Playoffs 2016: Nova

[Nidaros]

Re: Playoffs 2016: Nova

So the question becomes how to mitigate risk of bond default, and for me, you do that by expanding the cost share. Like I said, I think modestly reducing ticket prices would lead to consistent increased attendance. Otherwise, you're relying on fewer numbers of avid fans or more sporadic attendees, some of whom are elderly or have families and have/will face expenses that will decrease the likelihood they make luxury purchases like FB tickets.

My fear is that the powers that be will delay making the necessary adaptations because they'll believe that they've been able to get people to pay a higher price now.

Some have compared ticket prices to teams like the Vikes, but I think that is misleading because many people aren't necessarily debating whether to attend a Vikes or Jacks game, they're debating whether to attend a Jacks game in Brookings, watch it at home (or at a sports bar), and/or frequent less expensive events like movies, concerts, etc. Admin's goal should be to at least level the scales (ideally, they should try to tilt them in Jacks' favor) and make it easier for a casual fan to forego other events and attend a Jacks game, and one of the most direct ways to do that is to decrease cost.

This is good conversation, but I don't think they will be listening too much to reducing prices. It appears to be part of a plan that was detailed down to the prices of each individual game. Its been over 50 years since I sat in a class on economic theory, but seems like there was a concept of elasticity of demand. When you consider all the factors, the demand to attend a given football game does not respond to price reductions. So I think, this is what will happen when you reduce ticket prices.
For inelastic goods, an increase in unit price will tend to increase revenue, while a decrease in price will tend to decrease revenue. (The effect is reversed for elastic goods.) We are in an inelastic market I fear. What guarantee do you have that reduced prices will automatically create new demand?

[bigticket1]

Re: Playoffs 2016: Nova

The Jacks will be back in black for Saturday's game, per Zimmer tweet.

[jakejc795]

Re: Playoffs 2016: Nova

Maybe having long term debt of 40 million in the form of revenue bonds to be repaid back over the next 10? 20? years played a role in ticket prices. Dykhouse and Sanford were not that generous with their donations, so it becomes a fan problem(higher ticket prices) to those who like to use their stadium. The mortgage has to be paid somehow.

So the question becomes how to mitigate risk of bond default, and for me, you do that by expanding the cost share. Like I said, I think modestly reducing ticket prices would lead to consistent increased attendance. Otherwise, you're relying on fewer numbers of avid fans or more sporadic attendees, some of whom are elderly or have families and have/will face expenses that will decrease the likelihood they make luxury purchases like FB tickets.

My fear is that the powers that be will delay making the necessary adaptations because they'll believe that they've been able to get people to pay a higher price now.

Some have compared ticket prices to teams like the Vikes, but I think that is misleading because many people aren't necessarily debating whether to attend a Vikes or Jacks game, they're debating whether to attend a Jacks game in Brookings, watch it at home (or at a sports bar), and/or frequent less expensive events like movies, concerts, etc. Admin's goal should be to at least level the scales (ideally, they should try to tilt them in Jacks' favor) and make it easier for a casual fan to forego other events and attend a Jacks game, and one of the most direct ways to do that is to decrease cost.

[Nidaros]

Re: Playoffs 2016: Nova

I tend to agree with you both; however, I also think our ticket prices hamper sustainable long-term attendance growth, which, like it or not, will depend on attracting more casual fans. It almost seems like Administration wanted to use this year to establish the price "ceiling." It would be awesome if they would adapt to attract additional fans and institute price reductions next year. It would not need to be anything drastic (perhaps $5-$10 per ticket).

Maybe having long term debt of 40 million in the form of revenue bonds to be repaid back over the next 10? 20? years played a role in ticket prices. Dykhouse and Sanford were not that generous with their donations, so it becomes a fan problem(higher ticket prices) to those who like to use their stadium. The mortgage has to be paid somehow.

