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The Daily Wildcat

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The Daily Wildcat

The Daily Wildcat

 

    “Loss, Lute mar Homecoming”

    Members of the UAs Pride of Arizona marching band perform on the steps of Old Main on Friday night during the Homecoming  bonfire. The rally featured words from speakers President Robert Shelton as well as head football coach Mike Stoops.
    Members of the UA’s Pride of Arizona marching band perform on the steps of Old Main on Friday night during the Homecoming bonfire. The rally featured words from speakers President Robert Shelton as well as head football coach Mike Stoops.

    Though most of Homecoming weekend was celebrated passionately, one specific point in the night turned overzealous fans into a very dangerous mob in a matter of minutes.

    With about an hour left before kick-off, the student section in Arizona Stadium seemed rather full but not quite shoulder-to-shoulder. However, a look at the ZonaZoo entrance showed a large group of people yelling but unable to enter the stadium.

    Then, as the workers began to scan more CatCards, the crowd erupted. The aisles of the ZonaZoo section were immediately filled with students eager to get a spot for the football game.

    Veterinary science junior Javal Smith was in the mob of students initially not being let in. She said she was pushed to the ground as everyone was running. Smith also said she saw a couple people who got hurt in the scuffle and possibly even Tasered. Smith, who managed to get a seat, said she was glad she got into the stadium, but called it the craziest thing she had ever seen.

    The ZonaZoo rush may need another look by stadium officials to ensure safety as fans enter. It was a firsthand look for many students as to what can happen in such a high-intensity environment when a large number of people fail to comply with rules.


    Christine Flier contributed to this story.

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