Officials aim at scalpers

Would-be entrepreneurs thinking of selling their football tickets for the Saturday contest might want to think twice.

The Ann Arbor Police Department has significantly increased the number of undercover officers who will be working outside Saturday games this year, in an effort to crack down on ticket sellers and scalpers.

"There will be a noticeable increase to this enforcement," AAPD Sgt. Larry Jerue said.

JOE WESTRATE/Daily A ticket transaction occurs near the Michigan Union yesterday afternoon. One man (far left) scans the area as his partner sells a ticket to a student.

"There is a possible fine of $100 and up to 90 days in jail," Jerue said. "Tickets are taken and logged as evidence."

The threat of a misdemeanor hasn't stopped local scalpers, however.

"I've been selling tickets here for eight years," said a ticket seller, who wished to remain anonymous. The seller said a greater police presence may make scalpers more cautious, but won't stop them from selling.

"People are just in the pursuit of happiness," he said.

Despite warnings, many students still purchase tickets from scalpers.

"I've never thought about counterfeit tickets before," said Engineering sophomore Kareem Khoury.

Khoury, who said he has purchased tickets from scalpers in the past, said he has gotten a fair deal on prices.

"I don't see why scalping is so bad," Khoury said. "Most people can get tickets cheaper from a scalper than from the ticket office."

Senior Associate Athletic Director Keith Molin said that anyone buying tickets anywhere except the ticket office should remember the message "buyer beware."

"Scalpers hurt the average ticket holder who properly owns, purchased and paid for their ticket," Molin said. "What upsets me more than anything else is people who buy tickets and don't intend to use them. These are the kind of tickets that are locked up and not available."

Molin added that there are a number of individual tickets available from the ticket office for nearly every game.

Many students said they do not think increased policing of scalping will make finding extra tickets more difficult.

"It might make some difference," said Law student Aman Mcleod. "There are people so desperate for a ticket, they'll do anything."

On game days, AAPD officials receive complaints of traffic back-ups and counterfeit tickets, along with other law violations, Jerue said.

"A U of M ticket is in high demand, not only from students but alumni, too," Jerue said.

"Forgery is the No. 1 complaint. It's upsetting when you've paid $45 to $100 for a ticket and you can't stay to enjoy the game."

Halina Henderson, a 1997 alumnae, said she doesn't see counterfeit tickets as a serious problem.

"Most people sell their tickets before the game," said Henderson. "They aren't in the black market for tickets."

The anonymous ticket seller said he didn't know of many counterfeit tickets in circulation.

"I know there are about 10 guys out here and I have not seen, heard or thought of counterfeit tickets," he said.

"You just have to worry about games like Notre Dame, when the two schools are so close - the demand exceeds the supply," he added.

Department of Public Safety spokesperson Beth Hall said DPS officers also will be looking for scalpers on football Saturdays.

"Enforcement will be stepped up for the Colorado game," Hall said. "It is illegal to sell anything on University grounds."

Hall said DPS officials also look for tickets taken during home break-ins and mail theft.

"We have a record of the tickets stolen, and can check to see who's using the seat," Hall said.

The focus of DPS officers is to ticket the professional ticket sellers, not the student who can't go to the game and is selling the ticket to his roommate, Hall said.

"I would encourage students to network amongst each other," Jerue said.

"Once they go out on the street, they need a public license (to sell tickets).

"We just want everyone to be able to go and have a good time, like everyone else," he added.

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