The Barometer Online

Issue date: 9/20/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Tzu-Ying Chen "Please do not stand on the bleachers" has been painted on all the bleachers in the student section at Reser.

An ultimatum has been given to OSU's student body at Reser Stadium: stand down at the football games or be forced to give up seats.

The athletic department is asking that students refrain from standing on the bleachers in the student section on the renovated side of Reser Stadium because it is interfering with the view of disabled access seating located behind the student section.

That doesn't mean students have to sit down - the department only wants students to not stand on the orange-colored bleachers.

"When students stand on the bleachers it adds about two feet, and people in wheelchairs behind them see the backs of heads rather than the game," said John Cheney, assistant athletic director.

University officials have offered two alternatives: fans can stand on the lower walkway level or they may be forced to lose one or more of the back rows of student seating.

"We want the students to be loud, cheer and have fun," Cheney said. "But obviously we also need to look out for all the fans at the stadium. Since there is no way to elevate the disabled access seating, we hope that students will make a simple change to make Reser a great place for anyone to watch the Beavers."

More drastic solutions have also been offered, including taking all the bleachers out of the student section or even having event staff kick out those who refuse to comply. All are considered "last resort" measures, and ASOSU President Michael Olson hopes that this seating concern doesn't come to a stand-off between students and administration officials.

"We are trying to figure out the best way to raise awareness about students not standing on the seats," Olson said. "It is a small issue that could get blown significantly out of hand. If everyone just takes a 'step down' then we all win."

The 2006 season is only the second year that the renovated east side is open, but blocked views are anything but a new problem. When the old student grandstand existed prior to the 2005 season, the sections behind the student seating were considered "view obstructed" for exactly the same reason.

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