October 23, 2013

A Plea to President Eisgruber for Reduced Price Children’s Tickets to Princeton University Games

Editor’s Note: The following is an open letter to President Eisgruber.

Dear President Eisgruber of Princeton University,

Congratulations on your new appointment. I am a “loyal local” who was born and raised in Hopewell. I attended the football game this weekend with my family and was astonished to find that the University had done away with children’s tickets at sporting events. The cost for my family of five to attend a college football game was $50.

I have been going to Princeton sporting events (hockey, basketball, football and lacrosse) my entire life and there has always been children’s tickets. One of the greatest things about living in this area is the symbiotic relationship between the town and the University and, let’s be honest, if the residents did not go to the football games (seeing as they only win about 20 percent of their games) there would be no one there.

I believe what you are doing is not fair. The University does not pay property tax to the town and your endowment was in the 18 billion dollar range the last time I checked. You are squeezing the local residents and creating animosity over $5.

I would hope that you would reinstate children’s tickets for 12 and under and continue a tradition of loyal fans for generations to come. Thank you for your consideration.

Clark Reed

Hopewell