Buying a ticket for a WSU football game can be a hassle, especially when it comes to games against opponents like Wisconsin or Oregon where tickets can run out. The student alternative to a ticket, a sports pass, has long been loaded onto participating students’ Cougar Cards. This year, that is not an option anymore, as the sports pass is going digital.

For those currently enrolled at WSU, the sports pass has proven to be an invaluable option. You just signed up for it when you registered for classes and then swiped your card at the stadium on game day.

Now, that has changed. In social media posts on Tuesday, the WSU student section ZZUCRU announced the new procedure.

“ATTENTION COUGS: You CANNOT use your Cougar Card to get into games anymore!” the post reads. “Sports passes are now digital.”

The switch to digital passes will likely be controversial, but it is extremely unlikely to be reverted, so it is important that anyone looking to attend knows what to do.

First, you must acquire a sports pass. To do this, log in to your myWSU student account at my.wsu.edu. Then, select the Student Homepage tab and click the Manage Classes tile. Under Optional Services, select the current term, check Yes on the Sports Pass, and click Submit. There is a charge that will go to your account.

Now that you have the pass, you need the app. On your smartphone’s app store, search for and download the WSU Cougars Gameday app. Using the app, add your sports pass to your phone’s wallet.

The final step is just to open your phone, show your pass at the entrance and enjoy Cougar football.

The first home game is at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at Martin Stadium against preseason No. 19 Wisconsin.