Season Ticket holder seat changes

[dxmnkd316]

I heard Louie on Kfan earlier this week and there is definately some concern at the U about empty seats and the atmosphere at Mariucci. Maybe the idea is to charge the donation for everyone but keep it small or at least reasonable so they are not as dependent on the corporate crowd? I pay an extra $1025 per seat to the Gopher Fund right now for seats at center ice. If the U decides to force everyone in the building to pay some sort of additional donation.....that amount could be far less and the U would still come out ahead and most importantly with less dependence on corporations which would be good. Also, would be good to create a secondary market ticket resale site for these companies to resell their tickets so they dont go unused. Would be nice to have a full house at Marriucci again. I'm sure that is a big driving force behind this as well.

ALso, the U has NO ONE to blame but itself. They caused ALL of these problems at mariucci. I have no sympathy for them. What WOULD help is slashing the price by 50%, making everything GA, and banning everyone over the age of 65

I'm serious about the GA remark though. The student sections were always empty until they made it GA. Put the real fans in the front and let the rest of the crowd feed off it. Fans who don't really care to show up half an hour before the puck drop or who leave early will be shuffled to the back of the arena. Your passion for gopher hockey will be directly proportional to the row you get not directly proportional to your wallet. and I don't want to hear a single one of you people bit and moan, "Oh i had these seats for 150 years... blah blah blah" If you don't care to stay until the Minnesota March that's your problem. If you can't get there until 7:15. That's your problem. Hell, maybe do it like the student section and make every year a lottery.

Who knows. Obviously these are ideas that would never in a million years be considered. Just my $0.02.

[brickhouse19]

"They won't be able to fill the building if they require even a small sized seat deposit for anyone, at least in the short term given how the common people are really struggling financially. Even if they grandfather in existing season ticket holders it won't work because either the building will be half empty or completely full and even more of a morgue from an atmosphere perspective than it's become over the last 5-10 years."

Couldn't disagree more. Even if the U did not sell out the season tickets, which I think they still would even if they required a donation for every seat, it would not be the worst thing in the world to have some single game tickets go on sale every year. In my mind the U has to do something to get some life in that building and turning over a significant portion of the season ticket base would go along ways towards accomplishing that. It is no different at TCF, I share a season ticket package with someone that has had tickets for over 20 years--pretty good seats. I went to the Wisconsin game and was yelled at by several long time ticket holders for standing up and cheering on the Gopher's defense on third down. Sorry but if you do not want to get into the game and cheer on the Gophs watch the game at home.

[Handyman]

To add some perspective, since 1987 ticket prices have risen just under 7% per year. The CPI has changed at an annual rate of just over 3% during that same period. The average annual wage has risen at ~4%.

I am taking Macroeconomics right now so I totally understood that! Sorry, that just made me happy cause I hate that class

Those numbers dont make me happy though...

[gophsb2b]

My family has had season tickets for over 20 years and the past few years at Mariucci has been a brutal snoozefest. I have different people sitting next to me using some corp. seats every game and I can't remember the last time the people stood and cheered or even made a peep. I understand that corp. seats are just a part of it and separating the student section was an epic blunder that amazingly has yet to be fixed after all these years. I am an alum of UND and had the opportunity to experience those games back in the late 90's when that team was on fire. I would still wear the maroon and gold to the games and pay a heavy toll for it but I can't for one minute say that going to a game at the Ralph isn't 100x better than a game at the Mooch. The atmosphere is boring and if they charge me even more money to not be allowed to stand and cheer I am done with it. I get to every game I can and I have never left 1 second before the final buzzer. If they even tried to go GA I'd be so pissed. I am one of those unfortunate souls that works and with the U doing 7 instead of 7:30 starts on Friday it's nearly impossible for me to get home and get my kids fed and then make it to the game at at or before 6:30 which would become a requirement to get a decent seat. UND did GA for the student section (which was half the arena) when I was there and if any decent team came to town you'd have to stand in line for hours unless you knew someone from the baseball team (they worked the doors and could get you in a side entrance).

