New ticket option allows WSU to cheer and dance outside the game

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Wichita State University is offering new base seating at Shocker basketball games. The lucrative plan is facing backlash over the costs of the university’s cheerleading and dance teams.

A post that has gone viral on Facebook says the cheerleaders and dance team are losing prime space on the court and may even have to serve food to season ticket holders.

Wichita State University has responded to questions about its plans by saying it is always looking for new ways to increase revenue without raising tuition and that premium courtside seating could help make money.

As a result of the changes, cheerleaders and dancers will be moved to the student section during games, and teams will have access to the dance floor during pre-game preparation, timeouts and halftime, the university explained. 12 News spoke with a former Shocker fan who is unhappy with the changes.

“I don’t want to continue to use the word disrespect and just disrespect the hard work and dedication that these athletes put in, especially because a lot of them don’t get scholarships, the dance team doesn’t get a scholarship. . And they are expected to adhere to student-athlete guidelines, but they are not treated the same as all other student-athletes,” said Wichita State Cheer alumna Faith Smith.

Other WSU Cheer alumni took to social media to express their disappointment with the changes, particularly bothered by the proposal to have members of the spirit squad serve the food.

Wichita State University released its response after seeing heated conversations on social media. The university said the proposed changes to concessions were misrepresented.

Wichita State explained that spirit squads, along with other organizations, are given the opportunity to operate concessions during games as a means of raising funds for themselves.

The university’s statement reads, in part: “This year, Athletics paid for outside personnel (not cheerleading or dancing) to serve as primary support staff/attendants/guides for season ticket holders in premium seating.”