Season Tickets

[quote="Monte" post=357579][quote="Beast of the East" post=357573][quote="P Simmons" post=357542][quote="Beast of the East" post=357539][quote="P Simmons" post=357530]I wasn't talking about the Gold tickets. There are 2 levels above that that require donations of $2,500 and $4,000:

https://redstormsports.com/sports/2018/8/8/ticketing-mens-basketball.aspx[/quote]

I believe those are for the seats literally on the court and in the lower bowl at msg. Yhe gold seats are great imo, and I think you see a better game a little bit off the floor[/quote]

That’s not the point. The people who make a contribution of $2500 per seat for the right to buy season tickets in the lower bowl are not interested in the Gold seats.

The point is that the school is risking turning off these season ticket holders in the lower bowl at MSG who can no longer get a tax deduction. How many seats is that? I would guess 1,000 or so. Not a good group to piss off with repeated coaching changes.[/quote]

Actually, not true. I know some people who were located lower and moved up to what they believed are better seats by being up a little off the floor, and they can easily afford the donations and have given SJU much much more than that. The tax law is a little murky because it is aimed at the benefits provided by a donation.. SJU advices donors to consult their tax advisors.

Understand any complaints that there should at least be student workers available to answer phones, provide basic answers and take messages. In my company we've had an electronic phone system for 25 years yet always have had people to answer the phones during normal business hours because i've felt it important for callers to hear a human voice right away. So, agree with Monte, even if we can't be geared up in a perfect way.[/quote]

One other thought beast: I have been a season ticket holder on and off since the early 90's. The ticket office should have a few people dedicated to reaching out to any season ticket holder who has not renewed. I am sure that there are certain people who are on the fence(I was for a while, I no longer am), and I believe that many of those people may decide to renew after having a nice conversation with someone from the ticket office. The personal touch-as you mentioned with your company-is always good for business.[/quote]

Do you want the job? I think what you suggested is a very solid approach, and I be you'd be very good at that.
You're a guy who is self made and runs your own business. You know that any touches with your customer base are opportunities to sell more.
 
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[quote="Beast of the East" post=357593][quote="Monte" post=357579][quote="Beast of the East" post=357573][quote="P Simmons" post=357542][quote="Beast of the East" post=357539][quote="P Simmons" post=357530]I wasn't talking about the Gold tickets. There are 2 levels above that that require donations of $2,500 and $4,000:

https://redstormsports.com/sports/2018/8/8/ticketing-mens-basketball.aspx[/quote]

I believe those are for the seats literally on the court and in the lower bowl at msg. Yhe gold seats are great imo, and I think you see a better game a little bit off the floor[/quote]

That’s not the point. The people who make a contribution of $2500 per seat for the right to buy season tickets in the lower bowl are not interested in the Gold seats.

The point is that the school is risking turning off these season ticket holders in the lower bowl at MSG who can no longer get a tax deduction. How many seats is that? I would guess 1,000 or so. Not a good group to piss off with repeated coaching changes.[/quote]

Actually, not true. I know some people who were located lower and moved up to what they believed are better seats by being up a little off the floor, and they can easily afford the donations and have given SJU much much more than that. The tax law is a little murky because it is aimed at the benefits provided by a donation.. SJU advices donors to consult their tax advisors.

Understand any complaints that there should at least be student workers available to answer phones, provide basic answers and take messages. In my company we've had an electronic phone system for 25 years yet always have had people to answer the phones during normal business hours because i've felt it important for callers to hear a human voice right away. So, agree with Monte, even if we can't be geared up in a perfect way.[/quote]

One other thought beast: I have been a season ticket holder on and off since the early 90's. The ticket office should have a few people dedicated to reaching out to any season ticket holder who has not renewed. I am sure that there are certain people who are on the fence(I was for a while, I no longer am), and I believe that many of those people may decide to renew after having a nice conversation with someone from the ticket office. The personal touch-as you mentioned with your company-is always good for business.[/quote]

Do you want the job? I think what you suggested is a very solid approach, and I be you'd be very good at that.
You're a guy who is self made and runs your own business. You know that any touches with your customer base are opportunities to sell more.[/quote]

I'd love to do it, but there's only so many different careers I can juggle at one time lol.
 
9/12, 2019) – The St. John’s Athletic Department has announced a multi-year relationship with Learfield IMG College Ticket Solutions to coordinate outbound sales and enhance customer service through the creation of a new ticketing sales and service team.