It's bad business to raise prices when the product isn't up to expectations. To raise it now when support is as low as it's been in ages would be a disaster. Even the late Woog years didn't produce as much dissatisfaction as I have heard about the squad the past few years. I live and die a little too much with every game but even I may not be able to handle a bigger forced donation or a move to worse seats. It's a slap in the face to real fans who's support doesn't fluctuate with the stock market or 4th quarter earnings.

Soapbox rant done. Go Gophs. GFY bucky

[herbie]

If the U decides to force everyone in the building to pay some sort of additional donation.....that amount could be far less

commie...

Ha! Seemed like a good idea, until you put it that way.

[MnSportsRube]

What about having a rules for season ticket holders to actually use their tickets. There is nothing more disturbing than not being able to get season tickets and to see games on TV and the place is empty.

I know if I wanted I can find a ticket, that’s not what this is about. I'm saying I don't care who is sitting in the seat, just that someone is using said tickets. To me this helps in two ways. Full house means great concession stand revenue and makes the game atmosphere much better.

Say if said ticket isn't used 90% of games, you forfeit right to next years season tickets, more less punish the people who are not going to the game instead of loyal ticket holders.

[herbie]

Here is a link to the Kfan podcast with Louie....starts to discuss the Mariucci crowd around 21:30


http://www.kfan.com/cc-common/mediaplay ... -AM&TRACK=

[Breakaway]

Man, they're right about that stuff. Don't know what can be done to improve the crowd, though.

[Breakaway]

Also, from the Podcast:

"They [the Gophers] are a little bit disappointed in the crowd"

Well, the crowds HAVE been bad lately, I'll give them that...but why don't you try to, I dunno, avoid getting shut out on back-to-back nights? That'll help with the crowd noise a little.

[kmd]

Also, from the Podcast:

"They [the Gophers] are a little bit disappointed in the crowd"

Well, the crowds HAVE been bad lately, I'll give them that...but why don't you try to, I dunno, avoid getting shut out on back-to-back nights? That'll help with the crowd noise a little.

Hard to get fired up for a comeback when the whole crowd is filing to the exit with more than 3 minutes left.

[Breakaway]

Also, from the Podcast:

"They [the Gophers] are a little bit disappointed in the crowd"

Well, the crowds HAVE been bad lately, I'll give them that...but why don't you try to, I dunno, avoid getting shut out on back-to-back nights? That'll help with the crowd noise a little.

Hard to get fired up for a comeback when the whole crowd is filing to the exit with more than 3 minutes left.

Hard to make a lot of noise when the team's down 0-3 for the second night in a row. Not saying it's great that everyone's leaving - I've never left a Gopher game early (nor shown up late), and I'll join the "beat the traffic" cheer every time - but it's a little silly to be disappointed with the crowd when you've fed 'em back-to-back goose-eggs.

[kmd]

Hard to make a lot of noise when the team's down 0-3 for the second night in a row. Not saying it's great that everyone's leaving - I've never left a Gopher game early (nor shown up late), and I'll join the "beat the traffic" cheer every time - but it's a little silly to be disappointed with the crowd when you've fed 'em back-to-back goose-eggs.

You're right, it's completely ludicrous to support your team if they're not winning . And FWIW, I was referring to the end of the Friday game against Denver, when you were only down 0-2 until the ENG with 2 seconds left.

Worst. Fanbase. Ever.

[Breakaway]

Hard to make a lot of noise when the team's down 0-3 for the second night in a row. Not saying it's great that everyone's leaving - I've never left a Gopher game early (nor shown up late), and I'll join the "beat the traffic" cheer every time - but it's a little silly to be disappointed with the crowd when you've fed 'em back-to-back goose-eggs.

You're right, it's completely ludicrous to support your team if they're not winning . And FWIW, I was referring to the end of the Friday game against Denver, when you were only down 0-2 until the ENG with 2 seconds left.

Worst. Fanbase. Ever.

Yeah, 'cause clearly I was implying that the crowd wasn't supporting the team They just weren't being LOUD about it because they were disappointed.

[kmd]

So showing up late, being quiet while you're there, and leaving early qualifies as "supporting the team" in these parts?

[gopher6]

they want a large crowd? they need to quit charging NHL ticket prices

[WPoS]

A little birdie told me that in 2011, the U will be redistributing Season Ticket holder seats based on the following:

1. longevity

2. DONATION amount (CHING CHING CHING)

also heard that the seat costs will be all equal (no more extra $$ for the Gold seats)

I figure of the two criteria, donations will drive where your seats will be. SUPRISE!

