The Athletic Association changed its policy regarding student admission after halftime, following complaints from students who were not allowed entry into Sanford Stadium for Saturday’s football game.

“The original plan was that the scanners would be taken down at halftime, and that would allow everyone enough time to get to the game,” said Claude Felton, associate athletic director, in a phone interview Monday.

But the rain that poured over Athens on Saturday persuaded some students to wait out the bad weather and watch the game elsewhere. Students attempting to use their UGA ID cards after the start of halftime were not allowed entry.

George Ward, a senior from John’s Creek, and two friends were among those who chose to wait out the rain. The group left the Sigma Nu house for Sanford Stadium at the start of halftime.

When they arrived at the stadium, they were told the hand scanners were no longer operating and no one would be allowed inside the stadium without a paper ticket.

“We went to two different gates and tried to get answers,” Ward said Monday. “What was the logic behind this? Tickets should be good until the end of the game – that should be understood.”

Several employees at the gates who were responsible for checking student ID cards were asked about the policy but supplied fake names.

“I just think that they need to be forthcoming about what the rationale was,” Ward said. “I think they owe an explanation for students who were affected by this on Saturday.”

Ward said he was disappointed that the Athletic Association did not publicize the policy – a policy which has since been changed, according to Felton.

“We will keep scanners operational at Gates 1 and 3 until midway through the fourth quarter,” Felton said.

- Contributing: Daniel Burnett