If students want to sit on the sidelines at Saturday's game, they had better have a Zona Zoo pass, after ASUA spirit leaders

revamped the ticket policy because passes sold like hotcakes.

More than 7,000 Zona Zoo passes have been sold since the first two weeks of school, in comparison to the 9,522 passes sold in 2004, said Amber Harryman, Associated Students of the University of Arizona spirit director.

Student guest tickets will only be available on a season ticket basis in the north end zone (sections 26 to 30) or the Red Zone in the south end zone, Harryman said.

Zona Zoo buyers who request a guest ticket will receive their season ticket, and their guest will receive a ticket at the regular price of $65. Zona Zoo buyers who purchase a guest ticket may not sit in the Zona Zoo student section (1 to 10) when their guest is with them, Harryman said.

There are also alternative options such as Red Zone and economy seating for students who would like to bring a guest for the entire season, she said.

The decision of how students can obtain single-game and guest tickets was harder to come by this year because ASUA wants as many Zona Zoo members at Arizona Stadium as possible, Harryman said.

"(Changes) had to be done because there has been such a great turnout of students to support the Zona Zoo program and our first commitment is to get the students into their seats," said Harryman, a classics junior.

If there is still availability in the Zona Zoo area, students may purchase one $7 single-game ticket for that week's game, Harryman said. The stadium has 9,451 seats designated for students, which comprises nearly 17 percent of the stadium's 56,000 total capacity.

Harryman said a week before a home game, there will be a message on the McKale Center Ticket Office answering machine at 5 p.m. Friday explaining whether tickets will be available. If available, which Harryman doesn't anticipate, tickets will go on sale Monday at 9 a.m. in person at the McKale ticket office or over the phone.

"At this time, we don't expect to have single game tickets available for sale due to the large demand of the Zona Zoo pass this year," Harryman said.

Admission to the student section will still be on a first come, first served basis. The UA student gates open 1 1/2 hours prior to kickoff, and Zona Zoo pass holders who arrive after maximum capacity has been reached will not be allowed to enter the student section.

"This will encourage students to arrive at the game before kickoff and reward the loyal fans who arrive early," Harryman said.

Harryman said, however, there won't be a limit on the amount of Zona Zoo passes sold, because the Zona Zoo pass acts as the season pass for not only football but also volleyball, women's basketball, gymnastics, baseball and softball, and increases a student's chance of winning the men's basketball ticket lottery.

Tailgate parties

ASUA spirit and Zona Zoo will be holding tailgates for the back-to-back home games against Northern Arizona University Saturday and Purdue Sept. 17, where all Zona Zoo members are invited and should expect free food, music and a chance to showcase their excitement with other fans, Harryman said.

Harryman said students should wear their new Zona Zoo T-shirts and bring their Zona Zoo pass for admission to the game after the tailgate, which she said provides an atmosphere conducive for students to show their school spirit.

"The tailgate is a great time for all students to get together before a big game and get excited for UA and the football team," Harryman said in an e-mail. "It's a great way to make the student section strong and spirited. Tailgates are fun, lively events that all college students should experience during their time here."

The tailgate will be located on the UA Mall from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to allow students enough time to make it over to Arizona Stadium before kickoff, Harryman said.

Info

For Zona Zoo passes contact: McKale Center Ticket Office at 621-2287