I had the pleasure of returning to Cameron Indoor Stadium two Sundays ago to watch the men's basketball game. What stood out more than anything was the lack of student seating. I know you don't want to hear about "when I was a student..." but, when I was an undergraduate, the entire lower section was for students as well as the upper north end behind the basket. To say it was shocking to see a very large portion of the lower section in the hands of what one sportswriter referred to as the "wine and cheese" crowd is an understatement.
Maybe the proceeds of these ticket sales, and the related Iron Duke contributions, have been used for new facilities and services. I don't know. What I do know is that whoever let this change happen certainly let Duke students down. Ask any Duke player who played when the entire bottom was filled with Duke students and they will tell you about the incredible advantage they had. It appears that Duke has put money ahead of tradition.
The joy I felt from 1976 to 1980 of attending the basketball games in an environment that was truly hostile to the visiting team is one I wish you, current students, could experience.
John Melling
Trinity '80
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