Funding UL Spring Sports

[DaddyCajun]

I understand where you are coming from in waiting for more success before raising ticket prices. But fans also have to realize that it takes money to build a successful program. I used to look at this as a chicken/egg situation but now I firmly believe that we must raise the money before we will see the success we want on the field and the court.

You could be right, big man, you could be right. Can not just look to the big money people for money, it must come from all sources. Season ticket holders are one of the sources that needs to be tapped somewhat harder to continue elevating our programs.

The next area to be tapped will be TV revenues when the programs reach that next level on a consistant basis!

DaddyCajun

[TillmansNumber1]

I used some hypothetical numbers, some we have done before some we will do in the near future!

I remember using 20,000avg X 5 games for Football
Mens Basketball I used I think 5,000avg x 13 games
Lady Basketball I think was 750avg x 13 games
Baseball 2000avg x 30games
Softball 750avg x 25games

Nothing scientific, it was quick, early in the morning at work, but close I think none the less!

DaddyCajun

I think the price increases should mimic those that have been implemented for facility improvement and expansiion! Now it is $2 for Football and basketball $1 for softball, baseball and Lady Basketball!!

I think we should also wait till after a Championship/Bowl game type season that we also see great seasons in some of the other fore mentioned sports!

I can see lets say, after this football season, if it ends with another championship and bowl, the Football tickets going up $3. Basketball if they go to the Dance, bump them up $2, Baseball to the Super Regionals $1, Softball World Series $1(Champs $2), Womens Basketball the Dance $1!!!

DaddyCajun

These numbers are slightly enhanced. Even during the successful Evans years, were the Cajuns averaging 5,000 for men's basketball? When have the Cajuns averaged 20,000 for football? The women's basketball program is the most successful of the basketball programs and they're getting only 400, which is great, and can be improved, but is nowhere remotely close to the average claim of 750.

The attendance numbers for the Cajuns aren't great, but they're improving. Are they going to skyrocket if the prices go up? How many people choose not to attend Cajuns game because the tickets aren't expensive enough?

The goal of raising money for the program is noble and is something every fan and administrator wants. But, aren't there other ways than raising ticket prices on a fan base that is already fickle as it is? After viewing the numbers for football and basketball, it's apparent the attendance fluctuates too greatly to justify an increase.

If the Cajuns were consistently, regardless of record, drawing 20k for football year in and year out, then raising the price wouldn't be a bad idea because the sales of tickets are not performance sensitive, at least in that case. But, basketball, especially under Lee, is all over the map, and indicates the Cajun fan base is not reliable enough to justify an increase.

Wouldn't raising prices, along with the bad press about raising prices, discourage people from purchasing season tickets? What have the Cajuns done on the field of play to justify raising ticket prices?

A few ways the Cajuns could raise money.

1. A brick campaign. It's easy, simple and cost effective. Might not raise a ton, but it wouldn't be as destructive, from a PR standpoint, as raising ticket prices.

2. Parking spaces next to Cajun Field. As it stands, there are about 200 parking spots directly next to Cajun Field on either side (about 100 per side). Why not reserve that spot and put a sign with the company or individual's name for say, 100 bucks for 6 games?

3. Student Athletic Fee. If the state only permits this fee to be used for buildings, then assess it and build one of two things: an Honors/Athletics dorm, which would appease both sides and help with increasing the graduation rate possibly OR build an academic athletic facility, where athletes and non athletic students would be able to go to get tutored.

There are other ways to raise money for the program, but raising ticket prices seems a little uncalled for.

[Jacob81]

I went to the Houston game this year and got my tickets over there. I think I paid $25 a piece for them. So if you wanna be better than or as good as a Houston, than you should be willing to pay $20 a ticket. I think the people that or watching the present teams UL is putting on the field are there cause they love this school.I don't see losing many fans to a 20% increase in ticket prices all the way around. I really feel like football should be increased even more than that. I think $8 for student escorts is good. The cheapest upper deck ticket in Cajun Field should be at least $15.

[Just1More]

I went to the Houston game this year and got my tickets over there. I think I paid $25 a piece for them. So if you wanna be better than or as good as a Houston, than you should be willing to pay $20 a ticket. I think the people that or watching the present teams UL is putting on the field are there cause they love this school.I don't see losing many fans to a 20% increase in ticket prices all the way around. I really feel like football should be increased even more than that. I think $8 for student escorts is good. The cheapest upper deck ticket in Cajun Field should be at least $15.

I think you are absolutely correct. We are not talking about much per head. There is no way a couple of bucks per ticket is a go/no go decision maker for 98% of our crowd. I would expect someone with a minor degree of supply/demand information to calculate the pain point for pricing and figure this one out.

A couple of other issues should weave into this one... first, to fill the vacant seats (in lieu of winning - we all know that will take care of a lot of things) UL should be doing major community promotional drives... providing free passes to games that tie groups and even half time presentations/performances to these passes. There should be many, many more connections to local high schools and their athletic departments, bands, cheerleaders, and so on. We have the "luxury" of empty seats. I cannot believe we have no means to haul in a lot more prospective fans with free passes (again, tied to specific groups). And last, the private funding issue. I still regard this as our biggest miss. Does UL comprehend the power behind playing up to the ego of the wealthy local business people?

