Parking

[jegbomb52]

I know that we have this discussion every year but I always like to get everyones thoughts on it. Why do we not charge for parking at our football games? Do you think that there are people that would not come because we charged them $5 to park their car? If their are 10,000 people (non students) that come to a football game, imagine 3 people per car, we are passing up on over $15,000 per game. As a university can we pass up on what would amount to over $75,000 a year?

[ubuntuCAT]

Re: Parking

I know that we have this discussion every year but I always like to get everyones thoughts on it. Why do we not charge for parking at our football games? Do you think that there are people that would not come because we charged them $5 to park their car? If their are 10,000 people (non students) that come to a football game, imagine 3 people per car, we are passing up on over $15,000 per game. As a university can we pass up on what would amount to over $75,000 a year?

I'm a student and I'd pay a little something if it meant they would add more porto-pots

[JCPanthers]

Re: Parking

It's coming.....they just need to work out the details. Also, the AD wouldn't receive the entire $5 as it would be shared with other depts.....I think that is where the hangup is.

[Cat80]

Re: Parking

It costs at least $850 a year to park north of 27th St. It costs at least $500 to park in the far west gravel lot south to 27th St. UNI charges plenty for parking for athletic events. I don't know the answer, but we did go to a game at Illinois St and parked in a lot which would have been at least a $1250 donation at UNI. It was free. Maybe UNI thinks decent parking for PSC members has a benefit in itself.

What lots at UNI are 'free' other than the gravel lot just west of Hudson Rd? I don't know about the Dome north lot or the lot by the pedestrian tunnel under Hudson Rd. I suppose we could charge for those, but I don't know how many cars fit in those three lots.

Good question. Should it be posed to the athletic department?

[havok58]

Re: Parking

First problem would be to find available parking. Most of these lots are already filled by students who live at the dorms, or at the apartments nearby.

Secondly, with everybody on a tight budget, is it really worth potentially ticking people off for the end goal of $75,000. And why stop at football, why not include all sports? Besides, UNI has plenty of markup at the concession stands ($3.50 for an ice cream). I'm just saying if people have to pay more in one area, cuts will come in another.

I'm not in favor of parking fees, so if it happens I'll return to my off-street parking. If they do go to a fee service, then it should be based on proximity to the Dome. The closer you get the higher the price. Why pay the same amount when you may have to walk twice as far.

[TravelingPanther]

Re: Parking

We already lost quite a few people with ticket increases. Outside of Thurs night, I think we've come out OK on that.

Parking fees may burn a few more bridges.

[jegbomb52]

Re: Parking

How much have the per game ticket prices gone up from last year to this one?

[Panthers to the Bone]

Re: Parking

How much have the per game ticket prices gone up from last year to this one?

Per this post from last year:

http://www.panthernation.com/showpost.php?p=81068&postcount=4

Adult $120.00
Under 30 (PSC membership only, limit two) $60.00
Youth (3-18) & Seniors (60 & over) $60.00
Faculty/ Staff $108.00
Emeritus Faculty $60.00

Non-Premium Reserved and General Admission
Adult $90.00
Under 30 $48.00
Youth (3-18) & Seniors (60 & over) $48.00
Faculty/ Staff $72.00
Emeritus Faculty $48.00

This year, there is no 'non-premium' price, as all tickets are one price. Also, the Under-30 price is no longer half price but rather $90/ticket.

This year's prices:

http://unipanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072808aaa.html

2008 UNI Football Season Ticket Prices (until July 31)
Adult - $120
Seniors - $75
Youth - $60

2008 UNI Football Season Ticket Prices (after Aug. 1)
Adult - $144
Seniors - $90
Youth - $72

For Adults, the price breakdown is:
2007: $120 Premium, $90 non-premium (5 games)
2008: $120 (6 games)

For PSC Under 30:
2007: $60 Premium, $48 Non-Premium (5 games)
2008: $90 (6 games)

For Kids/Over 60 Adults:
2007: $60 Premium, $48 Non-Premium (5 games)
2008: $75 (Seniors), $60 (Youth)

I have to imagine that next year, the season ticket prices will increase to show a 6 game home schedule (assuming we have 6 home games). Otherwise, it would be great if they give a break to season ticket holders and give us 5 for the price of 6. I don't think that will happen again though.

Anyway, is that the info you were looking for jegbomb?

[JayJ79]

Re: Parking

There are also fewer discount packages this year. Previously, they had some pretty cheap 4-ticket packages. they were in the endzone seats, but still.

[Panther-Sheik]

Re: Parking

I would love to "buy" my designated spot before the season and know that I have that spot all year. I would also know the people next to me because they would have bought their spot, too, and we would see each other every Saturday for a good 3 - 4 hours. With that system then UNI could go to designated lots for tailgating vs. just parking. McNeese does this and it seems like it would only help enhance the gameday experience. They actually "police" their tailgating lots to be sure that people are actually using them to tailgate. This is what a McNeese fan posted on SDSUfans.com, "We do have two new rules that are causing a little controversy but most of the hardcore tailgaters have welcomed the rules because there is a huge waiting list for renting the spots for the season. One rule is that if your spot goes two games without being used, the spot can be seized and rented to the next person on the waiting list. Second new rule is that spots have to be used for tailgating. You can not purchase the spots just for parking cars for the game. If no tailgating is going on and the spot is just being used for parking, the spot subject to be seize and rented to the next person on the tailgating waiting list." It also sounded like SIU rents tents for football games so that people can throw tailgate parties. I would rather adopt the McNeese way personally, but I am all for ways to increase revenue and the gameday experience at the same time.

[Panther-Sheik]

Re: Parking

And by the way, in my opinion the sooner we can get people away from thinking that the scholarship club is a way to "buy parking", a t-shirt or anything else, and the sooner it becomes more viewed as a tax-deductible donation to the athletic department to help them put a championship caliber product on the field / court...the better. Not saying you necessarily take away all benefits, but...

[TH1974]

Re: Parking

Second new rule is that spots have to be used for tailgating. You can not purchase the spots just for parking cars for the game.

That's really lame, and pretty hard to police. What constitutes tailgating? How many beers/brats must be consumed and for how long each game? What if you get a spot and tailgate at the RV parked right next to you instead?

[Panther-Sheik]

Re: Parking

Yeah...it would be pretty tough to enforce, I would think...and it is probably over the top, but I think the intent is good. If UNI could just adopt a way for people to "own" their tailgate spot that would be good enough for me.

[TH1974]

Re: Parking

Yeah...it would be pretty tough to enforce, I would think...and it is probably over the top, but I think the intent is good. If UNI could just adopt a way for people to "own" their tailgate spot that would be good enough for me.

That seems like a better solution.

[Cat80]

Re: Parking

And by the way, in my opinion the sooner we can get people away from thinking that the scholarship club is a way to "buy parking", a t-shirt or anything else, and the sooner it becomes more viewed as a tax-deductible donation to the athletic department to help them put a championship caliber product on the field / court...the better. Not saying you necessarily take away all benefits, but...

Regardless of what you think about the donation, you can only park in a certain spot depending on the size of that donation. Not my rule, but where I park is a result of the donation. The cost/benefit of a donation has been changing for years. The 'discount' on season tickets is a token amount compared to past years. The PSC parking was changed this year due to an extensive survey of PSC contributors. I don't expect the changes will stop anytime soon. The goal of a donation = few benefits may never be realized, nor would agreement on what those benefits will be. Noble goal, but not holding my breath.