SENATE RESOLUTION No. 26

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED MARCH 14, 1996

By Senator ADLER

A Senate Resolution urging the Governor, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and the President and Athletic Director of Rutgers University to release for purchase to all New Jerseyans tickets to the NCAA "Final Four" basketball championship games that have been designated for use by public officials and Rutgers University "VIPs."

Whereas, The "Final Four" games of the National Collegiate Athletic Association college basketball championships will be hosted by Rutgers University at the Brendan Byrne Arena on March 30 and April 1, 1996; and

Whereas, Because the NCAA has designated an extremely limited number of tickets for sale in New Jersey, citizens of this State generally cannot purchase tickets to these tremendously popular and prestigious games; and

Whereas, A number of tickets have been or will be designated for the use of public officials by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, one of the organizations responsible for hosting the games; and

Whereas, 350 tickets have been designated for the use of Rutgers University "VIPs" and officials; and

Whereas, It is the sentiment of this House that such set-asides are unfair and creates an unfavorable impression of entitlement and political favoritism; and

Whereas, Citizens of New Jersey, whose tax dollars are used to help defray the debt service of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and support Rutgers University, should have an equal and fair opportunity to purchase these tickets; now, therefore,

    Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:

    1. This House urges the Governor, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, and the President and Athletic Director of Rutgers University to release to the citizens of this State tickets for the 1996 NCAA "Final Four" basketball championship games that have been earmarked for use by public officials and Rutgers University "VIPs."

    2. This House endorses the creation of a lottery whereby citizens of this State will have the opportunity to purchase such tickets.

    3. This House calls upon the Governor, the Sports and Exposition Authority, and the President and Athletic Director of Rutgers University to make an accounting setting forth how such tickets will be equitably distributed to the public.

    4. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the President of the Senate and attested by the Secretary thereof, shall be transmitted to Governor Christine Todd Whitman; Robert E. Mulcahy, III, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority; Rutgers University President Francis Lawrence; and Rutgers University Athletic Director Fred Gruninger.

STATEMENT

    This resolution urges the Governor, the President of the Sports and Exposition Authority, and the President and Athletic Director of Rutgers University to make available for purchase to the citizens of this State any tickets for the 1996 NCAA "Final Four" basketball championship games that have been set aside for use by public officials and Rutgers "VIPs." The resolution asks the Governor, the President of the Sports and Exposition Authority and the President and Athletic Director of Rutgers to make an accounting setting forth a plan for equitably distributing such tickets. The resolution endorses the creation of a lottery whereby all citizens of this State would have the chance to enter and win the opportunity to purchase such tickets.

Urges release for purchase by New Jerseyans tickets for the 1996 NCAA "Final Four" basketball championships that have been designated for use by public officials and Rutgers University "VIPs."