Loco computer breaks a few hearts among Rickys fans By Scott Ishikawa Advertiser Staff Writer

Although Ricky Martin isnt scheduled to perform at Aloha Stadium until March 26, hes already breaking hearts.

A computer system glitch at the Blaisdell Box Office and Ticket Plus outlets islandwide forced officials yesterday morning to turn away customers who had waited in line for hours. The ticket computer system was up by yesterday afternoon.

The computer breakdown did not affect ticket sales at the Aloha Stadium Box Office. Ticket sales by phone and the Internet went smoothly throughout yesterday.

Martin fan Margie Martinez of Makiki said she was disappointed by the way that Blaisdell box office officials informed the waiting crowd of the computer glitch.

We didnt find out until 9:30 a.m., Martinez said. They didnt give us any official word, we just heard it through word of mouth.

There wasnt any formal announcement until about 10:30 a.m., she said. People didnt know whether to stay or leave to buy tickets elsewhere.

Some in the predominantly female crowd at Aloha Stadium began waiting at 9:30 a.m. Friday in the rain.

Im happy, it was worth it, said 25-year-old Zenia Zambrano of Salt Lake, with a beach chair and sleeping bag in hand.

I got second-row tickets to the right of the stage, but I wanted first-row seats so I could jump on stage. Why am I going? Because Ricky is sooooo sexy, said Gina Stanifer, 29, of Helemano Military Reservation. I love the way he moves. Oh, and his songs are good, too.

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-- Carl Jenkins (Somewherepress@aol.com), February 20, 2000