A lawsuit that challenged Kansas University’s right to base the purchase of seating on donations has been dismissed in Douglas County District Court.

District Judge Jack Murphy said in his ruling that “there is nothing impermissible about tying season-ticket purchases to athletic-fund contributions.”

The KU athletic department is implementing a priority points system that will reward long-time season-ticket holders, alumni and contributors with priority seating at athletic events. The system will begin with the 2004-05 basketball season.

“It is important to remember that these contributions provide vital scholarship support to more than 500 student-athletes,” KU athletic director Lew Perkins said. “The points system we have devised is a fair, well-thought-out plan that we know will provide aid that is critical to those student-athletes.”