Seat Donations and Reseating

[muguru]

Did anyone else get the email about extending the deadline to make a donation until Friday(was supposed to be tomorrow). I don't ever recall them extending the deadline before..I wonder if they aren't getting nearly as many donations as previous years and that's the reason for the extension?? I mean are people figuring out, it doesn't really pay to donate anymore?? Although, because so many people seem to be opting for the cheaper uppers, I wonder if that does make it worth it if you hope to get the same seats as last year??

[warriorchick]

If donations are down, my guess it is more of a function of people recently finding out that their deductions aren't tax deductible any more.

[checkmarq]

Received the same email and agree that it was interesting that they extended the deadline.

The wife and I don't usually give additionally to the B&G fund outside of what's required for the seats; yet, we moved up about 200 spots this year. Not sure that one data point can be extrapolated to mean donations are down across the board, but it wouldn't surprise me given the change in tax law

[Ardmore Mug]

My wife had called the B+G office about the points, or lack thereof , showing on our account.. He said because the problems they had with the Donation and points software program is the reason they extended the timeline.. 

[muguru]

I guess the only real reason I care about points anymore is for possible NCAA tourney tickets. I could already sit downstairs if I choose to, I just don't care to, so from that perspective, the points/donations don't do me much good.

[bilsu]

Last year my rank was 258. Currently it is at 244. I made no extra donations this year or last, so I find the numbers interesting. I am sure once they add in the reseating donations, I will be back around 260.

[muguru]

Last year my rank was 258. Currently it is at 244. I made no extra donations this year or last, so I find the numbers interesting. I am sure once they add in the reseating donations, I will be back around 260.

When you're up as high as you are, I'm not sure it matters much anymore..You can pretty much still have your pick of wherever you want to sit.

[rocket surgeon]

If donations are down, my guess it is more of a function of people recently finding out that their deductions aren't tax deductible any more.

  people are just finding this out?  like in the past month or so, eyn'a?

[JakeBarnes]

If donations are down, my guess it is more of a function of people recently finding out that their deductions aren't tax deductible any more.

This. Lots of orgs that my wife and I do fundraising for are seeing the same issues.

[Nukem2]

This. Lots of orgs that my wife and I do fundraising for are seeing the same issues.

Actually different issues.  Donations for points are not tax deductible other “normal” donations are deductible, but many folks can’t use them because of the higher standard deductions.

[bilsu]

The other thing I thought was interesting was that the number of season ticket holder accounts only increased by 2. The small increase was surprising to me. This seems to indicate that there were several accounts that did not renew for the first Fserv season as I was under the impression that MU pick up quite a few new season ticket holders.

[ducs]

Last year my rank was 258. Currently it is at 244. I made no extra donations this year or last, so I find the numbers interesting. I am sure once they add in the reseating donations, I will be back around 260.

Is lower number better?

[bilsu]

Yes

Number 1 has first choice.
Each season ticket account can choose up to 4 seats.
The difference between 244 could be as little as 16 seats and a many as 64 seats taken between picks. However, with the pricing structure and the steps many people pick higher up seats.

[Mr. Nielsen]

The other thing I thought was interesting was that the number of season ticket holder accounts only increased by 2. The small increase was surprising to me. This seems to indicate that there were several accounts that did not renew for the first Fserv season as I was under the impression that MU pick up quite a few new season ticket holders.

I really don't understand that as well. Season tickets did go up by a nice amount..

[Dr. Blackheart]

I really don't understand that as well. Season tickets did go up by a nice amount..

We had to chance to opt in or out.  My guess, folks are retiring and becoming snowbirds or the FF shine and will buy the packs.  Big demographic shifts coming to sports. 

[Sir Lawrence]

Wednesday, June 19, 2019
4:42p.m. CT

I can't really determine whether that's better or worse than when I picked last year.  My priority ranking did improve a tad.   

