Despite conflict, sales steady for NCAA tourney games
By Braden Howell
Staff Reporter

A war with Iraq and concerns of safety have had little affect on fans wishing to see the Lady Frogs make their third straight appearance in the NCAA tournament, Assistant Marketing Director Jason Booker said.

Booker said TCU sold out of the 100 allotted tickets soon after they went on sale Monday afternoon. He said the game against Michigan State, which takes place Sunday at the University of Connecticut’s 10,027 seat Harry A. Gampel Pavilion, is also sold out.

“It’s good to see people still want to go to the games in times like this,” Booker said.

Lady Frog fans with tickets to the game, such as TCU alumna Amanda Fulton, say the war with Iraq is not a factor in deciding whether or not to attend the game.

“I really haven’t thought much about the war as far as going to the game is concerned,” Fulton said. “The only reason I wouldn’t go is if I can’t find anyone to go with me.”

The Lady Frogs and fans will also be able to enjoy the company of the TCU cheerleaders and band while in Connecticut.

The war has not affected travel plans for the 26 band members and 12 cheerleaders scheduled to leave Saturday morning, cheerleading head coach Jeff Tucker said. Tucker added that travel plans could still change depending on what happens.

“Anything’s possible,” Tucker said. “Something could change as late as Friday.”

Ross Grant, assistant director of bands, said although the war has not affected travel plans to Connecticut, it has altered the bands plans to make additional trips while in the area. Grant said the band was planning to take a trip to New York City Monday, should the Lady Frogs win Sunday, but have changed those plans.

“We were planning on going to New York because a bunch of the (students) have never been, but we decided that right now it’s not a good idea to go to New York City just to visit,” Grant said.

Braden Howell