Why an "ordinary" fan is not buying season tickets

[WeepNoMore]

The thread noting that season ticket sales are down 14% from last year got me to thinking about why I gave up my season tickets in 2010 after purchasing season tickets since Commonwealth Stadium opened and why it is unlikely that I will purchase season tickets in the future.

I have been a FB-first, enthusiastic fan since I saw my first UK game in old Stoll Field in the early 60s. I consider myself an "ordinary" or typical UK fan in the sense that until I retired I was a middle class wage earner.

For the 2003 season I paid $549 for two tickets (lower level, 11 rows up, 5-yard line) and a parking pass. By 2010 my ticket cost had increased to $993 for two tickets and half of a parking pass. If I had continued to purchase tickets my cost this year would be $1460 for two tickets and half of a parking pass. My friends, that's a 165% increase or about 8% per year compounded annually. Inflation during that same period has been in the neighborhood of 2 to 3% with wage increases somewhat below the inflation rate. THANK YOU MITCH BARNHART!!!!!

During that same period of time the OOC schedule has been watered down with another Popcorn State team replacing Indiana. THANKS AGAIN MITCH!!!!

During that same period facilities for the "ordinary" fan have increased marginally, if at all, and parking is much more of a hassle. ANOTHER SHOUT OUT TO BARNHART!!!!

Most importantly, during that same period of time the quality of the on-field product though up and down has remained essentially stagnant, though the number of blowouts has increased considerably. ANOTHER HIGH-FIVE TO OUR AD OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!

In summary, we "ordinary" fans have experienced:

(1) an increase in ticket prices that rivals the cost increases of health care
(2) a further watering down of the schedule
(3) essentially the same facilities and less convenient parking
(4) a stagnant, arguably declining, on-field product

It should not be a surprise that we "ordinary" fans are staying home in increasing numbers.

P.S. Though I haven't taken time to do any research, I expect UK, other than the stagnant on-field product, is probably typical of FB programs on the major college scene, many of which are also experiencing declines in ticket sales and attendance.

 

[Bluetick2100]

Can't argue with a single word of your post.

 

[Onomatopoeia]

Nice blog post, where do I unsubscribe?

 

[John Henry]

OP understands. Unfortunately the sports market nationwide is pricing itself out of the ordinary fan market. Large corporations buy up the prime seats and give them away to clients. The cheap seats are not cheap anymore.

 

[WeepNoMore]

Nice blog post, where do I unsubscribe?

Just hit the ignore button and put your head back in the sand!!!!!!!!! :sunglasses:

 

[sambowieshin_rivals]

The truth hurts. That said, I quit going to the games for football a long time ago. I still go for the friendship, tailgating and whiskey. It would be a nice change of pace to see some quality football played.

 

[NewEraCATS]

UK is still has among the cheapest tickets in the SEC for football

 

[vhcat70]

UK is still has among the cheapest tickets in the SEC for football

That doesn't make them cheap for the average person.

And if you measured price by season ticket cost divided by season wins, where would be rank? I'd guess pretty high.

 

[Big John Stud]

My only problem with people who gave up tix is they won't STFU about it. You're not interested in football tix, you're disgruntled, you can't afford it, whatever. Move on with your lives and stop bragging about how you gave up UK football.

 

[IHATEUAVEL]

$180 Million in facility improvement tells me this dweeb isn't paying attention..

 

[mdlUK.1]

I can understand the cost pricing some fans out of season tickets but the ooc whining is ridiculous. I guess some of you want a tough SEC and add Ohio state, SoCal and Oregon. And then whine because we don't win. Smh

 

[Chuckinden]

The bottom line is everyone has their breaking point with the cost, the product on the field, the hassle of parking, traffic, night games that put many getting home early in the am, etc.

The alternative is that you can sit at home watch the game and avoid all of that.

To each his own.

 

[trueblujr]

While I agree that parking pass prices are outrageous, especially when, per game, they exceed the cost of the game ticket. However, to say parking is more difficult is a gross overstatement. All one needs to do is look at most other major SEC football stadiums to know that we have probably some of the most ample parking close to the stadium.

 

[KYCAT78]

While I agree that parking pass prices are outrageous, especially when, per game, they exceed the cost of the game ticket. However, to say parking is more difficult is a gross overstatement. All one needs to do is look at most other major SEC football stadiums to know that we have probably some of the most ample parking close to the stadium.

Do not let's the facts interfere with people's perception of the truth. Football is a bargain compared to other SEC schools. Basketball ticket prices are what people should be complaining about.