[BrewCity83]

Wednesday, June 19, 2019
4:42p.m. CT

I can't really determine whether that's better or worse than when I picked last year.  My priority ranking did improve a tad.

What's your current point total, Sir?  I didn't get my selection time yet.

[bilsu]

Last year my rank was 258. Currently it is at 244. I made no extra donations this year or last, so I find the numbers interesting. I am sure once they add in the reseating donations, I will be back around 260.

I do not know what my final ranking is.
My selection time is
Monday June 17 at 5:33

[mu_hilltopper]

I found it interesting that per the email a few weeks back, my rank went from 1195 to 1114.  I made zero donations.

Does that mean (at least) 81 accounts ahead of me quit?  More quit, if accounts behind me donated and leap-frogged my account. 

That seems odd that ~7% of accounts who've been around more than 15 years quit in the past year.

[MU62]

Having four seats verse two makes a huge difference in terms of moving up.  That means a much larger mandated donation.  I have had two seats for going on 53 years with extra but not super large donations every year like about $500 and still rank in the 460's.  This new increased donation magnifies the issue and I will probably stop making the extra donation moving forward.  I have heard from several how they moved up without making an additional donation.  I decided to increase the donation to $1,000 because of the lost tax deduction and made it in late December of 2017.  My rank is up just by 3.

[brewcity77]

I found it interesting that per the email a few weeks back, my rank went from 1195 to 1114.  I made zero donations.

Does that mean (at least) 81 accounts ahead of me quit?  More quit, if accounts behind me donated and leap-frogged my account. 

That seems odd that ~7% of accounts who've been around more than 15 years quit in the past year.

You are in mandatory donation seats still, correct? Possible some of those accounts went upstairs to lower or no donation seats.

[mu_hilltopper]

You are in mandatory donation seats still, correct? Possible some of those accounts went upstairs to lower or no donation seats.

Ah, that could be it.  I'm lower bowl corner, so for two seats it's around $700 donation.  If 81+ people moved upstairs and now had a $0-220 donation, an account like mine would gain 5 points on them every season. 

[TheGym]

My reseating day is the 25th which seems later in the process from last year, but my rank went up from prior year.  Have they adjusted the pacing times of reseating?  Anyone else seem to have this impact?

[brewcity77]

My reseating day is the 25th which seems later in the process from last year, but my rank went up from prior year.  Have they adjusted the pacing times of reseating?  Anyone else seem to have this impact?

I'm 5:52 pm on the 26th. I was right around the 50th percentile, maybe just above that with my small donation last week. So based on that, half the STHs will pick from June 10-26, the other half will pick from June 27-28. I get that you want to cater to the big donors, but that seems like some insane rapid fire.

[Sir Lawrence]

What's your current point total, Sir?  I didn't get my selection time yet.

333

[Dr. Blackheart]

I'm 5:52 pm on the 26th. I was right around the 50th percentile, maybe just above that with my small donation last week. So based on that, half the STHs will pick from June 10-26, the other half will pick from June 27-28. I get that you want to cater to the big donors, but that seems like some insane rapid fire.

Reseating, when points mattered, used to happen in like five days over a weekend.  More time is spent upfront upselling. It appears the weekends are not open for picking, just the weekdays?  With the extra bowl inventory, the packs are very attractive to fans.

[muguru]

Reseating, when points mattered, used to happen in like five days over a weekend.  More time is spent upfront upselling. It appears the weekends are not open for picking, just the weekdays?  With the extra bowl inventory, the packs are very attractive to fans.

I mean if a person wanted to sit downstairs, why WOULDN'T you just buy lowers in the 5 game packs, avoid the seat fee, and still get all the good games(if you bought tickets from each pack)?? Seems like a no brainer, isn't it??

[Dr. Blackheart]

I mean if a person wanted to sit downstairs, why WOULDN'T you just buy lowers in the 5 game packs, avoid the seat fee, and still get all the good games(if you bought tickets from each pack)?? Seems like a no brainer, isn't it??