“We are excited to begin this relationship with Learfield IMG College Ticket Solutions, which will provide new resources to our department that will enhance our sales and service initiatives,” said Director of Athletics Mike Cragg. “Learfield IMG College Ticket Solutions is highly regarded in the industry and has a track record of success representing a long list of partners nationwide. We believe their expertise and innovative strategies will greatly benefit our fan experience, gameday atmosphere and overall service to St. John’s supporters.”

Learfield IMG College Ticket Solutions will provide St. John’s with an outbound and digital sales solution for ticketed sports, as well as best-in-class service to support the overall fan experience. In addition, Ticket Solutions will provide top-rate customer service to the Red Storm faithful and support Red White Club initiatives. The Red Storm’s dedicated on-site team will consist of a general manager, account executive and sales representative.

“St. John’s has one of the most storied athletic programs in America, and we’re ecstatic to be selected to represent their outbound ticket sales, customer service, and business intelligence strategy,” said Jake Bye, executive vice president for Learfield IMG College Ticket & Seat Solutions. “It’s an honor to play in such an elite basketball conference, in iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and Carnesecca Arena, and we’re humbled to team up and lead Red Storm fans into this new era on and off the court. We will work tirelessly together to create deep and personal relationships with donors, businesses, alumni and fans, to create a world class experience through every interaction.”

Learfield IMG College Ticket Solutions currently represents 47 partners nationally with over 170 on-site sales personnel dedicated to their respective relationships. In addition to representing collegiate institutions and conferences, Ticket Solutions also announced its first on-site sales team in professional sports in 2019. Ticket Solutions’ emerging consulting division is also gaining traction, providing cutting-edge technology insights, and sales and service training for a number of in-house sales teams across both collegiate and professional
 
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[quote="Paultzman" post=357674]9/12, 2019) – The St. John’s Athletic Department has announced a multi-year relationship with Learfield IMG College Ticket Solutions to coordinate outbound sales and enhance customer service through the creation of a new ticketing sales and service team.

“We are excited to begin this relationship with Learfield IMG College Ticket Solutions, which will provide new resources to our department that will enhance our sales and service initiatives,” said Director of Athletics Mike Cragg. “Learfield IMG College Ticket Solutions is highly regarded in the industry and has a track record of success representing a long list of partners nationwide. We believe their expertise and innovative strategies will greatly benefit our fan experience, gameday atmosphere and overall service to St. John’s supporters.”

Learfield IMG College Ticket Solutions will provide St. John’s with an outbound and digital sales solution for ticketed sports, as well as best-in-class service to support the overall fan experience. In addition, Ticket Solutions will provide top-rate customer service to the Red Storm faithful and support Red White Club initiatives. The Red Storm’s dedicated on-site team will consist of a general manager, account executive and sales representative.

“St. John’s has one of the most storied athletic programs in America, and we’re ecstatic to be selected to represent their outbound ticket sales, customer service, and business intelligence strategy,” said Jake Bye, executive vice president for Learfield IMG College Ticket & Seat Solutions. “It’s an honor to play in such an elite basketball conference, in iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and Carnesecca Arena, and we’re humbled to team up and lead Red Storm fans into this new era on and off the court. We will work tirelessly together to create deep and personal relationships with donors, businesses, alumni and fans, to create a world class experience through every interaction.”

Learfield IMG College Ticket Solutions currently represents 47 partners nationally with over 170 on-site sales personnel dedicated to their respective relationships. In addition to representing collegiate institutions and conferences, Ticket Solutions also announced its first on-site sales team in professional sports in 2019. Ticket Solutions’ emerging consulting division is also gaining traction, providing cutting-edge technology insights, and sales and service training for a number of in-house sales teams across both collegiate and professional[/quote]

I’m guessing that this move, which seems to be a good one, is in response to season ticket complaints about not getting call-backs etc. good move if they are listening to the fan base.
 
[quote="MCNPA" post=357676][quote="Paultzman" post=357674]9/12, 2019) – The St. John’s Athletic Department has announced a multi-year relationship with Learfield IMG College Ticket Solutions to coordinate outbound sales and enhance customer service through the creation of a new ticketing sales and service team.

“We are excited to begin this relationship with Learfield IMG College Ticket Solutions, which will provide new resources to our department that will enhance our sales and service initiatives,” said Director of Athletics Mike Cragg. “Learfield IMG College Ticket Solutions is highly regarded in the industry and has a track record of success representing a long list of partners nationwide. We believe their expertise and innovative strategies will greatly benefit our fan experience, gameday atmosphere and overall service to St. John’s supporters.”

Learfield IMG College Ticket Solutions will provide St. John’s with an outbound and digital sales solution for ticketed sports, as well as best-in-class service to support the overall fan experience. In addition, Ticket Solutions will provide top-rate customer service to the Red Storm faithful and support Red White Club initiatives. The Red Storm’s dedicated on-site team will consist of a general manager, account executive and sales representative.

