Athletics will decide the fate of the new student ticketing system in which students are awarded sections contingent on their arrival time to the student gates, based on its success at tonight’s game against Florida State at 7:30 p.m. in Carter-Finley Stadium.

“We in no way feel like this is or has to be the long term situation,” he said.

Christy said the abrupt changes made to the ticketing system following the Boston College game on Sept. 23 were in an effort to make the stands a safer environment.

“When [students] are in the stadium I need to keep them safe,” he said.

He also said that any substantial changes – ones that involve software amendments – are very time consuming.

“[The new ticketing system] is the quickest and easiest way to do it without having major software changes,” Christy said.

Students now have a choice between getting the best seats in the stadium or tailgating up until kickoff.

According to Christy, Chancellor James L. Oblinger has tough decisions to make about tailgating because he has to cater to all 31,000 students – and ensure all spectators’ safety at sporting events.

“I completely understand the position the Chancellor is in,” he said. “When you are the Chancellor, you are responsible for 31,000 — not necessarily what is good for a few.”

He said that he anticipates the Chancellor and the Football Task Force will take the rally for extended tailgate hours organized by Student Government at the Bell Tower Tuesday afternoon into consideration, but the Chancellor needs a “body of work” before he makes any decisions.

Christy defined a “body of work” as statistics showing how successful the new ticketing system and tailgate restrictions are in keeping people safe.

“The chancellor is not being close minded,” he said.

Christy reiterated the reasons for tailgate restrictions and the new ticketing system.

“This is pure and simple a safety issue at the game,” he said.