MINJU KIM
Special to The Leader
Three and a half hours. That’s how fast Bill Nye tickets sold out on the first day of classes. Three years ago, tickets for Yo¬yo Ma’s performance at the university also sold out like hotcakes — but not in three hours.
“There was a great demand for tickets,” said Allison Barry, Ticket Office Manager.
Because of that great demand, as well as people’s excitement for the science guy, an additional 2,600 tickets went on sale (free of charge) Thursday, Sept. 4. They will continue to be available until Nye’s appearance on Sept. 18, or until they’re sold out.
According to Barry, King Concert Hall fits about 1,100 people, whereas the Steele Hall Field House will fit 4,000.
The university student population is approximately 5,000 students; 4,000 seats is room for 80% of the total student population.
The convocation committee was in charge of making the decision to have additional tickets and change the location to Steel Hall Field House.
“It was a collaborative decision,” said Dawn Eckenrode, member of the convocation committee, speaking of the collaboration between the committee as well as President Horvath and her cabinet.
Now that there is going to be more seats available, how many people are the committee anticipating?
According to Eckenrode, “Quite a few, close to 4,000 because the Steele Hall Field House can fit about 4,000 people.”
But was the committee surprised to find out that the tickets sold out that fast?
“Kind of, but kind of not. I wasn’t shocked because it [Bill Nye] is a big name. People were excited about
him,” said Eckenrode.
It was easy to spot students who were coming to the Ticket Office to buy Bill Nye’s ticket after the second
sale began. Ji Hye Jung, a senior business marketing major, was getting a ticket at the Ticket Office.
“I didn’t even know that the ticket was on sale. But a friend of mine told me about the event and
recommended that I go. I’m so excited to be there!” said Jung.
In just two days, 1,200 additional tickets were sold after the second release. The tickets are still free, but there is $3.00 processing fee per phone order. To place a ticket order by phone, call (716) 673¬-3501.