 

[jpbky2]

The bottom line is everyone has their breaking point with the cost, the product on the field, the hassle of parking, traffic, night games that put many getting home early in the am, etc.

The alternative is that you can sit at home watch the game and avoid all of that.

To each his own.

I totally agree. There is a point that everyone says it isn't worth it and I prefer to do something else with my time or watch it on TV. This is not only happening for UK football, but other programs as well, NASCAR and other sports. I gave up my season football tickets, mostly because I was upset that people I had sat by for a number of years were all relocated with the ticket redistribution. I love college football and love going to the games, but I was able to attend every home game last year for $50, by just hanging out and buying tickets out front of the stadium before the game. So, if costs is your issue, if you have a will to go to the games, you can get in the stadium for not a lot of money.

 

[Bluetick2100]

$180 Million in facility improvement tells me this dweeb isn't paying attention..

One can only gather that the 180 million new wrapping paper can't cover up 6 consecutive losing seasons.

 

[WeepNoMore]

My only problem with people who gave up tix is they won't STFU about it. You're not interested in football tix, you're disgruntled, you can't afford it, whatever. Move on with your lives and stop bragging about how you gave up UK football.

A little sensitive aren't we?????? :sunglasses: Did I step on your toes with my comments about Barnhart???? :sunglasses:

BTW, no brag just fact!!!!!!

FYI, I also gave up BB season tickets I had held since Rupp opened for some of the same reasons--(1) excessive cost, (2) OOC home schedule featuring mostly teams you have to Google to figure out who they are and (3) an SEC slate primarily of nobodies.

I must say at least the BB product on the floor was a pleasure to watch when on occasion we played a decent team at home. It's just that IMHO 4 or 5 competitive games a year was not worth the cost.

Finally, I haven't given up UK football. Still watch or listen to every game. If I lived close to Lexington, I'd join one of the posters above and pick up some free or low cost tickets at the games.

 

[STUCKNBIG10]

My only problem with people who gave up tix is they won't STFU about it. You're not interested in football tix, you're disgruntled, you can't afford it, whatever. Move on with your lives and stop bragging about how you gave up UK football.

agree completely. It's a free country, people can stop going if they want to, but many of them think that they're martyrs for doing so.

 

[Big John Stud]

A little sensitive aren't we?????? :sunglasses: Did I step on your toes with my comments about Barnhart???? :sunglasses:

BTW, no brag just fact!!!!!!

FYI, I also gave up BB season tickets I had held since Rupp opened for some of the same reasons--(1) excessive cost, (2) OOC home schedule featuring mostly teams you have to Google to figure out who they are and (3) an SEC slate primarily of nobodies.

I must say at least the BB product on the floor was a pleasure to watch when on occasion we played a decent team at home. It's just that IMHO 4 or 5 competitive games a year was not worth the cost.

Finally, I haven't given up UK football. Still watch or listen to every game. If I lived close to Lexington, I'd join one of the posters above and pick up some free or low cost tickets at the games.

I broke up with Jenny back in 2010. Here is a list of the issues I had with her... Just kidding, nobody wants to hear that ****.

You gave up your tix in 2010 and are still bitching about it. I'm not sure if you want attention or a cookie but no one cares. We have moved on without you, you should do the same.

 

[ThwKentuckyKid]

I've been to games but I really do prefer to watch at home, HD projector is hard to beat for me.

 

[cardkilla_rivals379685]

I've been to games but I really do prefer to watch at home, HD projector is hard to beat for me.

360 degree view, hanging with other true blue fans and 10 rows from the field is hard to beat for me.

 

[DerVille]

My only problem with people who gave up tix is they won't STFU about it. You're not interested in football tix, you're disgruntled, you can't afford it, whatever. Move on with your lives and stop bragging about how you gave up UK football.

Another internet poster who thinks voicing opinions on a forum is only permissible to those for who they AGREE with, if you have a take they don't agree with you should just go somewhere and shut up. Just like the libs on college campuses who shout down any speaker they don't agree with.

 

[Big John Stud]

Another internet poster who thinks voicing opinions on a forum is only permissible to those for who they AGREE with, if you have a take they don't agree with you should just go somewhere and shut up. Just like the libs on college campuses who shout down any speaker they don't agree with.

Where did I say it wasn't permissible? Can you read or do you just have serious comprehension issues? Did you just complain about me voicing my opinion about his opinion? You're just like the libs on college campuses who shout down any speaker they don't agree with.

I just said no one cares and he needs to move on. He can post whatever he wants and I can reply to it however I want. He can't post about how he doesn't like green beans too and I will prolly tell him no one cares again.

