Oklahoma State University Athletics
Bedlam Policy Re-Examined
January 12, 2009 | General
As you already know, no single-game tickets were available for the Bedlam contest. Post-season summary of strategic position / policy:
We received hundreds of e-mails and letters the week before Bedlam agreeing with our policy (remember: only 3.1% of season ticket holders historically requested additional Bedlam tickets). Generally speaking, most alumni/fans/ticket holders/supporters understand we are trying to “move the needle” relative to financial resources in order to give Cowboys and Cowgirls a chance at championship success against programs like the Longhorns, Sooners, etc. Our operating budget is approx. $40M compared to University of Oklahoma at $88M and University of Texas at $125M; OSU's athletic operating budget is ranked 9th in the conference. A season ticket purchased for OSU football helps fund our other 17 varsity sports, fund student-athlete scholarships, pay for annual operating costs, etc.
ACHIEVMENTS
Tying the Bedlam contest to season tickets accomplished several significant accomplishments:
- the department set a new season ticket record (39,823)
- the department set a new attendance record (52,413)
- the department banked close to $1.8M in additional revenues
- the ticket office sold 2,886 additional season tickets after the first home game – an impressive figure.
ATMOSPHERE
A decibel meter located in the operations booth displayed 98 decibel readings during “crowd noise only” periods – by our marketing staff's calculation, this was the loudest stadium atmosphere in the history of OSU football. Coach Gundy and staff, administrators, fans, alumni, media and ticket holders were very pleased with the audience and the gameday environment – if you were there, you would agree the crowd size and energy level were impressive.
AFFORDABILITY
Some individuals are still sore they could not walk up and purchase a single game ticket for this contest. These same fans could have purchased a season ticket and enjoyed six great contests (all victories) before Bedlam. For the 2008 season, our department worked very hard to make season tickets economically attractive for several constituencies – example: individual season tickets were $35/seat/contest if purchased in family fun pack [these are great seats in close proximity to field – unlike nosebleed cheap seats in other venues...].
Season tickets for students decreased from $25/game to $21.42/game ($150 representing seven contests).
SMART FANS
Upon partnership with TicketMaster, we offer patrons several payment plans for purchasing season tickets – about 16% of football tickets purchased are spread out over 4 -5 months; we have received excellent feedback on this new feature. See details:
Additionally, if a season ticket holder could not attend Bedlam, they could “re-sell” Bedlam tickets on the after market and recover the full cost of the season (and there is no ceiling on price!)
90% of associated monies are credited to the ticketholder's account for future football seasons, other OSU sports, etc. See details:
Look for more fan-friendly features in forthcoming seasons.
Go STATE!
Craig Clemons
