What students need to know to get football tickets in time

Fans hoping to get to and enjoy UA football games at Arizona Stadium this season need to plan ahead, show up early and know where to park or ride.

Phoebe Chalk, associate director of athletics, recommends that game-goers arrive early to allow for security checks.

"Don't wait until the last minute and expect to see kickoff," Chalk said. "Definitely plan ahead, and give yourself extra walking time."

Upon arrival at Arizona Stadium, fans will have to go through security checkpoints to ensure the safety of everyone at the game, Chalk said.

Purses, camera bags and baby bags will all be inspected at the gates.

However, backpacks, large bags and coolers will not be allowed in the stadium. People who attempt to bring any of these items will not be admitted and will be asked to return the items to their cars.

Chalk also advises game-goers not to bring open bottles of water into the stadium. People are allowed to bring plastic water bottles to the games, but the bottles will be inspected at the gates if they are open, to check for substances other than water.

While getting through the gates and into the game can take a while, getting to campus to see the game doesn't have to.

"Don't wait until the last minute and expect to see kickoff." -Phoebe Chalk Assistant director of athletics

Beginning approximately five hours before each game, the Parking and Transportation Services department and Intercollegiate Athletics will offer parking in the lots adjacent to the stadium for $5 on a space-available basis. Disabled parking will be sold on both sides of the stadium for $10.

Anyone with football season parking passes may also park in the reserved lots all around the stadium.

One must either have a parking pass or pay to park in approximately 5,000 parking spaces near the stadium on game days, while the more than 7,000 remaining spaces on campus will be open free-of-charge, said Richard Strayer, program coordinator for parking and transportation services.

Parking spots in the Park Avenue and Main Gate garages are free on game days.

Information monitors wearing bright vests will be on hand at the garages, proximity lots and intersections near the stadium to answer questions about functions, where to park and other information.

For Wildcat fans who want to leave the car parked at home, SunTran will be running special shuttles from three locations in Tucson: The northwest corner of the Tucson Mall parking lot, Fry's Shopping Center at I-19 and Irvington and in front of the main entrance to Hi Corbett Field, 3400 E. Camino Campestre.

Beginning two hours before the kickoff of every football game, the shuttles will run until the beginning of the game, and will return to the stadium to take people back to the three boarding locations at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

Roundtrip fare for the shuttles is $2; the fare for senior citizens over 65 and persons with disabilities is $1.

At the stadium, there are several rules to which fans must adhere.

Alcohol is prohibited. Smoking is only allowed on the ramps, away from the seating areas. There is no re-entry to the stadium. No one can get into the stadium after half time, because that is when the ticket booths close.

Football tickets can be purchased at the McKale Center ticket office, by calling 621-2287, or online at http://www.arizonaathletics.com.

Individual game tickets can be purchased any time during the season and cost $7 for students who present their CatCard; general admission tickets range in price from $9 - $54.

Season passes cost $32 for students and range from general admission $38-$1260.

For additional parking information, call Parking and Transportation services at 621-3710.

For questions about the football shuttles, visit Sun Tran's Web site at http://www.suntran.com, or call 792-9222.