 

[murpack]

UK is still has among the cheapest tickets in the SEC for football

I don't even want to reply to this ish.

 

[why_not_kentucky]

$10 dollar tickets just right outside CWS.

 

[Hjack]

We have moved on without you, you should do the same.

Just exactly how would he do that?

 

[sluggercatfan]

The thread noting that season ticket sales are down 14% from last year got me to thinking about why I gave up my season tickets in 2010 after purchasing season tickets since Commonwealth Stadium opened and why it is unlikely that I will purchase season tickets in the future.

I have been a FB-first, enthusiastic fan since I saw my first UK game in old Stoll Field in the early 60s. I consider myself an "ordinary" or typical UK fan in the sense that until I retired I was a middle class wage earner.

For the 2003 season I paid $549 for two tickets (lower level, 11 rows up, 5-yard line) and a parking pass. By 2010 my ticket cost had increased to $993 for two tickets and half of a parking pass. If I had continued to purchase tickets my cost this year would be $1460 for two tickets and half of a parking pass. My friends, that's a 165% increase or about 8% per year compounded annually. Inflation during that same period has been in the neighborhood of 2 to 3% with wage increases somewhat below the inflation rate. THANK YOU MITCH BARNHART!!!!!

During that same period of time the OOC schedule has been watered down with another Popcorn State team replacing Indiana. THANKS AGAIN MITCH!!!!

During that same period facilities for the "ordinary" fan have increased marginally, if at all, and parking is much more of a hassle. ANOTHER SHOUT OUT TO BARNHART!!!!

Most importantly, during that same period of time the quality of the on-field product though up and down has remained essentially stagnant, though the number of blowouts has increased considerably. ANOTHER HIGH-FIVE TO OUR AD OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!

In summary, we "ordinary" fans have experienced:

(1) an increase in ticket prices that rivals the cost increases of health care
(2) a further watering down of the schedule
(3) essentially the same facilities and less convenient parking
(4) a stagnant, arguably declining, on-field product

It should not be a surprise that we "ordinary" fans are staying home in increasing numbers.

P.S. Though I haven't taken time to do any research, I expect UK, other than the stagnant on-field product, is probably typical of FB programs on the major college scene, many of which are also experiencing maybeboydeclines in ticket sales and attendance.

Just win and they will come...maybe not you but others will... my niece told me the other day that probably starting next year they will return and they have been without tickets for several years now

 

[GoCatsForever2k15]

Have to love posters who post in a thread solely to let everyone know that they, in fact, do not care

 

[sluggercatfan]

While I agree that parking pass prices are outrageous, especially when, per game, they exceed the cost of the game ticket. However, to say parking is more difficult is a gross overstatement. All one needs to do is look at most other major SEC football stadiums to know that we have probably some of the most ample parking close to the stadium.

Travel to some games and you will see how true this is.

 

[sluggercatfan]

One can only gather that the 180 million new wrapping paper can't cover up 6 consecutive losing seasons.

Like I told WNM... win and they will come simple as that.

 

[Anon1712931820]

Three words: High Definition Television.

Cost of gas, eating out, tickets and the time is just either not worth it or not affordable for many fans who used to grab up season tickets.

 

[CatFromDaHood]

I broke up with Jenny back in 2010. Here is a list of the issues I had with her... Just kidding, nobody wants to hear that ****.

You gave up your tix in 2010 and are still bitching about it. I'm not sure if you want attention or a cookie but no one cares. We have moved on without you, you should do the same.

So which is worse, bitching about something or bitching about the bitching?

And which is less interesting to everyone?

 

[bthendren]

I don't understand people who complain about the lack of a competitive football team but are unwilling to contribute for it. Thanks for that $500 a year for 2 seats and a parking pass for 7 games but unfortunately that's not enough to fund the coaches, facilities, and player perks required to recruit and compete in the SEC.

If your unwilling to invest then someone else will, please step aside.

 

[UKWinsAgainYep]

OP is right about Mitch. He is not a great AD for football. He didn't even have the ability to find and hire a good Coach. Stoops basically came to Mitch and pitched himself as the Coach. Jurich has completely run circles around Mitch in football and it disgusts me.

 

[KY1WING]

If the trend continues in a season or two the Athletic Department will either pay a high priced consulting firm to come in to determine why the decline and make suggestions on how to stem the bleeding. Or better yet, appoint a blue ribbon task force with the same charge.

WeepNoMore provided each with their first bit of data ...

