From The Desk of Ron Mason

Sept. 28, 2005

Here are a couple of quick notes and reminders before Saturday's Michigan State-Michigan football game:

 Under new guidelines this season, seat cushions are permissible in Spartan Stadium; however, portable seatbacks are strictly prohibited. Fans should note that the single-game sale of approved seatbacks inside the stadium has been discontinued for the remainder of the season because those seatbacks can't be properly secured on game day.

Fans with medical issues that need special accommodations should report directly to Guest Services, located at the Ticket Office on the west side of the stadium between Gates G and H. We will make our best effort to accommodate those requests; however, seating is limited on the photo deck (west side/Level 6) where we can relocate those fans that require special accommodations. A maximum of two tickets may be exchanged for seating on the photo deck while supplies last. I strongly encourage those fans that have medical issues to report to Guest Services as soon as the gates open (10:30 a.m. - 90 minutes prior to kickoff).

 Parking is at a premium on home football Saturdays, especially this weekend, so fans are reminded that tailgating is confined to their parking space. Respect your neighbors and limit your tailgate to your parking space. Please also make sure that your tailgating area doesn't limit traffic flow behind your vehicle. (Parking lots open at 7 a.m.)

 For the first time since 2001, the football teams won't be on the field for the playing of our national anthem. As a former coach, my personal preference is to have the teams on the field to honor our flag and country; however, the pregame timeline has made this impossible. The logistics are difficult - getting 350 band members off the field, 140 players on the field and kicking the ball off on cue from network television. At the first two home games, the Kent State and Hawaii football teams were trapped in the tunnel for the national anthem, and that's not fair to the visiting team and it's not the proper way to honor the flag. The majority of Big Ten schools have adopted this pregame protocol.

 I want to encourage fans to stop by the WJIM/WMMQ Radio remote, located near the outdoor track and field hockey complex off Shaw Lane, prior to Saturday's game and contribute funds to the hurricane relief effort. Fans are asked to donate $1 and sign the banner, "Spartans for Hurricane Katrina Relief." The banner will be displayed in the south end zone for the remainder of our home football schedule. The MSU Athletics Department is excited to be a part of this project in cooperation with ASMSU, MSU's Residence Hall Association and the National Residence Hall Honorary. This is a unique way to raise both funds and awareness of the national relief efforts.

 Lastly, the Spartan football team needs the full support of our fans this weekend, especially the student body. The 12th man can play a key role in Saturday's game, so arrive early at the stadium and let your voices be heard. All eyes will be on East Lansing this weekend, so please conduct yourselves with class both inside and outside the stadium.

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