Advice for Dalai Lama Day

People who didn’t get a ticket to the Dalai Lama’s lectures at UCSB tomorrow can listen through KCSB 91.9 FM. Both presentations can be heard via radio signal or online at kcsb.org. “Nature of Mind” will air 9:30-11:30 a.m., and “Ethics for Our Time” 2-4 p.m.

KCSB will also provide live news coverage starting at 7 a.m., as doors open at 7:30 a.m. for the first event. Protesters are expected to demonstrate around UCSB’s Thunderdome. (An officially designated Free Speech Area will be located on the west side of the Thunderdome, also known as the Events Center.) The Dalai Lama is expected to draw activists with the Free Tibet organization, as well as pro-China demonstrators.

Members of a minority sect of Tibetan Buddhism called Kadampa may also show up. The Dalai Lama has rejected aspects of the group’s beliefs; the group in turn accuses the Dalai Lama of religious oppression.

UCSB officials are advising ticket holders to get to campus two hours prior to the start times, as every person must clear security. The Thunderdome’s capacity is 6,000, so lines will be long.

Metal detectors will be used and purses and bags will be inspected. See rules below for items that are forbidden. For instance, no backpacks, no cameras, no outside food or drink. Items that can be used as a weapon – Swiss army knives, scissors, box cutters – are not allowed. Anyone using a cell phone as a camera may have it confiscated.

Parking is free on campus until 5 p.m. on Friday, and there are three major parking structures. Lot 10 is nearest to the East Gate, and furthest from the Thunderdome, but it may be worth the walk to avoid traffic congestion. The Mesa Parking Structure is located roughly between Campbell Hall and the Recreation Center. Lot 22 is closest to the Thunderdome. Check out UCSB’s Web site for a campus map. Isla Vista is already a parking nightmare; it’s best not to attempt to park there.

Below is the information released by UCSB officials related to the Dalai Lama events:

Arrive Early

Doors open two hours prior to each scheduled event. Please arrive 90 minutes to two hours before the event is scheduled to begin to give yourself enough time to go through security and assume your seat. There will be no late seating for this event. If you exit the building during a given session, you will not be allowed to re-enter during that session.

Parking

UCSB campus parking will be free until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 24. However, we recommend that all patrons living near campus either walk or bike to the event to avoid traffic congestion on campus. Parking officials and signs will be present at all campus entrances to direct ticket holders to available parking in the lots nearest the UCSB Events Center.

Important Security Screening Note

Because the security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the highest priority, attendees will undergo a security screening at the UCSB Events Center through a metal detector.

UCSB Students

UCSB student must present a current UCSB student ID at the door for their tickets to be honored.

Lunch Opportunities

In the period between the morning and afternoon lectures, we recommend that ticket buyers purchase lunch nearby the Events Center so as to allow enough time to re-enter the security screening line. Signs will be posted directing patrons to concessions within walking distance of the Events Center: near the Student Resource Building, the Student Health Services Lawn, the University Center, and Isla Vista. We recommend that all patrons leave their vehicle parked in their current locations during the lunch period.

The following items are prohibited: backpacks of any size; umbrellas; external food or drink; strollers; skateboards; audio or video recording devices; signs, banners, flags or flag poles; noisemakers; any items that can be perceived as a weapon; cameras and cell phone cameras; bags other than small purses. (Small purses (8.5″ x 11″ x 4″) will be allowed in the building, but they will be searched.)