 

[WeepNoMore]

I broke up with Jenny back in 2010. Here is a list of the issues I had with her... Just kidding, nobody wants to hear that ****.

You gave up your tix in 2010 and are still bitching about it. I'm not sure if you want attention or a cookie but no one cares. We have moved on without you, you should do the same.

Starting to repeat yourself, are you??? :sunglasses: Perhaps you should "move on" to another approach???

And, hey, thanks for dumping Jenny. Agree she has issues--high maintenance, can't cook, etc. BUT there are a couple of things does really, really right!!!! :sunglasses:

Oh, and I'm happy to share a few cookies with you. :cookie::cookie::cookie::cookie::cookie: I even have some extra fries. :fries::fries::fries::fries::fries:

But, don't ask for Jenny back!!!!!!!!!!! :sunglasses: She's "moved on".

 

[sluggercatfan]

OP is right about Mitch. He is not a great AD for football. He didn't even have the ability to find and hire a good Coach. Stoops basically came to Mitch and pitched himself as the Coach. Jurich has completely run circles around Mitch in football and it disgusts me.

And I don't think that it is even close to being proven that MS is a good coach...yet

 

[UKWinsAgainYep]

And I don't think that it is even close to being proven that MS is a good coach...yet

Agreed...I REALLY REALLY hope Stoops works out at UK....

 

[supernova0221]

The thread noting that season ticket sales are down 14% from last year got me to thinking about why I gave up my season tickets in 2010 after purchasing season tickets since Commonwealth Stadium opened and why it is unlikely that I will purchase season tickets in the future.

I have been a FB-first, enthusiastic fan since I saw my first UK game in old Stoll Field in the early 60s. I consider myself an "ordinary" or typical UK fan in the sense that until I retired I was a middle class wage earner.

For the 2003 season I paid $549 for two tickets (lower level, 11 rows up, 5-yard line) and a parking pass. By 2010 my ticket cost had increased to $993 for two tickets and half of a parking pass. If I had continued to purchase tickets my cost this year would be $1460 for two tickets and half of a parking pass. My friends, that's a 165% increase or about 8% per year compounded annually. Inflation during that same period has been in the neighborhood of 2 to 3% with wage increases somewhat below the inflation rate. THANK YOU MITCH BARNHART!!!!!

During that same period of time the OOC schedule has been watered down with another Popcorn State team replacing Indiana. THANKS AGAIN MITCH!!!!

During that same period facilities for the "ordinary" fan have increased marginally, if at all, and parking is much more of a hassle. ANOTHER SHOUT OUT TO BARNHART!!!!

Most importantly, during that same period of time the quality of the on-field product though up and down has remained essentially stagnant, though the number of blowouts has increased considerably. ANOTHER HIGH-FIVE TO OUR AD OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!

In summary, we "ordinary" fans have experienced:

(1) an increase in ticket prices that rivals the cost increases of health care
(2) a further watering down of the schedule
(3) essentially the same facilities and less convenient parking
(4) a stagnant, arguably declining, on-field product

It should not be a surprise that we "ordinary" fans are staying home in increasing numbers.

P.S. Though I haven't taken time to do any research, I expect UK, other than the stagnant on-field product, is probably typical of FB programs on the major college scene, many of which are also experiencing declines in ticket sales and attendance.

These self loathing cheap fans are literally hilarious. Thanks Mitch? Rotflmao. As an "ordinary" fan you don't get it at all. Like most cheapo's you bring up price when UK has for years and years been some of the cheapest ticket prices in the SEC. So basically, you want to be cheap AND expect the team to be good? How does that make sense?!?! It's a shock to fans like you because you have never cared to actually do what it takes to have a winning football program. 14% is nothing to make up if the team wins. The schedule is year in and year out one of the toughest in th nation so a "watering down" is completely inaccurate.

The same facilities? lololololololololololololololol. The stadium just had a $110 million dollar renovation did you not notice? How about that new practice facility?!?! I'm sorry I despise these posts. It's just a crying fest of so called fans who want to pay bottom dollar and expect a top product.

The fact is the rest of the SEC has been outspending UK on football for decades until recently. It's probably good people like this fall off.

 

[irishcat1965]

And I don't think that it is even close to being proven that MS is a good coach...yet

I agree. Stoops has proven to be a decent recruiter, but there are still holes in the roster especially on the defensive side of the ball. As far as game day coaching, he and his staff have a ways to go. In fairness to him, Joker left him a terrible roster devoid of talent and that's the reason I think the first couple of years can't be held against him. However, it's time to start showing progress to the point of at least a winning season or bowl game.