LAWRENCE, Kan. -- When Kansas football fans Owen and Lisa Foust headed to the Jayhawks' season opener last Saturday, they bundled up 3-month-old daughter Kate to go along.

But when they presented their tickets at the gate, they were told they would need an additional $35 ticket for Kate.

"I just thought it was pretty tacky," Owen Foust said. "It's just a grab for money."

Kansas actually began enforcing the babies-pay policy three or four years ago, said Kansas associate athletic director Jim Marchiony.

"Everybody needs a ticket regardless of age," Marchiony said. "The very small children come with backpacks and bottles and toys. ... We've received numerous complaints over the years from people who are sitting next to those people -- enough for us to know that even those sized children need the space."

And, Marchiony said, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has recommended that organizations require tickets for everyone at large events as a way to keep track of numbers.

The Fousts, both University of Kansas graduates, said they didn't mind paying something for Kate to get into the game, but they didn't think it should be a full-priced ticket.

"This is supposed to be a family-friendly environment," Owen Foust said. "I don't think that policy promotes that [environment] much."

Kate -- and any child under 3 -- would be able to get in free for a Kansas City Chiefs game.

"It's a question of the actual seat," said Chiefs spokesman Bob Moore. "If there's no one sitting in the seat, then there's no reason to sell the seat."

Moore said he believed most professional football teams have the same policy.

Fans under 2 also can get in free to see the Missouri Tigers or Kansas State Wildcats play, and those under 1 don't pay for tickets at Iowa State.

"We just felt like a 1-year-old doesn't take up that much room," said Matt Johnson, director of ticket operations at Iowa State. "We get calls all the time saying: 'Thanks for not making our 2-month-old pay."'

But Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas all charge for babies who are brought to games.

"Our stadium is sold out on a season-ticket basis with a long waiting list," said Keith Mann, spokesman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. "Everyone has to have a ticket."

Making exceptions for babies "leads to too much decision-making at the gate," said Kenny Mossman, athletic department spokesman at Oklahoma.

Texas women's athletic director Christine Plonsky argues that safety is an issue.

"The ruler here of stadium and game management is our fire marshal," she said.

The Fousts say the policy won't dampen their Kansas spirit.

"Kate will probably go to some games," Owen Foust said. "And we certainly want Kate to be a KU graduate someday."

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press

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I know this is America, but this is fucking pathetic.

what happens in Kansas should stay in Kansas

So what's the age line that shoud be drawn?

I would say 3 or 4 is about right.

When they need to sit in their own seat.

On an airplane, children under 2 can be held by a parent, no ticket. Children under 2 who get their own seat pay half-price (although many airlines are now charging full price, which I can't really object to). Same thing should apply at a football game.

And if they want to avoid these kinds of problems, maybe they ought to put in REAL SEATS instead of benches with numbers painted on them. Then a kid won't be crowding into your beer cooler.

why would you take a 3 month old to a game anyways? i understand the whole concept of getting them accustomed (aka brainwashed) to a sport the parents like, but being only 3 months you won't remember it anyways.

Kids are the only people who can fit on the fucking seats anyhow. I think Ohio State paints a number every six inches.

It's probably because if they left the kid home, his crying would disturb the whole trailer park.

Kansas joke #2: On those bench seats, a little kid takes up much less space than an adult, so he shouldn't have to pay full price until he is 7 or 8 at least. Meanwhile, I bet there are QUITE A FEW fans who take up two spaces on the bench, and I bet they don't have to pay double.

i'm not quote sure but i believe that when you fly, and 1 person occupies 2 seats they need to pay double as well.

EDIT: Goddamnit, conoalias.

Retitled: Kansas Wants Parents to Hire Babysitter

Do so many people take infants to games that this has become a problem? I can't think of too many instances where i've seen babies at the hockey games i've been to.

i guess that confirms my uncertainty

that's cuz nobody likes hockey

seriously though, i think parents/guardians should have to pay at least something for their babies since all the people around them will have to a)put up with an annoying little kid/baby and b)(assuming they are decent people) watch their language and behavior.

I don't care if it's minor leagues, Triple A, College, High School, Pros, if you bring a little kid to a Philly sporting event, he's gonna know every use of the F-word before he leaves.

Philly sports fans are classy.

*nods head*

People shouldn't take their little brats to the games in the first place. I'd charge double for anyone under 7. From 7-12 I'd set aside a kiddy section in one corner of the stadium.

if the kid is sitting on your lap and should actually be sitting on your lap then there shouldnt be a ticket charge...

Who wants to sit next to someone who sits down with a kid on his/her lap for the entire duration of a college football game?