Season-ticket sales down for Virginia football
For nine years, it was never really a decision for Jeremy Rinaca.
The 28-year-old, who lives within walking distance of Scott Stadium, saved money throughout the year to secure season tickets for Virginia’s home football slate.
Following a 5-7 campaign that included four straight losses in November last year, Rinaca debated what to do moving forward. A struggling economy only added fuel to the fire.
He was not alone.
Decisions made to turn the offense over to new offensive coordinator Gregg Brandon and his spread style, putting Vic Hall on offense and a promising secondary solidified Rinaca’s eventual decision.
“I thought about not getting season tickets this year, but with the excitement around the program, I thought they might be tough to get,” said Rinaca, who sits in section 119 at Scott. “There is a new offense, quarterback Jameel Sewell is back, Vic Hall is on offense — a place that he should have been the past three years — and there is definite excitement there. The secondary on defense out to be sick — they could be the best in the conference.
“It is definitely one of the more exciting years recently under [coach] Al Groh.”
Not everyone followed in Rinaca’s footsteps.
As of Friday, Virginia officials said current season-ticket sales for the upcoming slate are at 30,140, a drop of 14.6 percent from the same date in 2008.
“What we’re finding with our 2009 season ticket sale is not unique compared to many schools around the country,” said Virginia athletics director Craig Littlepage. “That’s why we’re trying to be creative in these difficult economic times by offering ticket packages that provide fans the opportunity to see Virginia football.”
On Monday, the creative measures will go into action.
A pair of mini-ticket packages, including a deal designed for families, and single-game tickets will go on sale.
One package, coined the “rivalry package,” shows the struggles to sell season tickets. Purchasing the plan guarantees fans the chance to see the Virginia Tech contest without buying a full season-ticket package, a rarity in years past.
“That is rather telling,” Rinaca said. “You always had to get season tickets to see the Hokies and it always seemed like a ton of those were sold to Hokie fans.”
The “rivalry package,” which is being sold for $108, also includes admission to the William & Mary game on Sept. 5 and the TCU game on Sept. 12.
The family package, a creative measure employed last year during basketball season, features four tickets to the season’s first three games, four hot dogs and four small sodas for $280.
Single-game tickets for Virginia’s home games against William & Mary ($23), TCU ($35) and Indiana ($35) will be available Monday at the ticket office or by calling 1-800-542-8821. Tickets for all five road games are also available.
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Reader Reactions
I had a series of emails with Littlepage last year to comment on the change of ticketing policy. I expressed my concern that in any other venue the actions by UVA would be considered criminal extortion. His response was that he would not argue semantics. The on going decline in season ticket sales just shows that most sane people won’t be extorted. Unfortunately I’m not among them, I still want to support the ‘Hoos and have my season ticket. It would be great to win—better than losing, but the game itself and the excitement it generates are well worth the cost to me. The atmosphere and attitude generated by the Atheletic Department will only change when the Director departs—sooner rather than later would be better.
Tech’s renewal rate was approx 96%, but had more new sales to offset the non-renewals. Say what you want about the economy, but if UVA was winning, people would be buying tickets. In my view, this is a direct shot at Groh and deservedly so. I believe UVA is a sleeping giant and can be a top ACC team. It won’t be this year and will take someone to rebuild the tradition that Welsh established. See you on 11/28…and I look forward to seeing thousands more Tech fans there this year.
Even if the tickets were free, would fans be willing to drive 3 hours to see Al Groh’s low-scoring, losing teams?
While the article mentioned that ticket sales were down 14+ percent from 2008, the REAL story would be how much the ticket sales are down from 2007, from before the seating changes. We gave up our seats after 28 years, refusing to be treated like just a commodity by an athletics department out of touch with the concept of “community.“
The football ticketing program is beyond messed up. The lack of transparency in seating options leaves the buyer with the sole option of send in your money and hope for the best. I simply won’t do it with prices as high as they are and the puritanical lack of beer sales. The University expects us to pay through the nose, question nothing, and accept what we’re given; but with such mediocre teams, why should we? Coach Groh earns almost $2 million per year and consistently loses out on the recruiting battle. I don’t understand how this situation can go on like this.
If UVa wins its first two games, they will sell their remaining tickets. If they lose either of those games, look for dismal attendence throughout the season. This is a very crucial year for head coach Al Groh and I’m sure he knows that. Their fan base and the Alumni Association’s patience is frayed. I fervently hope the Cavs can turn things around this year, not next.
True the economy has impacted the sell of season tickets but most importantly it’s the fans continuing to show they’re dissatisfaction with the seating change. If you have a loyal following and then slap them in the face by moving them all over the place this is what you see. This move ruined the close groups who formed over the years and took the excitement of gathering on game day. The sad thing is all the tickets not purchased without a doubt will be purchased by Tech fans. As long as the revenues come in the Athletic department doesn’t care where it comes from. Why not reduce the ticket prices more rather than leave the seats empty?
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