
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, August 17, 1993                   TAG: 9401140002
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

ELBOWING ONE'S WAY TO THE FRONT

THE ROANOKE Civic Center's management has developed a new type of lottery. Unfortunately, they forgot to tell my friends - who were silly enough to stand in line all night for front-row seats to the Hank Williams Jr. concert.

You see, the new lottery doesn't work off designated seats. All seats and tickets are the same. This game is what you call an ``active lottery.'' In other words, individuals can affect the outcome of the game. By simply forcing your way to the front of the stage, you win front-row spots. I can't believe we were so stupid as to think that reserved seats meant that we would have some right to use them. No, reserved seats are your launch pad. Luckily, we caught on and elbowed our way to the front.

Security forces had been trained completely for the game. They allowed all players a fair shake (survival of the fittest). Anyone rude enough had an equal shot at blocking your view and the views of other paying customers. Good job! By staying ever alert but completely immobile, they ensured a fair playing field.

As much as I enjoy games, I won't play lottery at the Roanoke Civic Center again.

GARY JENKINS

BEDFORD

by CNB