Ackerson Considering Taking Up Thunder Seating Change In Council

A change in seating rules for Thunder Over Louisville has drawn complaints from community groups, and now the Metro Council may get involved.Last week, it was announced that a northern section of the Great Lawn at Waterfront Park would not be first-come first-served for the fireworks show. Visitors will need a $4 or $5 Pegasus Pin to enter the area. Metro Councilman Brent Ackerson says that's unfair."A lot of those are folks that cannot afford to go the Galt House or go to other areas or parties that cost money," he says. "So this is a way for families that are struggling in tough economic times to enjoy the same benefits and the same enjoyments that a lot of other folks in the city in an event this city sponsors and pays much of."Ackerson says he's considering asking the Government Accountability Committee to look into the matter."I want to look into this. I want to examine who authorized this, what sort of deals or negotiations had been going on about this. Because, ultimately, this just popped on our radar: 'Here you go, we're going to charge people.' I think it's ridiculous," he says.The African-American Think Tank voiced similar complaints last week. Derby Festival officials replied that the section of lawn that will be fenced off is small. They added that visitors to past events complained that people were staking out large spots on the lawn early in the day and edging out latecomers. Festival officials did not update their statement when presented with Ackerson's complaint.