Move over, Target Field. The new seats overlooking Palmer Field at O’Shaughnessy Stadium are the latest rage for St. Thomas students.

The “veranda seats” are a new addition that came with the Anderson Athletic and Recreation Complex, and the seats are creating a buzz around campus because of their prime location.

“There are a little over 250 affixed seats,” said Michelle Morgan, marketing manager of the Anderson facilities. “It’s seating that you would have at any professional venue.”

But even though the new seats can accommodate larger crowds, students will not be able to use them this football season. At the Sept. 11 game against University of Wisconsin- River Falls, the seats were mostly empty.

“The seats are solely being used by different groups around the university,” Morgan said. “Groups like the Tommie Club, external sponsors of the athletic program, and the Development Office will be able to test them out and see what the vantage point is really like.”

This has some students up in arms over the seats. Sophomore Rob McGhee said students deserve the premium seats.

“With the price I’m paying to go here, I should be able to sit wherever I want to cheer on my football team,” he said.

Sophomore Madeline Allie said she would like to see them become general admission seats.

“More seating is always a good thing,” she said. “I think a first-come, first-served policy would be best.”

Others, like senior Destiny Clifford, are indifferent to the veranda seats.

“I don’t have a problem with them, because I like sitting in the student section anyway,” she said. “They really do make the stadium look more professional, though.”

Standing area provides accessibility

A standing area was also created below the veranda seats. Here, fans can get an up-close view of the field.

“It’s open to anyone,” Morgan said. “It’s a great access point for people in wheel chairs and strollers.”

More seats in more places

Next year, the seats will be treated as paid season ticket seats. Morgan said there are similar plans for basketball games inside the complex.

“The bleachers under the walkway will have a section with seat backs,” she said. “There will also be premium seats in the mezzanine area above the press box.”

Morgan said the seat customers will get more bang for their buck.

“We’re looking at doing some different options with some additional hospitality,” she said. “This would include some sort of concessions or catering that is wrapped into the ticket price.”

McGhee said he would pass on the seats if he had to pay for them.

“If I’m going to pay for a seat, it’ll be for a La-Z-Boy in my own apartment, watching a professional football game,” he said.

Zach Pagano can be reached at paga7147@stthomas.edu.