Also, I figure they will use that time to maybe join the two student sections into one. My guess is going from 3.5 sections to 2.5 and putting them in the 1, 2, 3 part of the arena away from the attack side, which is stupid.

Furthermore, I figure this will make getting season tickets even HARDER for those on the wait list as the DONATION end will be the main driver of who gets seats in the future...

Welcome to CORPIEVILLE!

W

Did the birdie suggest it would be a complete reseating like football where each account was given points based on the above factors and everyone ends up with a new seat? That would surprise me. Also, by the cost of all seats being equal I would presume that is based on location. Surely, the seats between the blue lines will cost more similar to football seats on the 50 yard line. I bet they follow that road map.

the way it was explained to me was a complete reseat based on those two criteria. Just like the FB stadium was done this year. But they also did tell me with this change the gold seats wouldn't cost more...but if you think about it, they would anyway, that's where the high donation people would sit, so basically still cost more.

W

[WPoS]

Man, they're right about that stuff. Don't know what can be done to improve the crowd, though.

how about not handcuffing the band, ditching the piped in crap, not raising ticket prices to insane levels and letting alum's get a deal?

Oh, yah, and not puposely kill off tradiational cheers and chants that have been around longer than any of the people making these desicions (whom I am pretty sure aren't even alums of this college...go kill your own traditions).

W

[WPoS]

Couldn't disagree more. Even if the U did not sell out the season tickets, which I think they still would even if they required a donation for every seat, it would not be the worst thing in the world to have some single game tickets go on sale every year. In my mind the U has to do something to get some life in that building and turning over a significant portion of the season ticket base would go along ways towards accomplishing that. It is no different at TCF, I share a season ticket package with someone that has had tickets for over 20 years--pretty good seats. I went to the Wisconsin game and was yelled at by several long time ticket holders for standing up and cheering on the Gopher's defense on third down. Sorry but if you do not want to get into the game and cheer on the Gophs watch the game at home.

could not agree more!

W

[dxmnkd316]

Man, they're right about that stuff. Don't know what can be done to improve the crowd, though.

how about not handcuffing the band, ditching the piped in crap, not raising ticket prices to insane levels and letting alum's get a deal?

Oh, yah, and not puposely kill off tradiational cheers and chants that have been around longer than any of the people making these desicions (whom I am pretty sure aren't even alums of this college...go kill your own traditions).

W

Ugh... we need a rule where all administration of the U must have graduated from the U.

[Handyman]

Even if you are kidding, that is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Leaving aside the fact that such a rule would be illegal because it is discriminatory, it isn't like there havent been plenty of non Minnesota personnel that have done wonderful things for the school and Minnesota alums who screwed things up royally. It has nothing to do with where people came from, it has everything to do with money.

I mean what is next...only Minnesota alum coaches for all the teams? Only Minnesota alum professors and teachers?

[dxmnkd316]

Even if you are kidding, that is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Leaving aside the fact that such a rule would be illegal because it is discriminatory, it isn't like there havent been plenty of non Minnesota personnel that have done wonderful things for the school and Minnesota alums who screwed things up royally. It has nothing to do with where people came from, it has everything to do with money.

I mean what is next...only Minnesota alum coaches for all the teams? Only Minnesota alum professors and teachers?

Of course I was joking. And handy, is that really the dumbest thing you have ever heard? You have what, 3,000+ posts to your name and that's the dumbest thing? Ha, I call BS

[Handyman]

I grade on a curve based on subject matter, poster and what kind of mood I am in. The subject sucks and you are quality poster (meaning I expect more) and I am about to head to Macroecon...it was a trifecta of SUCK!

Plus, I know for a fact there are people that would love such a thing because Minnesotans are so damned provinicial it is bordering on a damned phobia!