[jakejc795]

Re: Playoffs 2016: Nova

Im with you Montana. Any assertion that the AD doesn't care about butts in seats for this game is ludicrous.

I tend to agree with you both; however, I also think our ticket prices hamper sustainable long-term attendance growth, which, like it or not, will depend on attracting more casual fans. It almost seems like Administration wanted to use this year to establish the price "ceiling." It would be awesome if they would adapt to attract additional fans and institute price reductions next year. It would not need to be anything drastic (perhaps $5-$10 per ticket).

[KUlawJack]

Re: Playoffs 2016: Nova

No, actually I'm not. I'm saying they want the most butts in the seats as possible while still getting to some bottom line #. You said they don't care how many people as long as they get to the bottom line #.

Im with you Montana. Any assertion that the AD doesn't care about butts in seats for this game is ludicrous.

[MontanaRabbit]

Re: Playoffs 2016: Nova

Right, but you're assuming that we would get 15k if ticket prices were lower.

No, actually I'm not. I'm saying they want the most butts in the seats as possible while still getting to some bottom line #. You said they don't care how many people as long as they get to the bottom line #.

[CappinHard]

Re: Playoffs 2016: Nova

I think they absolutely care if there are 5k vs 15k. They'd be fools not to. Concession sales increase and you have a much larger base to convert to season ticket holders/regular donors.

Right, but you're assuming that we would get 15k if ticket prices were lower.

[MontanaRabbit]

Re: Playoffs 2016: Nova

We, the posters of sdsufans board are seeking higher attendance numbers... The powers that be at SDSU are seeking a dollar amount on the other hand... I don't know that they really care whether they end up with 5,000 people that pay $45/ticket or 15,000 people that pay $15/ticket... It's still $225,000 to them. Sure, your concession sales would go up with triple the amount of people, but do you really think we would get 15k even if the ticket price was at $15? I don't think so... 10k, maybe...

I think they absolutely care if there are 5k vs 15k. They'd be fools not to. Concession sales increase and you have a much larger base to convert to season ticket holders/regular donors.

[MontanaRabbit]

Re: Playoffs 2016: Nova

We averaged over 15,000 this season. I'll bet if we said that would be the case at the beginning of the year most would be thrilled.

As for Saturday maybe we can get close to 10k. If we can I'd be pretty happy. As for the reason behind a likely dip. I'm sure it's a combination of 1) The Weather 2) Ticket Price 3) Schedule Conflicts.

I'm with thumper in that if we can continue to win playoff games people will plan accordingly where possible.

Now, I have to wonder if lowering the ticket prices (they are higher than the lowest ticket prices we've had this year) would help in the long run. Sure we may lose some money on the bid to host, but we may gain some hardcore fans that will be future season ticket holders. I know it's not a good idea to operate at a loss but it can be looked at as an investment as well.

[CappinHard]

Re: Playoffs 2016: Nova

We are feeling lucky in that it works out for just me to go on Saturday. The rest of my family is booked already. Our weekends are generally booked months in advance and finding out about another game two weeks ago doesn't leave us a lot of time. Your mileage may vary but that is how it is with two teenagers and a busy house.

I think our ticket prices are ridiculous and with the Jackrabbit Club donation they are insane. Its the price of having a new stadium. OK I get that. I'm glad we have it but its clear to me at least that we're pricing ourselves out of the attendance numbers that some seem to be seeking.

We, the posters of sdsufans board are seeking higher attendance numbers... The powers that be at SDSU are seeking a dollar amount on the other hand... I don't know that they really care whether they end up with 5,000 people that pay $45/ticket or 15,000 people that pay $15/ticket... It's still $225,000 to them. Sure, your concession sales would go up with triple the amount of people, but do you really think we would get 15k even if the ticket price was at $15? I don't think so... 10k, maybe...