“St. John’s has one of the most storied athletic programs in America, and we’re ecstatic to be selected to represent their outbound ticket sales, customer service, and business intelligence strategy,” said Jake Bye, executive vice president for Learfield IMG College Ticket & Seat Solutions. “It’s an honor to play in such an elite basketball conference, in iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and Carnesecca Arena, and we’re humbled to team up and lead Red Storm fans into this new era on and off the court. We will work tirelessly together to create deep and personal relationships with donors, businesses, alumni and fans, to create a world class experience through every interaction.”

Learfield IMG College Ticket Solutions currently represents 47 partners nationally with over 170 on-site sales personnel dedicated to their respective relationships. In addition to representing collegiate institutions and conferences, Ticket Solutions also announced its first on-site sales team in professional sports in 2019. Ticket Solutions’ emerging consulting division is also gaining traction, providing cutting-edge technology insights, and sales and service training for a number of in-house sales teams across both collegiate and professional[/quote]

I’m guessing that this move, which seems to be a good one, is in response to season ticket complaints about not getting call-backs etc. good move if they are listening to the fan base.[/quote]

What you may lose in process is the personal touch. For years my company had exhibited at a professional meeting and registrations and booth allocations were done internally. Based on relationships and nothing more, representatives from the organization would hold good locations for us, because we were so loyal to them. When they outsourced that all went away, and big companies who took more space than we did but had no historical basis were given preference.

I would imagine many long term ticket holders who may call call and ask for 2 more tickets in close proximity to my regular seats for kids home from college and were usually accommodated may not get the same service.

This should however, result in more bandwidth to service customers during crunch time
 
For anyone who thinks this is a recent development because of the past few weeks its definitely not.

Yes recently people have complained but complaints have happened for a long time and I'm sure Cragg has been seeing the lay of the land and then implementing changes.
 
[quote="Moose" post=357683]For anyone who thinks this is a recent development because of the past few weeks its definitely not.

Yes recently people have complained but complaints have happened for a long time and I'm sure Cragg has been seeing the lay of the land and then implementing changes.[/quote]

Don't doubt what you're saying about this having been in the works for a while, but the timing raises some questions. First and foremost, why not make move this before raising ticket prices and in anticipation of the potential fall out? From an outsider's viewpoint, it seems like a somewhat reactionary move based on what has transpired recently and in attempt at damage control.
 
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[quote="Beast of the East" post=357593][quote="Monte" post=357579][quote="Beast of the East" post=357573][quote="P Simmons" post=357542][quote="Beast of the East" post=357539][quote="P Simmons" post=357530]I wasn't talking about the Gold tickets. There are 2 levels above that that require donations of $2,500 and $4,000:

https://redstormsports.com/sports/2018/8/8/ticketing-mens-basketball.aspx[/quote]

I believe those are for the seats literally on the court and in the lower bowl at msg. Yhe gold seats are great imo, and I think you see a better game a little bit off the floor[/quote]

That’s not the point. The people who make a contribution of $2500 per seat for the right to buy season tickets in the lower bowl are not interested in the Gold seats.

The point is that the school is risking turning off these season ticket holders in the lower bowl at MSG who can no longer get a tax deduction. How many seats is that? I would guess 1,000 or so. Not a good group to piss off with repeated coaching changes.[/quote]

Actually, not true. I know some people who were located lower and moved up to what they believed are better seats by being up a little off the floor, and they can easily afford the donations and have given SJU much much more than that. The tax law is a little murky because it is aimed at the benefits provided by a donation.. SJU advices donors to consult their tax advisors.

Understand any complaints that there should at least be student workers available to answer phones, provide basic answers and take messages. In my company we've had an electronic phone system for 25 years yet always have had people to answer the phones during normal business hours because i've felt it important for callers to hear a human voice right away. So, agree with Monte, even if we can't be geared up in a perfect way.[/quote]

One other thought beast: I have been a season ticket holder on and off since the early 90's. The ticket office should have a few people dedicated to reaching out to any season ticket holder who has not renewed. I am sure that there are certain people who are on the fence(I was for a while, I no longer am), and I believe that many of those people may decide to renew after having a nice conversation with someone from the ticket office. The personal touch-as you mentioned with your company-is always good for business.[/quote]

Do you want the job? I think what you suggested is a very solid approach, and I be you'd be very good at that.
You're a guy who is self made and runs your own business. You know that any touches with your customer base are opportunities to sell more.[/quote] my buddy Monte a little busy with commercials in Japan :)
 
[quote="mjmaherjr" post=357710]my buddy Monte a little busy with commercials in Japan :)[/quote]

For relaxing times, make it Suntory time.
 
