MADISON, Wis. -- Some University of Wisconsin-Madison band parents are fuming over the UW Athletic Department's decision to move their seats and increase tickets prices for the 2009-2010 Badger football season.

In a letter to band parents, the UW-Madison Band Department explained that seats for parents will be moved from the north end zone -- directly behind the band -- to the south end zone. In addition, ticket prices increased to $273 per season ticket, which is what the general public pays. That's up from $133 per ticket.

"No longer will we be able to fill in the always empty north end zone prior to game time and no longer will we be able to see our kids up close, and personal, performing their hearts out for the crowd (and director) they love so much," one anonymous parent told WISC-TV via e-mail. "Fine, raise the prices for band parents; not a big deal. But to move us to the other end-zone? How sad (and let's say it, greedy) is that?"

According to the letter, the new seating in the south end zone will "offer a higher view of the game and should offer an enjoyable experience in Camp Randall."

Later in the letter, the Band Department apologizes for the inconvenience, stating that "the Athletic Department just communicated the changes" to them.

The UW Athletic Department said band parents have had the option to purchase the 250 seats behind the band, at student prices, for the last five years.

Associate Athletic Director Vince Sweeny said he understands the concerns band parents have. He said the Athletic Department has been talking about changing the policy for the last few years to make room for more student seating.

"Overall, we have to look at a variety of different factors in making a decision, and sometimes you just can't please everybody," Sweeney said. "We felt, in the bigger picture, the decision to make a bit more room for students in the student section outweighed the rest of the factors."

Trumpet player Matt Endres said the decision is disappointing, especially since it came so late in the year.

"I wish it could have been one of those, 'Hey, this is what we're thinking. Maybe we'll do it for next year,' just so people can plan ahead," Endres said. "I can imagine parents not being happy just because of the convenience side -- them being so close to their students. It was so easy to just hop by (and) say hi for a little bit."

Molly Somers, the UW band manager, said Thursday that, as of now, the UW band has no comment on the decision.

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