PS Each of the above feeds the other... A) True fans don't stop going to games over a few more bucks B) We have empty seats - let's tie free passes to group functions and fill the seats C) Let's get out of the status quo private funding and use the power of marketing, advertising and egos.

[Kal]

PS Each of the above feeds the other... A) True fans don't stop going to games over a few more bucks B) We have empty seats - let's tie free passes to group functions and fill the seats C) Let's get out of the status quo private funding and use the power of marketing, advertising and egos.

Excellent point, I think the school needs to give out tickets to local elementary and high schools as rewards. This serves two purposes, one you are helping fill the stadium, and two you are bringing in possible future ragin' cajuns and getting them hooked on UL.

Remember the premise of the matrix? That the matrix was a program in our brains that we had to be released from. That's how I view LSU. We are just told to support LSU. We aren't given a choice, LSU is the matrix of Louisiana. Time to free this next generation and create the future of UL.

[rhineaux]

Excellent point, I think the school needs to give out tickets to local elementary and high schools as rewards. This serves two purposes, one you are helping fill the stadium, and two you are bringing in possible future ragin' cajuns and getting them hooked on UL.

Remember the premise of the matrix? That the matrix was a program in our brains that we had to be released from. That's how I view LSU. We are just told to support LSU. We aren't given a choice, LSU is the matrix of Louisiana. Time to free this next generation and create the future of UL.

I don't think that we want to just start handing out tickets, maybe in some cases, ok, but hold the phone. Offer rates at 1/2 price for groups of 30 or more and more off for groups of 50 or more, something like that. Groups in town like the boy scouts, soccer teams, youth football, etc. have plenty of money to be able to support something like that. Either that, or you invite each of the boy scout troups to the game and give free tickets to the kids, but have the parents pay 1/2 price or something. But, i know that if its the whole troop is going, then one or two parents or leaders will take the boys there, while the parents use that as a free night of babysitting. so, you get a representative from each troop to carry each a flag, and have them present the colors before the game, with the rest of the kids walking with them. parents would be more likely to attend if the kids are involved and not just running around the upper deck. Plus you could have a special area set up before the game where the kids could meet members of the baseball, softball, other team. Let them meet the cheerleaders, dance team, and band. thsoe sorts of things.

If we give a kid one free ticket to one game per season, its not gonna have too big of an effect on the grand scale. but if you take that kid, put him on the field either during halftime or before the game, let some hot ___ cheerleader take a picture with him, give him a hamburger or two, he will remember that more than anything, and will associate having such a great time with UL football, and will beg his parents to go back, and then tell his friends how much fun he had. when his P's do bring him back, all of his friends will want to go, then they'll have fun, etc. See how easy that is?

It could be done with all sports too, not just football. football isn't the only sport that needs help and support and a growing fan base.

[RaginFan2]

The attendance numbers for the Cajuns aren't great, but they're improving. Are they going to skyrocket if the prices go up? How many people choose not to attend Cajuns game because the tickets aren't expensive enough?

The goal of raising money for the program is noble and is something every fan and administrator wants. But, aren't there other ways than raising ticket prices on a fan base that is already fickle as it is? After viewing the numbers for football and basketball, it's apparent the attendance fluctuates too greatly to justify an increase.

If the Cajuns were consistently, regardless of record, drawing 20k for football year in and year out, then raising the price wouldn't be a bad idea because the sales of tickets are not performance sensitive, at least in that case. But, basketball, especially under Lee, is all over the map, and indicates the Cajun fan base is not reliable enough to justify an increase.

Wouldn't raising prices, along with the bad press about raising prices, discourage people from purchasing season tickets? What have the Cajuns done on the field of play to justify raising ticket prices?

...

There are other ways to raise money for the program, but raising ticket prices seems a little uncalled for.

I think you make some good points, but I don't agree with your basic premise. You are assuming that ticket prices are already at or near the max. limit people in this area are willing to pay. I think the ticket prices are ridiculously low as compared to other college teams. I think a lot of people would question the IDEA of raising ticket prices (given the current state of the on-field/court product), but I don't think adding a dollar or 2 to current prices would have much, if any, effect on attendance. Just my $.02 worth.

[Just1More]

I don't think that we want to just start handing out tickets, maybe in some cases, ok, but hold the phone.

I think you agree with the basic premise and are driving down to the details. I still believe many youth-based groups can be provided free game passes 1) to fill the stands 2) for future interest in the school. Obviously, you don't give free passes to potential paying customers, but asking any fee to a "youth group" could nix the deal... and that deal is to get the stands filled up. It is a future funding based concept. If the child takes an interest so too may the family.

I agree for the immediacy, ticket pricing needs to be evaluated. There are a whole lot of other additional ideas to explore. Why not ask for businesses to sponsor groups to the game? It has a very positive reflection on that business and should get more ad traction than a sign. And, it gets people in the stands... and they may be future supporters.

I don't want to just keep throwing ideas around... I want to see the university put everything into the pot and bring it to a boil.