Finding a point of view

By Dave Ranney     Sep 20, 2005

Call it the Big Swap.

Dozens of Jayhawk basketball fans whose past contributions to Kansas University and its athletic department earned them enough points to sit within a few rows of courtside in Allen Fieldhouse gave up their seats Monday, preferring the comfort of the higher-up, chair-back seats.

Their moves, in turn, created dozens of vacancies for fans who were anxious to be closer to the action.

“We’re very satisfied,” said Andy Perry, who on Monday drove to Lawrence from St. Marys with his wife, Donna, to take part in the athletic department’s select-a-seat process.

The Perrys, who have more than a 1,000 points, moved down 10 rows.

“We had been in the top row of Sec. 17 – chair-backs,” said Perry, 40. “Now, we’re in the front row of Sec. 16. It’s still bench seating, but we’re young. We don’t mind. We want to be as close as we can get.”

Jeff Gueldner, a starter on the Jayhawks’ 1988 NCAA Championship team, also moved down 10 rows. “I gave up my seat-backs,” he said, “but I’m 10 rows closer.”

Gueldner, 37, said he was aware many longtime fans are upset with the athletic department’s switch to a priority points system and the displacement that followed.

“I understand where they’re coming from,” he said. “But for me it’s been a good deal because the way it was before, there was no way somebody my age could get tickets without, you know, writing a $100,000 check to the (athletic department’s) Williams Fund. I see both sides.”

Gueldner, who lives near Olathe and who owns a small company that buys, remodels and sells homes, received 10 points for having been a player.

“Oh, don’t get me started on that,” he said, laughing.

Generally, donors are awarded one point for every $100 contributed to the Williams Fund.

Earlier this year, athletic department officials decided to give season ticket holders the option of choosing their seats. The process began Monday and will run through Friday.

“It’s all based on personal preference,” said associate athletic director Jim Marchiony.

Incoming ticket holders are advised to dress lightly. Allen Fieldhouse is not air-conditioned, and it’s plenty humid. The select-a-seat processes take about 30 minutes.

It’s also a good idea, Marchiony said, for ticket holders to check the seating charts before their names are called. Those who dawdle, he said, may be passed by those who don’t.

Every 10 minutes, 10 names are called.

“It’s fast and furious,” said Dan Boulware, a season ticket holder from St. Joseph, Mo. “You need to be quick on your feet. Bring your sneakers.”

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