Topics

More

SPA Apologizes For ‘Chaotic’ Mishap At Ticketing Event

Penn State’s Student Programming Association (SPA) released a statement on Wednesday apologizing to students after abruptly canceling a ticketing event.

The organization canceled its New York City bus trip ticket sale on Wednesday after a logistical mishap created a chaotic mob of students in the HUB. Hours after the event was canceled, SPA seemingly placed equal blame on its members and the students who waited in line.

“SPA is a student-run organization, and unfortunately, the plan we had did not work,” the organization wrote. “We recognize that the large amount of people attempting to purchase tickets today could have resulted in serious injury, but at the same time, the behaviors of some students created an unsafe atmosphere.”

Things went awry when “a large swarth of students” crowded SPA’s table in the HUB, which forced the organization to move its operation to a different table. Some commenters on SPA’s Instagram page alleged that unclear communication amplified issues during the ticket sale conundrum.

“Instead of apologizing for the threat this caused to everyone’s safety, SPA members screamed at us to ‘get out,'” one commenter wrote. “This was handled extremely poorly from the moment it started and caused unnecessary danger to all those trying to buy tickets. Without clear communication, chaos ensued. Instead of allowing for a line to be formed as people arrived, SPA chose to create a mob.”

The $10 tickets for a bus trip to New York City on March 19 were expectedly in high demand. Each ticket would give a student access to either the Museum of Modern Arts or a performance of “Hadestown” on Broadway. Since its budget funded only one bus, SPA said tickets were expected to go quickly.

After canceling Wednesday’s ticket sale, SPA said it would reschedule for a later date and move sales online. Ticket sales will now begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 4, via Penn State’s online OrgCentral portal.

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience that this caused, and we request your patience as we find and communicate solutions to today’s ticketing event,” SPA said.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Matt DiSanto

Matt proudly served as Onward State’s managing editor for two years until graduating from Penn State in May 2022. Now, he’s off in the real world doing real things. Send him an email ([email protected]) or follow him on Twitter (@mattdisanto_) to stay in touch.

News & Notes From James Franklin’s Penn State Football Winter Update

Franklin spoke on Jim Knowles, Ja’Juan Seider, Penn State’s end to the 2024 season, and moving forward into spring ball.

Where Secrets Are Sipped: The Hideaway Seeks To Change State College Bar Scene As February Opening Nears

The 127 E. Calder Way speakeasy is eyeing a tentative Saturday, February 22, opening.

Forty Years Later: New Evidence Brought Forth Could Free Subu Vedam

After 40 years, new evidence brought forth, involving conflicting bullet sizes and wounds, could be the key to finally brining Vedam home.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
63.7kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter