OSU Students Take Advantage Of Discounted Tickets

By Kyle Dierking, NewsOn6.com

STILLWATER, OK -- Oklahoma State University students were paying the price for men's basketball games. Students paid $242 for a season ticket, the most in major college basketball.

Last week, OSU announced a discount for students, charging $10 for the final two home games. 

During Saturday's game against Texas, students were raucous, rambunctious and riled up as they crowded inside Gallagher-Iba Arena toting $10 tickets.

"For 10 bucks, I'll go to every game," said OSU senior Kevin Paul. "It seems like there's more enthusiasm because the prices are cheaper."

Student support is at a nine year low. Compared to the more than 3,700 student season tickets that sold three years ago, only 1,642 paid the $242 price tag this year.

"For how we've performed the last few years and for them to increase prices, it really doesn't make sense," said OSU senior Justin Landis.

Six days after NewsOn6.com released a story revealing OSU had the highest student season ticket prices in major college basketball, the university announced they were lowering prices to $10 for the final two home games - an effort subsidized by billionaire T. Boone Pickens.

2/24/2009  Related Story: OSU Men's Basketball Student Ticket Prices Reduced

"I was happy we could go to the last two games for a cheap price for a college student," said Landis.

First year coach Travis Ford also felt the difference. It was his first experience seeing a packed Gallagher-Iba Arena.

"Great atmosphere - it's what I've always heard about it," Ford said. "It was exciting; it was fun and great to see. It means a lot to our team, it really does."

After the game, Ford made sure he took the time to thank the fans for their support and Pickens for his donation.

"I'm not an idiot," Ford joked. "I may do some stupid things..."

Get updates to Kyle's latest sports stories through Twitter. Click here to follow him.