My first reaction was this is a solid move by Cragg. An organization can't do everything well and needs to focus resources on their core. Having a great product on the court and field are core, being in compliance is core, fundraising is core. However, the administrative and operational aspect of selling tickets and being in customer service is non-core. Best to know your strengths and get help for weaknesses. Think timing of release was coincidental or just delayed. Very few will ever even read this press release.

Hopefully this service company can deliver on what they promise.
 
[quote="Monte" post=357706][quote="Moose" post=357683]For anyone who thinks this is a recent development because of the past few weeks its definitely not.

Yes recently people have complained but complaints have happened for a long time and I'm sure Cragg has been seeing the lay of the land and then implementing changes.[/quote]

Don't doubt what you're saying about this having been in the works for a while, but the timing raises some questions. First and foremost, why not make move this before raising ticket prices and in anticipation of the potential fall out? From an outsider's viewpoint, it seems like a somewhat reactionary move based on what has transpired recently and in attempt at damage control.[/quote]

The fallout would have happened whether it was directed to this third party or without. All comes back to Cragg who signs off on the decisions. As you know things just take time to materialize and formally complete. Learfield is a major player in the college athletics space and recently were part of a huge merger that I'm sure has backlogged their counsel. If SJU ticketing ppl are any indication of SJU legal folks I'm sure they were also relaxing at the beach for a few weeks ;)
 
[quote="Moose" post=357716][quote="Monte" post=357706][quote="Moose" post=357683]For anyone who thinks this is a recent development because of the past few weeks its definitely not.

Yes recently people have complained but complaints have happened for a long time and I'm sure Cragg has been seeing the lay of the land and then implementing changes.[/quote]

Don't doubt what you're saying about this having been in the works for a while, but the timing raises some questions. First and foremost, why not make move this before raising ticket prices and in anticipation of the potential fall out? From an outsider's viewpoint, it seems like a somewhat reactionary move based on what has transpired recently and in attempt at damage control.[/quote]

The fallout would have happened whether it was directed to this third party or without. All comes back to Cragg who signs off on the decisions. As you know things just take time to materialize and formally complete. Learfield is a major player in the college athletics space and recently were part of a huge merger that I'm sure has backlogged their counsel. If SJU ticketing ppl are any indication of SJU legal folks I'm sure they were also relaxing at the beach for a few weeks ;)[/quote]

Again Moose, believe everything you’re saying, but if they were working on this for some time, and were obviously very close to a deal, both parties should have figured out how to get this finalized in time for the new pricing plan roll-out. The school may have heard the complaints all along, but it looks like they only decided to do something when it started to effect ticket sales in a big way.
 
[quote="Monte" post=357721][quote="Moose" post=357716][quote="Monte" post=357706][quote="Moose" post=357683]For anyone who thinks this is a recent development because of the past few weeks its definitely not.

Yes recently people have complained but complaints have happened for a long time and I'm sure Cragg has been seeing the lay of the land and then implementing changes.[/quote]

Don't doubt what you're saying about this having been in the works for a while, but the timing raises some questions. First and foremost, why not make move this before raising ticket prices and in anticipation of the potential fall out? From an outsider's viewpoint, it seems like a somewhat reactionary move based on what has transpired recently and in attempt at damage control.[/quote]

The fallout would have happened whether it was directed to this third party or without. All comes back to Cragg who signs off on the decisions. As you know things just take time to materialize and formally complete. Learfield is a major player in the college athletics space and recently were part of a huge merger that I'm sure has backlogged their counsel. If SJU ticketing ppl are any indication of SJU legal folks I'm sure they were also relaxing at the beach for a few weeks ;)[/quote]

Again Moose, believe everything you’re saying, but if they were working on this for some time, and were obviously very close to a deal, both parties should have figured out how to get this finalized in time for the new pricing plan roll-out. The school may have heard the complaints all along, but it looks like they only decided to do something when it started to effect ticket sales in a big way.[/quote]

I just don't know how announcing a deal with Learfield prior to the ticket renewals would have done anything at all. If anything it just would have shifted the blame to Learfield saying that's why tickets had to go up. The point of Learfield is to help drive more game sales not manage the little number of season ticket accounts that currently exist. This 'could' help where someone drops tickets and these Learfield ppl will call them and try to engage them. Since clearly the staff we currently had wasn't doing it for whatever reason.

Everyone can agree SJU handled the season tickets poorly. Maybe it will lead to changes down the line. But this just isn't related at all. This was cooking for awhile I know for a fact.
 