Yep.  They need to add season tick flex tiers that require donations.  Like a 10 game pack.  A BE Pack, etc.  As it is it is unfair to STHs who sit in those sections, like Topper.

[bilsu]

I mean if a person wanted to sit downstairs, why WOULDN'T you just buy lowers in the 5 game packs, avoid the seat fee, and still get all the good games(if you bought tickets from each pack)?? Seems like a no brainer, isn't it??

Are there lowers available in five game packs? I am assuming the lower bowl is pretty much taken by season ticket holders.

[Mr. Nielsen]

I mean if a person wanted to sit downstairs, why WOULDN'T you just buy lowers in the 5 game packs, avoid the seat fee, and still get all the good games(if you bought tickets from each pack)?? Seems like a no brainer, isn't it??

Cost is much cheaper than a season ticket holder, than buying mini plans and single game tickets.

[Mr. Nielsen]

Are there lowers available in five game packs? I am assuming the lower bowl is pretty much taken by season ticket holders.

There were corner lowers available for sale.

[🏀]

I mean if a person wanted to sit downstairs, why WOULDN'T you just buy lowers in the 5 game packs, avoid the seat fee, and still get all the good games(if you bought tickets from each pack)?? Seems like a no brainer, isn't it??

This is a crazy good idea.

[LloydsLegs]

I had a 5 pack - lowers at just outside of the baseline.

[The Lens]

Cost is much cheaper than a season ticket holder, than buying mini plans and single game tickets.

My brother in law sat 7 rows behind me for the 5 best games at 30% the cost.  Drives my wife nuts. Those 5 packs are a steal.

[Mr. Nielsen]

My brother in law sat 7 rows behind me for the 5 best games at 30% the cost.  Drives my wife nuts. Those 5 packs are a steal.

OK. Not sure what section you are talking about to know if your number is correct or not. The lowers for a 5 game mini plan was around $300. It might have been higher.  A season ticket for 20 games was $760.
Yes, the 5 packs is a much better savings than single game tickets. Yet, if someone plans to piece together mini plans and single game tickets for most games, season tickets is by far a better plan to do. It's not even close!

[The Lens]

OK. Not sure what section you are talking about to know if your number is correct or not. The lowers for a 5 game mini plan was around $300. It might have been higher.  A season ticket for 20 games was $760.
Yes, the 5 packs is a much better savings than single game tickets. Yet, if someone plans to piece together mini plans and single game tickets for most games, season tickets is by far a better plan to do. It's not even close!

I'm in 120.  Yes his per  ticket cost is higher but if I'm being honest, I don't need to go to Bethune Cookman, Presbyterian or Charleston Southern.  So he shells out about 1/3 of what I do and gets to the best games.  It's fine, I've made the choice for 20+ years to buy seasons.  It's on me.   

[Goose]

The Lens
Last year I broke down and bought season tickets, for first time in 15 years and had mixed feelings. During the down time, I bought scalpers tickets for the 3-5 games a year I cared to go to and on a simply money decision, it was a slam dunk. Seldom sat above 15th row and always between baselines. Now, with kids grown, out of school/house, I do like being locked into the season package. It gets me to go to more games because I have tickets in hand. That said, there are dog games that I just will not attend, tickets or no tickets in hand.

[muguru]

One thing I am not looking forward to this next year is the mobile entry...I have always felt more comfortable having ticket in hand. Not sure how smooth it's gonna go.

[MUDPT]

During the Ellenson season, they sold the Iowa game plus all of the big east in one package of 10.  That was the biggest rip.

[Mr. Nielsen]

One thing I am not looking forward to this next year is the mobile entry...I have always felt more comfortable having ticket in hand. Not sure how smooth it's gonna go.

I felt that way last August. The free non-conference tickets we get for being a STH, I used them on my phone. I'm shocked in how much I love it. I never thought I would say that. Plus, I went to a Brewer game on Good Friday, with a ticket of my phone. Just bring back my smoking area, I'll be really happy. 

