A snicker over a bad picture is not the only free thing students at The University of Memphis can get with their student identification cards.
With a valid identification card, U of M students are offered free tickets to a variety of events and activities that take place on campus year-round, including sporting events, dance performances, theater productions and concerts.
In addition, students may also obtain free or discounted tickets at the information desk in the main lobby of the University Center for many non-University events, including community plays and museum exhibits.
However, LaRuth Lofties, a program service specialist at The U of M, said some students do not take advantage of these benefits or simply do not know the benefits exist.
Students can get free tickets for events at the following places: Circuit Playhouse, Playhouse on the Square, Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Brooks Museum of Art, National Civil Rights Museum, Concerts International, Memphis Ballet, Memphis Black Repertory Theater and Eternal Egypt, the newest exhibit in the Wonders series.
Discounted tickets are available for the Malco movie theaters, the IMAX and the Pink Palace Museum. IMAX tickets, regularly $6.50 for adults, are $2. Pink Palace Museum tickets, regularly $7, are also $2. Tickets for Malco are $4.50.
“I knew about the football and the theater tickets, but not the other stuff,” said Steven Booth, a student majoring in marketing.
Lofties added that only an estimated 20 to 30 percent of the student body take advantage of the ticket service.
Eternal Egypt, which cost $10 for general admission, is the newest addition to the list of participating vendors this summer, and is becoming a very popular event among U of M students.
While the available student tickets for the Eternal Egypt exhibit quickly sold out during summer session, Lofties said an additional order has been placed to accommodate the increased student population during the fall.
Lofties buys the tickets from the vendors with a stipend allocated from the student activity fee students pay each semester. Lofties received $20,000 for the 2001-2002 school year.
“It is really a good deal for students,” Lofties said. “Students need to be aware of the benefits that are available to them.”
Students can get one ticket per event per semester.
Students are introduced to the ticket service during new student orientation, but Lofties said “word of mouth” continues to be the quickest way to inform students about upcoming and current activities. A marquee next to the desk lists the available vendors and their current shows.
However, some students who know about the ticket service simply choose not to use it.
“I knew about it, but I always forget to go over there to get them,” said Bill Lewis, a student majoring in theater. “I usually get comp tickets from friends anyway.”
Heather Reeves, a student majoring in engineering technology said she has used the ticket service only once.
Tomiko Fields, a U of M student who recently transferred from Southwest Tennessee Community College, said student benefits, such as free tickets, are not offered at some schools.
Lofties said Circuit Playhouse, Playhouse on the Square and the IMAX theater seem to be the most popular attractions among U of M students.
