The Athletics Department reserved 180 mid-court seats in Stopher Gymnasium in which it will offer Nicholls students individual chair-backs, armrest, and a wide courtside view of the arena. Athletic Director Rob Bernardi said the athletics department is appreciative to students who passed the fee referendum.

“The new seating arrangement is an overture to thank students for contributing their hard earned money by passing the athletics fee referendum in the fall semester,” Bernardi said. “Students should be treated the same way as paying customers, and we want to provide them with the best seats in the house.”

Head men’s basketball coach J.P. Piper said the reserved student section will provide a much more enjoyable experience to students attending home basketball games.

“I think it is a much more comfortable way to watch the game. Students used to have to sit in the wooden bleacher section, which was uncomfortable. Now the students have armrest and chair-backs that provide a little more pleasant experience to come watch the game,” Piper said.

Piper also said hopefully the student seating section will increase player and student motivation for games.

“In terms of our players motivation, the section makes our gym look more like a college facility. The players can be proud for what we have to defend from teams coming in to our house,” Piper said.

The new student section is also expected to increase student involvement in home basketball games. Brittany Barrios, government junior from New Orleans, said she was happy about the new student section and excited about attending more home games this season.

“It is nice to know that the University is taking action to give back to the student body after passing the athletic fee referendum,” Barrios said. “The chairs are more comfortable and offer an excellent view of the games.”

To attend home games, students need only their student ID. The new seating section has red seats and is located on the north side of Stopher Gymnasium.