[evegoe]

Couldn't disagree more. Even if the U did not sell out the season tickets, which I think they still would even if they required a donation for every seat, it would not be the worst thing in the world to have some single game tickets go on sale every year. In my mind the U has to do something to get some life in that building and turning over a significant portion of the season ticket base would go along ways towards accomplishing that. It is no different at TCF, I share a season ticket package with someone that has had tickets for over 20 years--pretty good seats. I went to the Wisconsin game and was yelled at by several long time ticket holders for standing up and cheering on the Gopher's defense on third down. Sorry but if you do not want to get into the game and cheer on the Gophs watch the game at home.

could not agree more!

W

But what about when the radio and tv is tape-delayed?

[cphockeyman]

6 epmty suites on Sunday

Actually, 11 of the 18 Suites went unsold at that game. The Legislature should reconsider the booze in the Premium areas. They are not doing the U any favors with the current situations.

[cphockeyman]

Who's made the road trip to Mankato? They play in an off campus arena and I believe they sell alcoholic drinks during the games. Is the place rife with out of control drunk people?

When I've shot down there, I've found the fastest way to the other side of the arena is to go under the seats. I can always tell when I've hit the student section because it reeks of beer and beer drips down from the seats. There's a fair amount of drunk people there.

[WPoS]

6 epmty suites on Sunday

Actually, 11 of the 18 Suites went unsold at that game. The Legislature should reconsider the booze in the Premium areas. They are not doing the U any favors with the current situations.

I may have had the football and hockey empty suite numbers switched...just a dang shame they are empty! The cash cow that has been hockey is going dry! I'll be the jerk and say it: why do 3 sports support ones that lose so much money? When they penalize (2 minutes in the box) us hockey fans so other "sports" can work, will end fast when hockey is no longer making much ching.

W

[WPoS]

Who's made the road trip to Mankato? They play in an off campus arena and I believe they sell alcoholic drinks during the games. Is the place rife with out of control drunk people?

When I've shot down there, I've found the fastest way to the other side of the arena is to go under the seats. I can always tell when I've hit the student section because it reeks of beer and beer drips down from the seats. There's a fair amount of drunk people there.

I blame the "diamond cutters" from McGoff's last year for my state at the one game...but that bar closed now...so our livers are now safe!

W

[herbie]

A little birdie told me that in 2011, the U will be redistributing Season Ticket holder seats based on the following:

1. longevity

2. DONATION amount (CHING CHING CHING)

also heard that the seat costs will be all equal (no more extra $$ for the Gold seats)

I figure of the two criteria, donations will drive where your seats will be. SUPRISE!

Also, I figure they will use that time to maybe join the two student sections into one. My guess is going from 3.5 sections to 2.5 and putting them in the 1, 2, 3 part of the arena away from the attack side, which is stupid.

Furthermore, I figure this will make getting season tickets even HARDER for those on the wait list as the DONATION end will be the main driver of who gets seats in the future...

Welcome to CORPIEVILLE!

W

Did the birdie suggest it would be a complete reseating like football where each account was given points based on the above factors and everyone ends up with a new seat? That would surprise me. Also, by the cost of all seats being equal I would presume that is based on location. Surely, the seats between the blue lines will cost more similar to football seats on the 50 yard line. I bet they follow that road map.

the way it was explained to me was a complete reseat based on those two criteria. Just like the FB stadium was done this year. But they also did tell me with this change the gold seats wouldn't cost more...but if you think about it, they would anyway, that's where the high donation people would sit, so basically still cost more.

W

Anyone have any updates on this change?

[sagard]

Anyone have any updates on this change?

I was told by the ticket office nobody was going to have their season tickets changed.

There are going to SO many cancellations this summer that anyone who wants tickets will be able to buy them.

[Handyman]

Anyone have any updates on this change?

I was told by the ticket office nobody was going to have their season tickets changed.

There are going to SO many cancellations this summer that anyone who wants tickets will be able to buy them.

Uh huh...

[st8ofhockey]

Anyone have any updates on this change?

I was told by the ticket office nobody was going to have their season tickets changed.

There are going to SO many cancellations this summer that anyone who wants tickets will be able to buy them.

Can I have yours?

