Football ticket prices raised
What was seemingly imminent is now here. Ticket prices at Arkansas will rise next football season.
General admission football tickets will jump up to $45 starting next season to help the UA “keep pace with the escalating costs associated with the operation of its 19 sports benefitting more than 450 student-athletes,” according to a Monday news release.
Here’s more from athletics director Jeff Long:
“As we address the future funding needs of our combined programs it is imperative that we maximize ticket revenue and explore new revenue streams to support all of our athletic programs,” Long said. “In the past five years alone, expenses in travel, game guarantees, utilities and maintenance of our facilities have grown exponentially. Our fans and supporters have made it clear that they want our student-athletes to have the resources to compete and succeed in the Southeastern Conference and nationally. We will also work to increase revenue in areas other than tickets while focusing on operating in a fiscally responsible way.”
There’s no mention of new coach Bobby Petrino’s $2.85 million salary, which ranks ninth in the country among NCAA football coaches. However, we’re pretty sure the significant pay increase from former coach Houston Nutt had a hand in the ticket price rise.
Skybox seating will increase by $50 with tickets in the red zone and south outside club increasing by $15 and $25, respectively. Ticket prices for the east indoor club, east outdoor club and south indoor club will remain the same for 2008.
Games in Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium will also be affected. The UA, even with the price rise and the ninth-highest football coach salary in the country, still has one of the cheapest tickets in the Southeastern Conference.
Here’s how the UA’s new ticket prices rank with its SEC brethren, according to the Arkansas sports information department:
School Conference Premium Games
Alabama $55 $65
South Carolina* $45 $55
Auburn* $50
LSU $50
Tennessee* $50
Ole Miss $50
Georgia* $45**
Arkansas $45
Vanderbilt* $42
Kentucky $40
Mississippi State $40
Florida $32**
** requires minimum contribution
* 2007 prices, 2008 prices not established
6 Responses to “Football ticket prices raised”
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Hello everyone:
A tank of gas costs more than a ticket to see the Hogs play. And while we are at it, how much were those steaks, spirts, and more at your tailgate party. Don’t ya love to go hear the percussion section before the game, and how sharp their cadences are??? And the band marching in, as theycircle the field with the cheerleaders and “BIG RED” leading the way??? This isn’t about the coaches pay!!! This is about the gymnastics, soccer, swimming, band, cherrleaders, baseball, track and field, tennis teams, etc, and all those intities that make the University of Arkansas the class act of the SEC.
It is with great pride that we show all the young men and women recruits who visit the University of Arkansas, that we care about the student athlete whether they choose to be a Razorback or not. And that we will provide them with every means to be successful both in the class room and on the field of competition.
These amenities cost money, and I never even mentioned the ones who keep our stadiums mowed, and cleaned up after a game. Don’t complain, the price of a ticket is more than worth it when you look at the whole picture.
GO HOGS!!!
Good read Colorado, could not agree more
To think the raising of prices has nothing to do with the new coach is ridiculous. Sure it’s the whole program, but the coaching salaries just went up as well, therefore it is something to consider. No big deal.
Whats funny is remembering many of the hog fans bashing on Nutt and his salary, basically using the bashing to gain more support for his ousting. Bullhockey! Where are those folks now the “highest paid state employee’s”….salary just went up bigtime?
Strange, those who complained then are not complaining now.
So they jack up ticket prices to cover the $3 million they gave to that loser Nutt when they ran the bum out of town. Nice.
I was asked by some bloggers a few weeks ago to forget about HDN and the Springdale crybabies, and I have. I’m sure, as was reported, that the current staff is better compensated than the last football staff. Let’s remember though, that football, and the revenues that it generates, allows the rest of all Razorback athletics to continue. That is the way it has always been. I may not agree with the “buyouts”, but this happens everyday in college athletics. Just look at Kelvin Sampson of late, ($750,000 buyout). Let Nutt fade in the anals of Arkansas history and move on. In a couple of years the tickets will be 55.00 and gas will be 5.00/gl. and we will be playing for the National Championship and everyone will have forgoten what a 45.00 ticket was when they are trying to scalp one for 500.00. to attend the game of a lifetime.
GO HOGS GO!!!
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