Ticket-holding Biden supporters turned away after building reaches capacity

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Posted: Thu 6:52 PM, Sep 13, 2012

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Reporter: Joe Nelson Email

Updated: Thu 7:07 PM, Sep 13, 2012

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Ticket-holding Biden supporters turned away after building reaches capacity

EAU CLAIRE, Wisc. (WEAU) - While Vice President Joe Biden's speech in Eau Claire Thursday energized people inside, dozens of supporters with tickets, never made it in.

"I had a class, that went from 9:30 to 10:45 and i went to class, instead of coming to wait in line, so obviously it's a big disappointment that they've closed the building early," U.W. Eau Claire student Allison Coffey said.

"Here I thought I was being a responsible student by going to math class from 10:00 to 10:50 and although Joe Biden was not supposed to arrive until 11, I thought I was going to make it on time," U.W. Eau Claire student Dusti Swanson said.

Eau Claire fire inspector Michael Laska said once seated and standing room attendees filled the arena to its 3,000 person capacity around 10:30 a.m., he decided to close the doors to avoid any fire hazards.

Printed on the tickets, it also said, having a ticket did not guarantee admission.

"I wish people with tickets were informed of these limitations prior to attending today," Swanson said.

Despite their disappointment, Democrats said missing Biden hasn't soured them from supporting the campaign.

"I'm disappointed that I didn't get to see him, but I still support both the president and vice president," Obama supporter Mindy Merryfield said.

"I'm glad that it's sold out and filled up. I'd be more disappointed if I walked in and it was me and like five other people," Coffey said.

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