We've almost made it; we've almost survived another year of sitting on cold metal benches for a painful three hours. Another forgettable football season is drawing closer to an end.

Of course, this season we have had a few new things to hang our hats on.

We got to see an end to the reign of John Mackovic, which in and of itself is encouraging for next season. We can't be worse, anyway.

The Zona Zoo also migrated into Arizona Stadium for the first time, with new blue shirts and the Zona Zoo Pass in place of student season tickets ÷ an interesting and creative way to sell tickets to see a football team that is less than good, to put it lightly.

Of course, we would all love to see the team do well, but let's face it, this cool new Pass was created for an entirely different reason ÷ or, should I say, season.

Every year we anticipate the start of the "real" season, that of our men's basketball team.

Everything in Tucson revolves around how our beloved b-ballers do each year ÷ so much so that getting tickets for a game here at the UA is like striking oil.

Jason Poreda Columnist

Getting tickets is like a badge of honor that is worn proudly because you are among the privileged few who get to see the high-flying basketball team work its magic on the court, lead by lovable and brilliant coach Lute Olson.

Universities all around the country strive to have a team like ours, one of these "elite" teams that compete for a national championship every year.

If you're a student here at the UA, however, you'd never know that the athletics department and the university are so thrilled to have such a spirited following.

They fight students who just want an opportunity to cheer for their team, unlike so many other schools that embrace the loyal fan base that comes with having such a good team.

Stanford, home of the famous "sixth man" club for students, and other schools around the country are famous for their student fans. Duke, Syracuse, Notre Dame, LSU, Nebraska and countless more love the fact that their student body is passionate about their teams.

They use this passion to complement great academics by creating huge excitement about the school through athletics. Our school is poised to take advantage of this opportunity, but keeps refusing to do so.

This year, the athletics department went back to a lottery system to distribute tickets to basketball games, the wrong move. How are the students supposed to get excited or thrilled about a lottery? Granted, a riot every year would not be the best alternative and the athletics department had to do something to avoid hordes of students invading the south side of McKale.

Anyone who was there can agree to that. The Zona Zoo system is a good start, but not the final solution.

The department also decided not to hold Midnight Madness this year. Traditionally, it is the first practice of the season that is open to all and something that dozens of basketball programs around the country participate in.

Another colossal mistake for the UA to make. With another football season surrounded by disappointment, what better way is there to remind Tucson of what's to come than to have a fun event showcasing the jewel of Arizona athletics and hyping up our very exciting and very young team this year?

After saying goodbye to three of the most popular players ever here at the UA, it would be a great opportunity to see who is going to replace the familiar numbers 4, 22 and 33.

An elite team, yes, but the athletics department continues to forget that one of the things that makes a team elite is the fans that go to every game and make themselves heard by all.

It's those students who later become alumni, donate to the school and proudly send their kids to their alma mater.

It's that undying pride that starts with wanting to be a fan.

Let us students be just that, and become what this school needs most of all ÷ "elite" fans.

Jason Poreda is a political science and communication senior. He can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.