By now you have heard the story, The University of South Carolina is getting a major upgrade to their existing Football area. The question is how much is too much? It has been reported that Eric Hyman has spent over 150 million dollars in upgrading the tailgate area and facilities. Couldn't this money ahve been spent to lower tuition prices,book fees and other high costs for students? As the main University of the state of South Carolina, leading by example should be first and foremost. Currently the nation is in the midst of one of the weakest economies in history. Families are struggling to pay for weekly meals,mortgages and groceries. Spending millions on a fancy tailgate area seems slightly unwarranted and frankly a waste of money at this time. Everyone is still seamed at the rise on ticket prices, Gamecock club fees and parking fees. Chances are after this latest expenditure who knows where the cost of tickets will go.

     Eventually fans will lose interest as they are priced out of amusement. Kids won't be able to attend and the crowd will only be the elite rich from across the state. Is this what we want from out state University? Not being able to take a family to enjoy a colelge game? Hyman has stated that it is money that must be spent to remain competative. The question is where does it end? Universities were amde for learning, with football and sports a byproduct for the students to play and enjoy. Someone needs to tell the board of trustees this. Today, there are kids across the state who will never enjoy attending a college football game, and never have the chance to attend the state univeristy all because of money spent on College football. Enough is enough.