[Bladepuller]

I'm going to call BS on the supposed demand for season tickets. I split a pair and have offered packages here before and had no takers.
The facts are we go to zero games before Thanksgiving. Those games have always been available and others later in the year offered as a "carrot". When you get a 1/2 price offer for a late Oct. / Nov. game and are told by the potential buyers that a Holiday Classic / Tech / BSU / MSU-M ticket can "be had for below face on the street s why should I buy your proposed package" that what people really want is a bargain vs guaranteed access. BTW... Now my seat splitter and I have him take as many before Thanksgiving as possible, and still I couldn't get face value here for the likes of UMD.
I was not able to make many games this year , for both conflict and medical issues. (I have a weak stomach, it turns out. ) Thus I sold 2 premier type games and thus my Paypal account is solvent.

[st8ofhockey]

I'm going to call BS on the supposed demand for season tickets.

I think if everyone on the waitlist held hands it would stretch to the moon and back seven times. I'm on the back end of it too... I hope to see my seats before I retire. Call bs if you like but there are plenty of people in the queue who are living proof of the demand.

[Bladepuller]

I'm going to call BS on the supposed demand for season tickets.

I think if everyone on the waitlist held hands it would stretch to the moon and back seven times. I'm on the back end of it too... I hope to see my seats before I retire. Call bs if you like but there are plenty of people in the queue who are living proof of the demand.

Okay, Next fall you contact me and you can buy 2 tickets in section 4. These are for the 2nd game of the weekend, generally. You will see either the greenies or the unspeakables, but not both. After those two series are gone, I pick 1st & then you. This is 1/4 of a season ticket. BTW...I would have paid for these in ......May or so..... in cash, ...so that is why I have the 1st choice & actually we have always , my split partner, worked things out for vacations, family event conflicts, etc.
The stand up answer is "Deal, Blade."

[st8ofhockey]

Okay, Next fall you contact me and you can buy 2 tickets in section 4.

If I am still here in the fall (would mean getting FT employment in the Cities), you have yourself a deal

EDIT: The Siouxage don't come to Ucci next season. I'll keep my fingers crossed about a job and give you a "we'll cross that bridge when it comes"

[Bladepuller]

Perfect. You'll be at our "dispersal draft" in early Oct. in Champlin and who knows, maybe my partners on the 3 we have (2 of us split & one has a single every night) and you will also make some deals. Bring cash & you possibly wouldn't be looking for 4 in Detroit would you? Cheap....

[st8ofhockey]

Perfect. You'll be at our "dispersal draft" in early Oct. in Champlin and who knows, maybe my partners on the 3 we have (2 of us split & one has a single every night) and you will also make some deals. Bring cash & you possibly wouldn't be looking for 4 in Detroit would you? Cheap....

I like the faith you have in me getting work here in the Cities. Wish I could share your optimism

As far as Detroit, no thanks

[sagard]

Can I have yours?

If you or anyone wants them PM me. I'd sell a half package as well if easier.

Section 24, Row 7.

[turtle67]

i to will sell half a season in sec16 row22 just pm me renewal will soon be out

[Keith]

A little birdie told me that in 2011, the U will be redistributing Season Ticket holder seats based on the following:

1. longevity

2. DONATION amount (CHING CHING CHING)

also heard that the seat costs will be all equal (no more extra $$ for the Gold seats)

I figure of the two criteria, donations will drive where your seats will be. SUPRISE!

Also, I figure they will use that time to maybe join the two student sections into one. My guess is going from 3.5 sections to 2.5 and putting them in the 1, 2, 3 part of the arena away from the attack side, which is stupid.

Furthermore, I figure this will make getting season tickets even HARDER for those on the wait list as the DONATION end will be the main driver of who gets seats in the future...

Welcome to CORPIEVILLE!

W

Did the birdie suggest it would be a complete reseating like football where each account was given points based on the above factors and everyone ends up with a new seat? That would surprise me. Also, by the cost of all seats being equal I would presume that is based on location. Surely, the seats between the blue lines will cost more similar to football seats on the 50 yard line. I bet they follow that road map.

the way it was explained to me was a complete reseat based on those two criteria. Just like the FB stadium was done this year. But they also did tell me with this change the gold seats wouldn't cost more...but if you think about it, they would anyway, that's where the high donation people would sit, so basically still cost more.

W

Anyone have any updates on this change?

The U's job board has an opening for an Assistant Director of Gopher Points for the men's hockey and basketball programs, so it would appear this is going to happen in the next year or two.