[UWMandSDSU]

Re: Playoffs 2016: Nova

We are feeling lucky in that it works out for just me to go on Saturday. The rest of my family is booked already. Our weekends are generally booked months in advance and finding out about another game two weeks ago doesn't leave us a lot of time. Your mileage may vary but that is how it is with two teenagers and a busy house.

I think our ticket prices are ridiculous and with the Jackrabbit Club donation they are insane. Its the price of having a new stadium. OK I get that. I'm glad we have it but its clear to me at least that we're pricing ourselves out of the attendance numbers that some seem to be seeking.

A Jackrabbit Club donation wasn't required this year to purchase season tickets. So essentially you could get season tickets this year that are lower than previous years (when a Jackrabbit Club donation was required).

[BrerRabbit]

Re: Playoffs 2016: Nova

We are feeling lucky in that it works out for just me to go on Saturday. The rest of my family is booked already. Our weekends are generally booked months in advance and finding out about another game two weeks ago doesn't leave us a lot of time. Your mileage may vary but that is how it is with two teenagers and a busy house.

I think our ticket prices are ridiculous and with the Jackrabbit Club donation they are insane. Its the price of having a new stadium. OK I get that. I'm glad we have it but its clear to me at least that we're pricing ourselves out of the attendance numbers that some seem to be seeking.

[thumper_76]

Re: Playoffs 2016: Nova

For me (season ticket holder for the last 15+ years) it wasn't a price issue. Unfortunately, I coach 2 girls' basketball teams for my daughters. Their first games are this weekend. Pretty much means any plans for any of the Jacks playoff games will be a no-go for me. I couldn't be more disappointed that I'm not able to make the game.

I like how our team matches up against Nova. Despite our pass-happy stats, we're a team that is best suited playing smash-mouth football. Especially on Defense. We have a D-line designed to stop the run inside the tackles. We have more problems with teams that run outside the tackles. I haven't seen any film and am just relying on what I've read, but I feel like our Defense is going to have a great game and set the tone in this one. If we avoid giving up a big play (that includes special teams), I don't see Nova moving the ball on us.

I think this could be part of the difference between the NDSU's and Montana's of the world and the rest. Both of those schools KNOW they are going to host, and their fans can plan accordingly and expect to have one or more home playoff games whether they get a seed or not. Meanwhile with how our playoff experience has been so far we are consistently sent on the road, causing a lot of our fans to not plan on having the entire day open to attend. If you are ready for the home game and know its happening, attending gets a lot easier. If we get used to hosting playoff games I think you will see the playoff attendance rise not just from the winning but from people being used to it. And remember even Montana has a pretty decent drop in attendance in the playoffs as well.

Are they selling any ticket package deals for a discount for the two bb games and playoff game? Would think that could be an attractive deal and could be a way to dodge around the NCAA ticket price requirements if you made the three tickets the same cost as two, and could get some extra people there.

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[MilwaukeeJacksAlum]

Re: Playoffs 2016: Nova

For the non-season ticket holder (casual fan) I could see ticket price being an issue. For the season ticket holder though it shouldn`t be. It doesnt make sense to me that someone who`s already invested several hundred dollars and six saturdays wouldnt want to be there for essentially the culmination of it all....if you dont bother going to the playoff game(s), why did you even bother wasting that much time and $ through the season?

For me (season ticket holder for the last 15+ years) it wasn't a price issue. Unfortunately, I coach 2 girls' basketball teams for my daughters. Their first games are this weekend. Pretty much means any plans for any of the Jacks playoff games will be a no-go for me. I couldn't be more disappointed that I'm not able to make the game.

I like how our team matches up against Nova. Despite our pass-happy stats, we're a team that is best suited playing smash-mouth football. Especially on Defense. We have a D-line designed to stop the run inside the tackles. We have more problems with teams that run outside the tackles. I haven't seen any film and am just relying on what I've read, but I feel like our Defense is going to have a great game and set the tone in this one. If we avoid giving up a big play (that includes special teams), I don't see Nova moving the ball on us.