Guess what made the Board of Regents' Agenda?

cybsball20 · 04-24-2008, 02:53 PM

I think there is huge demand for CHEAP season tickets. Just look at the south end zone, they are the first to sell out. It would be great to be able to offer a bunch of $99-$129 season tickets in the bottom level then maybe even some $70 season tickets or something up top...

tim_redd · 04-24-2008, 02:53 PM

It's about predicting demand. If you think the demand will be there in the future, it's better to have these seats available too soon rather than too late.

Cyclone711 · 04-24-2008, 02:54 PM

You always ask for more than what you want. Willing to bet Jamie doesn't think there will be a chance on the 2nd deck but put it in there any ways (possibly to set up the issue for the future???). I would be estatic though if it happened.

ISUFan22 · 04-24-2008, 02:55 PM

I'm perfectly ok with that upper deck so long as it does not impede progress of other projects - namely the Hilton renovations and new practice facility. Those programs need that more than the FB program needs an upper deck in the south endzone.

Cyclone711 · 04-24-2008, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by tim_redd

It's about predicting demand. If you think the demand will be there in the future, it's better to have these seats available too soon rather than too late.

Very true, it's not like building it in the future will be cheaper.

chadm · 04-24-2008, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

I'm perfectly ok with that upper deck so long as it does not impede progress of other projects - namely the Hilton renovations and new practice facility. Those programs need that more than the FB program needs an upper deck in the south endzone.

My thoughts exactly. Basketball needs a practice facility. Even though I like football more.

BryceC · 04-24-2008, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by Aclone

So, 55,000 for the early season games last year doesn't justify the additional seating? It only tailed off when the losing became apparent. As we're talking construction a year or two down the line, I think it's entirely justified--especially considering the talent and experience that will be returning when the addition opens.

We had 55k for one game last year, and it was the UNI game which I mentioned. Also, there were a freaking ton of UNI guys at the game last year, because I remember walking by a horde of them on the way to my car. The only other game we had over 50k for last year was UT and that was family weekend.

I really hope Pollard's argument to the regents to build it isn't "We should be really good by the time it opens!".

bmuff · 04-24-2008, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by jumbopackage

Yeah, there is.

I mean ticket demand at it's current pricing levels might not support it, but when more seats become available, I wouldn't expect them to be priced the same as the existing seats are. Just look at how popular the south endzone seats are currently. You can't tell me we wouldn't sell a ton more cheap tickets if they were available. I'm not saying you can finance the whole thing with cheap tickets, but it sure wouldn't hurt those sales.

There's more to it than just the number of season tickets and number of tickets overall bought this year. Not to mention expansion of the fan base might generate more demand.

I agree. I think that you CAN justify it. Here's how I'd look at it: Current attendance is approximately 2500 in endzone bleachers and lets say average of 500 on each of the two south hillsides. A bottom bowl would hold approximately 5k, which would be an additional 1,500 people per game. Let's say that the upper deck would hold 8k (I have no real idea). Of course that wouldn't be sold out the whole time, but say it averages 5k. The entire structure would bring in an additional 6.5k per game. At $180 a person, that is $1.17M a season in ticket sales alone. That would make a heck of a debt payment. Not to mention donors taking a chunck of the initial cost and any suites or new box seats they add.

The alternative is to wait. And by the way prices are rising, this project would cost twice as much in 10 years.

The other point is that sometimes it is more important how the stadium looks empty (on a recruiting visit) than how it ever looks full...or 3/4 full.

Cyclone711 · 04-24-2008, 03:01 PM

I have a couple of questions though. I don't consider myself much of a political person, therefore I do not know the calender the state goverment goes by and when all this would go into effect. So if they granted ISU the money when would construction begin and also what are our chances of even recieving the money?

clone2011 · 04-24-2008, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by Cyclone711

I have a couple of questions though. I don't consider myself much of a political person, therefore I do not know the calender the state goverment goes by and when all this would go into effect. So if they granted ISU the money when would construction begin and also what are our chances of even recieving the money?

I'm wondering about something similar. I know next to nothing about the BoR, take that into consideration when reading this question:

By this going on their agenda, does that mean we are asking for permission to seek $65-million in donations, or are we asking for $65-million from the BoR/govt?

BryceC · 04-24-2008, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by cybsball20

I think there is huge demand for CHEAP season tickets. Just look at the south end zone, they are the first to sell out. It would be great to be able to offer a bunch of $99-$129 season tickets in the bottom level then maybe even some $70 season tickets or something up top...

The only problem I can see with this is that I think a lot of people would move from a higher priced section to the endzone.

I have no problem with them doing both levels. I think it's a great idea. I just don't think it should be the priority over the Hilton stuff. Let alone the fact that when McDermott was hired that was placed ahead as a priority over the first stadium expansion. I think it would kind of be a kick in the balls to McD for basketball to continue to take a backseat.

cycloneryan · 04-24-2008, 03:12 PM

I am excited about the upgrades and all but what would the cost have been to just replace JTS? Probably a lot more that I think.

jumbopackage · 04-24-2008, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by BryceC

The only problem I can see with this is that I think a lot of people would move from a higher priced section to the endzone.

I have no problem with them doing both levels. I think it's a great idea. I just don't think it should be the priority over the Hilton stuff. Let alone the fact that when McDermott was hired that was placed ahead as a priority over the first stadium expansion. I think it would kind of be a kick in the balls to McD for basketball to continue to take a backseat.

Why would people move to worse seats if they can afford better ones?

On top of that, they would likely be leaving lower-priced "good" seats that people who aren't in might be more willing to move into. On top of that, the net "difference" would probably only be a couple hundred bucks a person for those that do move, since they are still buying tickets.

Aclone · 04-24-2008, 03:17 PM

Originally Posted by Cyclone711

I have a couple of questions though. I don't consider myself much of a political person, therefore I do not know the calender the state goverment goes by and when all this would go into effect. So if they granted ISU the money when would construction begin and also what are our chances of even recieving the money?

IIRC, the financial year runs from July 1 ro June 30. If they are asking for approval now, I believe it would be regarding projects for next year's financial calendar ('08-09)...i.e., construction would begin following this season, and be completed by the beginning of the '09 season.

If I am reading this right, this would offer the opportunity for maximum attendance and exposure when Iowa came to town.

BryceC · 04-24-2008, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by jumbopackage

Why would people move to worse seats if they can afford better ones?

On top of that, they would likely be leaving lower-priced "good" seats that people who aren't in might be more willing to move into. On top of that, the net "difference" would probably only be a couple hundred bucks a person for those that do move, since they are still buying tickets.

The same reason why people buy 99$ season tickets for basketball when there are plenty of the other tickets available. The same reason why it's impossible to get endzone tickets now. I'd much rather spend 200 dollars total on tickets for my wife and I than what we spend now.