[Jupiter]

From what I heard.....

Changes will be coming for the 2012-13 season.

[Neely]

From what I heard.....

Changes will be coming for the 2012-13 season.

A co-worker of my wife just rec'd a letter indicating that tickets in section 18 will cost $1750 per seat next season (2011-2012). Section 17 will be $1450 per seat. I believe we are paying $750 currently. If this is true that puts my cost per seat for 2011-2012 at ~$80. Section 17 will be around $67. If this is fact then we are probably done sitting in our current seats. I will be interested to see how they handle people that want to move to "non-premium seats".

[herbie]

From what I heard.....

Changes will be coming for the 2012-13 season.

A co-worker of my wife just rec'd a letter indicating that tickets in section 18 will cost $1750 per seat next season (2011-2012). Section 17 will be $1450 per seat. I believe we are paying $750 currently. If this is true that puts my cost per seat for 2011-2012 at ~$80. Section 17 will be around $67. If this is fact then we are probably done sitting in our current seats. I will be interested to see how they handle people that want to move to "non-premium seats".

Interesting. I'm part of the Gopher Fund program right now and pay about $1750 per ticket to sit at center ice. When I heard about the reseating plan, I figured the new amount would be lower ($1250 or so?) based on everybody paying a donation instead of just a few.

[Snowcool08]

I got my renewal letter to remain on the waiting list, but I noticed on the back that the student section on the band's side is now only 1 section. Is this new for this coming year or was I missing something the last few years?

[Jupiter]

I am guessing many of the specifics have changed since I heard the info below, so take them with a grain of salt......

- Arena will be reseated.
- One student section instead of two.
- No donation behind the nets (Sections 1-3, 11-15, 23-24)
- $250 per seat, per year donation (4-6, 8-10, 16-18, 20-22)
- $500 per seat, per year donation (7 & 19)


I was told it would be for 2012-13.... But Like I said, the specifics may have changed.

[herbie]

I am guessing many of the specifics have changed since I heard the info below, so take them with a grain of salt......

- Arena will be reseated.
- One student section instead of two.
- No donation behind the nets (Sections 1-3, 11-15, 23-24)
- $250 per seat, per year donation (4-6, 8-10, 16-18, 20-22)
- $500 per seat, per year donation (7 & 19)


I was told it would be for 2012-13.... But Like I said, the specifics may have changed.

Did you hear any details on how they plan to determine priority for seat selection? I still think the best way to handle this is to allow current ticket holders to keep their same seats as long as they meet the new donation requirements. I dont understand why a complete reseating would be required. thanks

[Jupiter]

Did you hear any details on how they plan to determine priority for seat selection? I still think the best way to handle this is to allow current ticket holders to keep their same seats as long as they meet the new donation requirements. I dont understand why a complete reseating would be required. thanks

I really have no clue on what the plan is. I am guessing that what I heard was preliminary and is subject to change. But I thought I would at least share what I heard... It looks like the 'U' plans to hire someone to handle the entire process. So I am guessing once someone gets hired, we will start to hear the final details come out.

[dxmnkd316]

I got my renewal letter to remain on the waiting list, but I noticed on the back that the student section on the band's side is now only 1 section. Is this new for this coming year or was I missing something the last few years?

This change is all sorts of fail.

[mnrouser]

I got my renewal letter to remain on the waiting list, but I noticed on the back that the student section on the band's side is now only 1 section. Is this new for this coming year or was I missing something the last few years?

I got the same letter and it shows the student section is section 3,13 &14. It looks like they are eliminating section 2 that was half students, half season ticket holders, it now will be all season ticket holders. I don't know if this is for this year or not.

[Grants_Seat]

Not sure if this will post right, but I scanned the front and back of the 'wait list' form I got. I blanked out my name, address, and waitlist number.

If I still want in, it's $735/seat for behind the nets, $735 + $700 annual donation/seat for blue lines, $735+$1000 annual donation/seat for red lines, and $735+$1900 annual for club. Actual sections included in each price tier can be found on the form. The back has the student sections (down to three on my version.)

My waitlist number is in the 1250's. I was hoping that this was some indication that my selection was imminent, and not something sent to ALL on the waitlist?!?!? Any ideas?