A) no one is sayng that DM isn't a great event. It doesn't take 31,000 students, though. There should be enough students to do all events.
B) If I can drive an hour each way, deal with parking and the related hassles for each game, all while working full time, being immensely involved in community projects, have actual stresses, like a mortgage and car payments, and full price tickets, I think some kids can walk or take the bus a few blocks to hilton to enjoy their $4 tickets. You know what - I don't usually complain about all of the above because I love going to games. I love it. In 5-10 years those students who missed will realize how easy they had it.
and let me add - I have turned down jobs in areas that would prohibit me from going to all the football games or basketball games due to time and distance. So excuses don't really work to me.
Are you serious? I like Iowa State athletics, too, but that's taking it to a new level.