Alumni may mingle at homegoing game.

• Author: Murray, Arthur O.
• Position: TAR HEEL TATTLER

Paul Norman likes Elizabeth City and loves his alma mater, Elizabeth City State University. Otherwise, he wouldn't be president of its National Alumni Association. But if he has his way, the school will take the home out of its homecoming football game, effective this fall. He blames greedy local businesses. They say he's imagining things.

Norman and other alumni contend that local hotels and motels gouge them year after year. About 10,000 to 12,000 fans attend the game each October. "I've heard of rates being increased as much as 75% or 100%." He says alumni also are required to put up deposits three months in advance and cannot get refunds if they cancel less than three weeks in advance.

Gregg Lasseter, president of the Albemarle Regional Hospitality Association, a trade group that counts six Elizabeth City hotels and motels among its 22 members, denies price gouging. Lasseter, who owns a bed-and-breakfast in Columbia, says some hotel owners have told him they even have discounted rooms for the weekend.

Norman, dean of students at Wake Technical Community College, isn't buying it and has asked Elizabeth City State Chancellor Mickey Burnim to move this year's game. "The Tidewater area of Virginia is only about 45 minutes north of Elizabeth City, and we're also...