Season Ticket Renewals & Incentives

Also want to throw my two cents in on the season ticket renewals and new incentives to renew.  First off, let me start by saying that as a fan, and a season ticket holder, I’m happy that the athletic department is doing SOMETHING.  They had to try something new, something different, to get people to renew. Watching this team the past 4 years has been tough, and the fanbase doesn’t have enough diehards to carry us through.  They’re at least trying to reward those of us who have been there through it all.  Gotta renew by April 30th to receive all of these.  So, lets break down the new incentives:

• Extended Tailgating Time – YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Finally!  For years we’ve been screaming about this.  It’s an extra hour to those who buy the parking pass.  Smart move, should see an increase in parking pass sales.  It’s not perfect, but it’s a start, and clearly they are listening.
• Exclusive Merchandise Discounts – A nice idea.  Most of us already have more than enough UConn gear, so I’m wondering if these discounts will also be offered to new season ticket buyers.  Also wondering what are the “select retail locations” the discount will be available at.
• Exclusive Season Ticket Holder Hat – I like this a lot.  Yes, it’s just a hat.  But it’s a way to single out and reward those of us who have been there year after year.  It’s a way to recognize those people who have spent their money on the program.  Not saying we go to the games for people to applaud us for buying tickets, but it’s a nice gesture.  Can’t wait for mine.
• Concession Specials – So I get a cup and get discounted refills? Can I fill it with beer?  Probably not, but still a great idea.  I hope the Dairy Bar ice cream is included in this!
• Exclusive Season Ticket Holder Event – Pretty vague, other than it’ll be held in the summer.  Hopefully most of us aren’t on vacation and can make it.

Now, all of this is very nice, and long overdue.  But it doesn’t address what I believe is the bigger problem.  STUDENTS!!! How can they get more students to go to the games?  How can they persuade more students to stay at the games?  That whole situation needs to be changed to make the gameday experience more enticing for students, and more as if the students don’t go, it’s like they’re missing out on something.  The bus schedules need to be rectified, because it’s stupid that students are arriving only an hour before the game, and that they have the ability to leave soon after.  The busses should not start leaving until the end of the 3rd quarter, and if it’s a good game, they’ll stay for the 4th.

The students are given a t-shirt for buying tickets.  That’s it.  You’ve got to give them a reason to go.  I get it, winning will cure all of that.  But that currently isn’t the norm here.  So, here’s my idea: Food.  Lots of Food.  They can’t offer alcohol, but food is the next best thing.  As apart of the student season ticket package, include in the price access to a student picnic in one of the lots.  Unlimited hot dogs & soda will be a draw to college kids, even if they do just stop in for a bit to eat.  Hold giveaways and contests to involve the students in the gameday experience.  Raffles using their gameday ticket stub that enters them into a drawing for upgraded seats/on field experience/cash prize/etc.  All I’m saying is the athletic department has to try something.  I have faith that they will.  I’m interested to see what they try and do.

@UConn813

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