Although block seating in Jordan-Hare Stadium has always been available to Auburn's Greek life and qualifying organizations, the release of the new 2011-2012 SGA Spirit Contract may cause those who usually turn down the opportunity to rethink their decisions.
"The way we're doing it is brand new," said Mary Ryan, SGA secretary of traditions.
Ryan said eligibility has worked the same way in previous years, but the opportunities for block seating haven't been as publicized.
The new contract is hoped to generate enough excitement to get more groups interested and involved in the race for spirit points.
"Anybody who's in the spirit program is qualified to receive block seating if they reach enough spirit points," Ryan said. "Everybody starts at zero in April and as the year continues to April (of the following year), the rank based on spirit points determines those at the top."
Organizations in the top portion of the rankings are eligible to receive block seating if they so choose.
"If the organization is in the top part, but they wish not to have block seating, then they don't have to get it," Ryan said.
The size of an organization's block is determined by several factors.
Factors include the organization's actual ranking based on the total number of spirit points accumulated, its involvement in and support of University-based events, as well as the size of the group itself.
"You have to fill the seats as well, and if you don't, then you have spirit points deducted," said Ryan, who is also in a campus sorority. "Normally, the sororities just think it's a lot of hassle and don't want to worry about filling the seats and making sure the sisters are there (in time)."
Those who opt for block seating are required to be seated in their designated area in Jordan-Hare exactly 45 minutes before the start of a game.
"It's a pretty large deduction, so a lot of people just don't want to hassle with it," Ryan said.
A deduction won't affect an organization's other activities, but a total of three deductions will forfeit any eligibility a sorority, fraternity or other organization might have to compete for block seating the following year.
Other organizations that regularly receive block seating include the Honors College and Ignited.
No sorority will be participating in block seating this year.
Further information and a copy of the 2011-2012 SGA Spirit Contract can be found at www.auburn.edu/sga/programs/spirit/.
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