ASUNM will carry on the fight for a student-only section at The Pit even though basketball season is over for the Lobos.
Chewy White, Chair of ASUNM's Pit ad hoc committee, said senators will pursue the section all year.
He said the student-only section will allow students more freedom at games.
UNM student Ryan Garcia said he supports ASUNM's efforts because The Pit needs a student-only section.
"Most students want to get rowdy at games," he said. "This way they won't disturb other fans."
White said the Lobo basketball team deserves it.
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"We already went to the first round in the tournament," he said. "The Lobos should have all our support."
ASUNM also needs the support of the student body to make it happen, White said.
UNM student Jacob Thornquist said a student-only section will solve problems at games and make The Pit a safer environment.
"Students want to get crazy, and this way they wont have to worry about offending people," Thornquist said.
White said the committee is thinking in terms of baby steps.
"First get the current section to be students only and then move down to the baselines," White said.
ASUNM will try to find a way to move to get the section on the floor, White said.
He said ASUNM plans to host a forum in late April to discuss plans.
White said students, senators, representatives of the Athletic Department and basketball players are expected to attend.
"Just Senate can't do this," he said. "We need to team up with different people."
He said the committee is trying to work out a deal with the Athletic Department.
"I'm not expecting it to be huge," he said. "We're just trying to talk with athletic directors."
The Athletic Department would like to see more student attendance before making any deals, he said.
White said ASUNM hopes to have the student-only section at The Pit secured by next season.
He said a baseline section is controversial because seats are expensive - $20 a game.
There are about 60 seats along the baseline, he said.
"With 20 or more home games, it adds up," White said. "That's a lot of money."
White said student-only baseline seats might have an effect on student fees. He said ASUNM does not know if fees will be raised yet.
"Student fees will probably be raised a little for the seats on the floor when that happens," White said.
UNM student Desirea Romero said it's not fair to raise student fees, because not all students attend the games.
"The price shouldn't be put on students to pay," she said.
White said plans for the student section on The Pit's baselines are definitely in ASUNM's future.
"It's more far off in the future, but we're working on it," White said.
