of Arizona said in part, “Arizona Football will move their home bench from the east sideline to the west sideline beginning this season. This process included a need to relocate our football player family and guest section, and 40 season ticket holder accounts were affected. No seats were removed from the venue.”
Several season ticket holders expressed their concerns about the changes, noting they were just informed about the relocation. They mentioned that while alternative seats have been offered, the new seats come at a higher cost.
“There ought to be a place that we can get tickets or get seats that are comfortable and workable for everybody,” John Siegel, a season ticket holder, said.
Siegel, who has enjoyed the same seats for over 40 years, shared his disappointment in being separated from fellow fans he has grown close to over the years.
“You’re kind of a family, you know. And then everyone is just going to be torn up,” Siegel said.
Siegel is now considering not renewing his tickets for the next season after attending Wildcats games for decades.