[Mr. Nielsen]

During the Ellenson season, they sold the Iowa game plus all of the big east in one package of 10.  That was the biggest rip.

It didn't sell well, and trust me that will never happen again. Devalues, us STH.

[muguru]

I felt that way last August. The free non-conference tickets we get for being a STH, I used them on my phone. I'm shocked in how much I love it. I never thought I would say that. Plus, I went to a Brewer game on Good Friday, with a ticket of my phone. Just bring back my smoking area, I'll be really happy. 

+1000000....as sad as it is, this is one of the major factors impacting my decision as to whether or not to renew this year..If it's a tight, tense game at the end of the first half, having a smoke at halftime was always a good way to calm me. See ZERO reason why they can't have a smoking area outside again like they did at the BC.

[UWW2MU]

+1000000....as sad as it is, this is one of the major factors impacting my decision as to whether or not to renew this year..If it's a tight, tense game at the end of the first half, having a smoke at halftime was always a good way to calm me. See ZERO reason why they can't have a smoking area outside again like they did at the BC.

On the flip side, the potential fans seated next to you when you returned from said smoke are probably happy with the current decision not to have a smoking area.   

[Mr. Nielsen]

On the flip side, the potential fans seated next to you when you returned from said smoke are probably happy with the current decision not to have a smoking area.   

Maybe. 

[UWW2MU]

Maybe. 

I have to go with a firm "probably" here.  I had a discussion fairly recently with a friend of mine who used to be a smoker.  He mentioned how he never realized how powerful the smell a smoker has after a smoke break until after he quit.   I am glad I no longer experience events where people near me leave to go have a smoke and wreaked like it when they returned.  Selfishly, I'm glad there's no area to smoke at the Fiserv. 

[Nukem2]

I have to go with a firm "probably" here.  I had a discussion fairly recently with a friend of mine who used to be a smoker.  He mentioned how he never realized how powerful the smell a smoker has after a smoke break until after he quit.   I am glad I no longer experience events where people near me leave to go have a smoke and wreaked like it when they returned.  Selfishly, I'm glad there's no area to smoke at the Fiserv.

As a long reformed smoker, I agree with your friend.  Hate being next to smokers now.

[brewcity77]

As a long reformed smoker, I agree with your friend.  Hate being next to smokers now.

Agreed. 13 years as a smoker & really dislike smelling it now.

[Mr. Nielsen]

You guys are caught up on the smell. I was hinting at it might be better for the folks around Guru to have his smoke at halftime to calm his nerves watching the game. 

[Dr. Blackheart]

You guys are caught up on the smell. I was hinting at it might be better for the folks around Guru to have his smoke at halftime to calm his nerves watching the game. 

They have brownies and blended tea for that now, hey?

[We R Final Four]

You guys are caught up on the smell. I was hinting at it might be better for the folks around Guru to have his smoke at halftime to calm his nerves watching the game. 

I knew what you meant.....sucks when you have to explain the joke.
Guru without his fix during a tense game might be hell for all his neighbors.

[4everwarriors]

Bedder dan passin' gas all game long, hey?

[muguru]

You guys are caught up on the smell. I was hinting at it might be better for the folks around Guru to have his smoke at halftime to calm his nerves watching the game. 

Exactly! Now, you know some people...explain to them how I am, and how important it is for everyone that i have my smoke at halftime...maybe you can convince them this way to allow us to smoke. 

[UWW2MU]

You guys are caught up on the smell. I was hinting at it might be better for the folks around Guru to have his smoke at halftime to calm his nerves watching the game. 

Receiver fail.   So ashamed....   

[bilsu]

Last year my rank was 258. Currently it is at 244. I made no extra donations this year or last, so I find the numbers interesting. I am sure once they add in the reseating donations, I will be back around 260.

I made no extra donations and my ranking ended up being 243 vs. the 244 they said I was before the reseating donations. My rank is 15 spots higher than last year.