I am writing this post because frankly I am upset with the one-sided opposition that has formed in response to the news about the Pauley seating configuration when it opens in 2012. Most arguments against the manner have been based on an immediate emotional response to a decision that took over 8 months to make. I have read many of the posts and comments over the first 48 hours, and got so overwhelmed that I deemed in necessary to post as someone with knowledge and influence on the actual decision.

I am also posting as a student on behalf of the students because this blog has had a history of ripping students and/or generalizing what they think. Even compared to last year, the UCLA student fan base has vastly changed and continues to rapidly change over time. I have met and discussed some of these issues with people like Nestor, and we worked out some of our misunderstandings between the older bloggers on this site (mainly UCLA alumni) and current student bloggers. However, especially throughout the course of this past basketball season, this understanding has been withering at a rapid pace. But that is a whole different beast and certainly not one that I will attempt to tackle in this post.

In this post I will attempt to explain the problems with "current" (now past) student section, the "infamous" survey, and how the new-Pauley environment will benefit the student experience.

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As we all know, CRN and our UCLA Bruins are headed up to Berkeley to face an important Pac-10 foe, Cal. You can argue either way as to whether or not the Bruins are capable of beating such a hungry team at their home, but that isn't the point of this post. This game is a MUST WIN, and we need to support our team on the road. Look at our remaining schedule! According to my calculations of who we can reasonably beat (technically anyone since we took out the longhorns away, but that is extremely optimistic), this game is pivotal for the Bruins to not only extending their season, but also to earn a decent bowl game. The future implications of receiving a high profile bowl are obvious and need not be said here.

USAC and The Den have been working together in the last few weeks to put together a way to flood Cal's Memorial Stadium. We have worked with CTO, both at Cal and here at UCLA, to get reduced priced tickets for students, and we have organized charter buses to transport students to and from the game. You can read Monday's Daily Bruin article to get a better insight on some of the details and reasons for this trip. Basically, student ticket prices are $28 and bus tickets at $61, both of which are available now at CTO for purchase. Buses will leave UCLA at 1:30am on Saturday, and leave Cal at 6pm after the game.

As president of The Den and fellow Bruin fan, I am pleading for your help, students and alumni alike! More after the jump!

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Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images

Recently, Nestor and I had an in-person sit-down to discussed ways the students and alumni should help and utilize one another, through BN and other methods, to not only understand each others emotions and thoughts about all things Bruin to prevent online feuds, but to collaborate to make both communities better and in unison. There were many ideas discussed, which you should see implemented on BN in the coming months as the UCLA seasons kick-off (or tip-off!). With this in mind, I am asking for your help throughout this year and those when I am no longer a student at this phenomenal campus.

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Thanks to all of BN who helped make the Women's Volleyball vs. U$C game a success. We ended up sweeping them 3-0 to win our 4thstraight home meeting vs those trOJies.

Our next golDEN game of the year is tomorrow (Friday, Oct 16th) when #4 UCLA takes on #10 Cal (would normally have been U$C but they do not have a men's soccer program). The game will start at 7pm, with gates opening at 6pm.

You are invited to join the students on the lower section to add to the loudness, or sit on the announcer booth to get a better view of the match.

To add more entertainment, we have added a "halftime show." It will basically be a ridiculous soccer-related activity that will humiliate (in a non-demeaning way) some of our bright students.

This will be a great way to start off an important weekend vs. Cal.

Hope to see you all there!!! Go Bruins!

Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

As some of you may know, I am a current Executive Board member of THE DEN, which is the ultimate fan group within the "Den" (as marketing calls it):

Photo Credit: Telemachus

Per a previous conversation within a post, I found that BN could be a great resource to THE DEN to promote some of our important events upcoming as they relate to our athletics teams.

This Friday (Oct 9th) at 7pm in Pauley Pavilion, our #16 UCLA Bruins Women’s Volleyball squad is taking on our cross town and league rival, #13 U$C toOJans.  This is our "golDEN Game" for the UCLA Women’s Volleyball team.

What is a "golDEN Game?" Come with me after the jump.

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