All-Star Charity Game Sells Out in Under Two Hours

Many people were expected to be in line to buy tickets for a game featuring NBA All-Stars Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. What was not expected, however, was how fast the tickets would go.

Tickets  for the “South Florida Classic,” which went on sale at noon on Oct. 3, were sold out within two hours of the box office being open to the public. Nearly all of the lower bowl tickets were sold out in less than 20 minutes following the opening of the cashier booth.

The line began as early as 7:20 p.m. last night when a couple, Angel Rosado and Betsy Godoy-Rosado, were the first to reach the box office.

“I wanted to be the first in line,” said Godoy-Rosado.

“I expected people to be here when we came at 7:30 p.m., but luckily we were first,” said Rosado.

Plenty of fans were wearing the jersey and apparel of their favorite teams, including the New York Knicks, New Orleans Hornets and Miami Heat. The most notable jerseys seen were that of Lebron James and Dwyane Wade, whose  fans are excited to see. Among the crowd was sophomore Jerica Coley, guard for the  women’s basketball team.

“I’m just looking forward to these guys dunking on each other,” said Coley. “Having those guys go at each other is gonna be fun.”

Tickets began selling 20 minutes before the noon start time, with lower bowl and general admission tickets selling for $100 and $50, respectively, with lines formed for both price ranges. Athletics announced that tickets were limited at two per person, and that if any tickets were available after 3 p.m., then people could buy four tickets per person. The situation never presented itself due to the sell out.

Operations ran smoothly as security reported no issues, although arguments were seen developing. Multiple lines left people confused, not knowing where to stand for the tickets they expected to purchase. Customers argued with the event staff, complaining about the confusing nature of the set up for the ticket lines and the lack of consistency between personnel. At one point, a member of the event staff announced that a line that people had been standing in for hours had been changed from $100 lower bowl seats to $50 general admission tickets, causing some customers to become visibly frustrated.

The general consensus among the crowd waiting for tickets was that basketball coach Isiah Thomas is the reason that the game is at FIU, despite the renovations being done to the arena. There is truth to the sentiment, as proceeds from the event will go towards Mary’s Court Foundation; a foundation established in honor of FIU Head Coach Isiah Thomas’ mother, the late Mary Thomas.

The charity event will take place on Oct. 8 at 7 p.m., at U.S. Century Bank Arena.