In fairness to the school they are offering a ten month plan to pay off “contributions” and tickets interest free. Makes it easier for me and I appreciate that. Outsourcing the ticket process is a good idea and I am glad they are doing that as well.
 
Cragg was also asked on twitter;

“Will there be a chance for season ticket holders to attend a practice and/or meet the team this year? Also, what about a tour of the new athletic facility upgrades for Red White Club members?”

Cragg Response - “You are reading our minds ... stay tuned! We can not thank our season ticket holders and Red White Club members enough! Going to be fun!”
 
[quote="Paultzman" post=357878]Re ticket price increases;

“Raising revenue and growing our donor base are two major objectives and we are way behind in both. We intend to compete at the highest levels and, importantly, bring value to our STHs for their commitment and investment in us. We will get there!”

https://twitter.com/mikecraggsju/status/1173690363690795008?s=21[/quote]

He’s right about all of this. He’s got a big job to do. We have lagged for soooo long. Hopefully it pays dividends down the line and we can grow our program.
 
[quote="MCNPA" post=357882][quote="Paultzman" post=357878]Re ticket price increases;

“Raising revenue and growing our donor base are two major objectives and we are way behind in both. We intend to compete at the highest levels and, importantly, bring value to our STHs for their commitment and investment in us. We will get there!”

https://twitter.com/mikecraggsju/status/1173690363690795008?s=21[/quote]

He’s right about all of this. He’s got a big job to do. We have lagged for soooo long. Hopefully it pays dividends down the line and we can grow our program.[/quote] he’s definitely right although definitely handled poorly this year and if what he said is true that’s a step in the right direction because so many things they can do that literally won’t cost the school anything but build more fan base especially with younger generations ( most importantly kids who aren’t on college yet ) and build brand loyalty. I think they are up to task especially with the current coaches. CMA calling our buddy too what 5 minutes but meant the world to our buddy and us. Soo much more they can do. Heck they might even turn off the heat in Carnesecca and if they take my suggestion just put 4 rectangle holes in the roof and let the hot air out naturally:)
 
[quote="MCNPA" post=357882][quote="Paultzman" post=357878]Re ticket price increases;

“Raising revenue and growing our donor base are two major objectives and we are way behind in both. We intend to compete at the highest levels and, importantly, bring value to our STHs for their commitment and investment in us. We will get there!”

https://twitter.com/mikecraggsju/status/1173690363690795008?s=21[/quote]

He’s right about all of this. He’s got a big job to do. We have lagged for soooo long. Hopefully it pays dividends down the line and we can grow our program.[/quote]

I toured the athletic facilities recently. Downstairs, essentially nothing has been done since the arena was built. New initiatives to renovate the athlete training gym, equipment room, and beautify the interior, in addition to the improvements already underway.

Villanova just completed massive renovations to the Pavillion, transforming it into a world class arena, with reception areas and other upgraded amenities. For a renovation, the cost was approximately $35 million, all of which came from their donor base. Even with a $22 million donation from Finneran, they still needed substantial support from all fans, alumni and ticket holders.

FWIW, the practice facilities in Tafner for our basketball teams are first class all the way.

Cragg is on the right path. Trying to do lots with relatively small amounts, but its clear that there is substantial progress.
 
[quote="Beast of the East" post=357917][quote="MCNPA" post=357882][quote="Paultzman" post=357878]Re ticket price increases;

“Raising revenue and growing our donor base are two major objectives and we are way behind in both. We intend to compete at the highest levels and, importantly, bring value to our STHs for their commitment and investment in us. We will get there!”

https://twitter.com/mikecraggsju/status/1173690363690795008?s=21[/quote]

He’s right about all of this. He’s got a big job to do. We have lagged for soooo long. Hopefully it pays dividends down the line and we can grow our program.[/quote]

I toured the athletic facilities recently. Downstairs, essentially nothing has been done since the arena was built. New initiatives to renovate the athlete training gym, equipment room, and beautify the interior, in addition to the improvements already underway.

Villanova just completed massive renovations to the Pavillion, transforming it into a world class arena, with reception areas and other upgraded amenities. For a renovation, the cost was approximately $35 million, all of which came from their donor base. Even with a $22 million donation from Finneran, they still needed substantial support from all fans, alumni and ticket holders.

FWIW, the practice facilities in Tafner for our basketball teams are first class all the way.

Cragg is on the right path. Trying to do lots with relatively small amounts, but its clear that there is substantial progress.[/quote]

It's a process and will take a while to undo past mistakes and to build the program that we want.
 
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