UT students wait, anticipate president

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Students at the University of Texas at Austin started waiting in line for those coveted front row seats at President Obama's UT speech at 7 a.m. Monday.

For some, that wait was a breeze compared to the line for tickets. It began Friday at 5 p.m. and became an overnight camping trip for those who didn't mind sweating out the overnight heat.

Tickets were available the next day at 10 a.m.

"I brought snacks," said Crystal Henry, a UT senior who was lucky enough to secure third place in the ticket line. "I brought my laptop. I bought a stadium chair just to be able to lounge. I had my blanket. We had food. We were prepared for the whole night."

White House staff searched for the last week to find a venue large enough to fit 2,000-3,000 people and decided on UT's Gregory Gym. UT vice presidents and college deans received a small, limited amount of tickets to distribute to those they selected.

Classes began early for some students Monday, and some feared losing their place in line without a friend to hold their place.

"Even though I'm here waiting in line, that's why I got here at seven in the morning to wait in line," said Jessica Castro, a UT junior who had a test to take. "My friend will actually be holding my place. I'll got take my test and return as promptly as possible."