Utah's Chris Hill is among the Pac-12 ADs “frustrated by the notion that their departments are rolling in money,” according to Dirk Facer of the DESERET NEWS. Pac-12 Networks revenues are "well below optimistic projections, and new expenses such as 'full cost of attendance' associated with athletic scholarships in the conference have altered the bottom line." Utah football season-ticket holders "are already finding" that adjustments are being made as a result, with recent price increases. Mandatory Crimson Club donation fees "have increased for 5,415 seats (ranging from $50-$250 per year) and are being added ($100) to 3,013 premium bleacher seats for the first time." Hill said the "main, main purpose" of the hikes was to help close the $1M gap for full-cost-of-attendance allowances in scholarships for the entire athletic department (not just football). Hill: "We’re not trying to raise $1 million on the back of only our contributors, we’re doing everything we can with our marketing, ticket sales for other sports, etc." The overall cost for Utah season tickets "already increased because of the number of home games" in '15, up to seven from six in '14. Furthermore, every ticket for each game "now includes a $2 facility enhancement fee." Utah football has a 98% "renewal in season-ticket purchases" (DESERET NEWS, 2/22).
NEEDS-BASED PRICING: In Detroit, Mark Snyder noted Michigan yesterday "announced its prices for student tickets" for '15-16, which are $185 for football, $210 for men's basketball and $160 for hockey, including $10 processing fees. The football ticket reduction of 37.5% was announced in October, but this announcement "made another concession: needs-based pricing." UM will "accommodate students who have financial challenges, providing a lower pricing structure -- about 60% of the full price -- for students eligible for Pell Grants" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 2/23).
