Ticket Problems Taken Up

USC announced Monday several changes in the controversial student ticket policy that was implemented this season and caused a hazardous scene at the student entrance at the Trojans’ home opener against Nebraska.

USC sold 12,000 spirit cards, which serve as non-reserved admission for most USC home athletic events, but reduced student seating this season from about 12,000 to 8,000.

Fearing they would not get into the game, thousands lined up outside the student entrance at Gate 28 of the Coliseum many hours before Saturday’s 5 p.m. game, the crowd swelling as kickoff neared.

Many students were pushed and some fell or suffered minor injuries as understaffed security personnel tried to manage the flow through a narrow entryway that led to a series of switchback-chutes to the stadium. Students also complained of overcrowding and unsafe conditions in the tunnels to reach the first-come, first-served seats.

In a letter that will be published today in the Daily Trojan, the campus newspaper, senior associate athletic director Steve Lopes and associate vice president of student affairs Lori White said they “regret the student gate and ticket issues that emerged during last Saturday’s football game.”

The letter also says:

* The student section will be increased from 8,000 to 8,600. The school is also discussing with the Coliseum and the fire marshal the possibility of adding a standing-room only area for an additional 400 students.

* The student entrance at Gate 28 will open 2 1/2 hours before kickoff.

* The queue leading to the student section entrance, and the area around it, will be reorganized.

The letter states that USC will, “monitor the situation throughout the season, and may implement additional changes as circumstances warrant. At the end of the season, we will review the process for purchasing spirit activity cards and the number of seats available in the student section for next year.”

Jeff Horwith received his undergraduate and law degrees from USC and has a daughter at the school.

“I’m glad to hear they’re addressing the issue,” he said. “I’m not sure it’s enough, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

Brian Braunlich, a junior who serves as the director of university affairs for USC’s undergraduate student government, praised the school for making some changes. But he said he would reserve judgment until the changes were implemented.

“It’s nice we’re getting more seats,” he said. “I hope they’re seats you can actually see the game from.”

Braunlich said a town hall meeting to discuss student concerns would be held tonight at 7 in Taper Hall.

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Freshman fullback Stanley Havili worked with the first-unit offense as the Trojans began to prepare for their Pacific 10 Conference opener at Arizona.

Senior Ryan Powdrell suffered a season-ending ankle injury against Nebraska.

“I think I’m ready,” Havili said. “I know the offense pretty well now. “

Senior Mike Brittingham also took repetitions with the first unit. “I have a little more experience but we both can get the job done out there,” he said.

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USC’s game at Washington State on Sept. 30 will kick off at 4 p.m. and will be televised nationally by TBS.... Freshman receiver Vidal Hazelton missed practice because of illness, offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said.... Offensive lineman Jeff Byers attended practice and said last week’s surgery to remove a cyst from his back went well. Byers said he did not know how long he would be held out.... Carroll said USC would apply for a sixth-year of eligibility for Powdrell.

gary.klein@latimes.com