Season Tickets

Not sure how I wound up with a post about Trump earlier on this thread. Someone hack my account??? Anyhow this was all the reason I needed to say sayonara to my season tickets. Ridiculous to do this now to our long suffering loyal fan base. They probably figured that with all the hype and excitement over the CMA hiring, now was the time to capitalize. And I call "bullshit" on the use of the word "donation". They should have just said "we're raising ticket prices 40%". I still wouldn't have renewed, but at least I wouldn't have felt like they were trying to scam me. Like our newest recruit, I'm dunn.
 
[quote="Knight" post=355745]I think last year's increase in attendance is giving SJU officials the wrong impression. I think I may view games on TV instead of attending in person.[/quote]

There will be plenty of ways to get cheap tickets to MSG games I'm sure, possible CA as well if a large number decide the season tix donation and price increases are not worth it.

This may be a misstep by Cragg. He's used to being at a school with a highly affluent, highly engaged, highly loyal Alumni group. Yes Duke support has been strengthened by their huge level of success and their relatively small venue but most Power 5 schools have a largeish group of loyal alumni who will by tix every year and support the program unconditionally. Schools will give up a certain portion of season ticket sales to justify the huge margins/revenue generation of programs like this based on that guaranteed group of customers. Just don't think STJ has the support to make it work.
 
We shall see. I'm not an alumni, just a fan my whole life along with various members of my family, friends and extended family. We've never purchased season tickets, but choose instead to attend many games buying tickets off the secondary market. In some years, that was probably a more cost effective option. In other years, we probably paid well in excess of what season tickets cost. I'm considering buying season tickets this year, even with the rate hikes, because on comparison to most NY sporting events it costs peanuts for what I usually find to be an enjoyable atmosphere with friends and family (debacles like the Prov game last year aside, and even that I attended with poster here using his seats, and had fun afterwards with friends).
 
As Kramer said in the Master of Your Domain episode of Seinfeld - I'm out!
 
The only way I am in is if a chairback seat opens up. At a certain age, I decided no more bleacher seats.

One way or the other, I'll be at every game because it's an addiction!
 
Last edited:
If anyone is going to the food event tonight, you have the opportunity to express your concerns.
 
[quote="SJU85" post=355787]If anyone is going to the food event tonight, you have the opportunity to express your concerns.[/quote]


An airing of all grievances.
 
The biggest problem with a 40% increase is that St John's hasn’t WON enough to justify it. Too many seasons of losing and non-competitive games.

Not sure why Cragg decided to put the cart before the horse. Win some games first and then your product will be in demand.
 
I was on the fence about renewing , but when they hired Anderson I was happy and said okay this year is not going to be great but I like where they are headed I’ll renew my 2 seats. Now however a 40% price hike plus a required donation sorry I’m out, I will go the stubhub route and attend games.
 
Gotta be honest. I'm all onboard the CMA bandwagon but the price increase this year when a lot of prediction is we wont be that good is this will be a critical mistake by Craggflation as far as increases for this year. 2 years from now if we get rolling he wouldn't have a problem with it probably but he's going to lose a lot of SJU fans who didnt go to school here who hopped on board for games last couple years and some others. I totally understand the argument that the school needs the $ but this will end up being a net negative in the short term I'm relatively sure. Stubhub will do well though
 
Last edited:
Oh and BTW just like it was me all over the sitting on the scorers table first I'm on record right now that I coined the phrase " Craggflation " :)
 
[quote="OLV72" post=355821]114 done in by Craggflation? It was fun while it lasted.[/quote] we did have a legendary run in 114
 
I responded to the email with something to the affect of “an extra 500 dollars per ticket count me out”. Just out of frustration and to my surprise when I opened up my email inbox today I had a message from Mr. Cragg himself:

Richard –

Appreciate your note of exasperation concerning our recent implementation of required donation levels to the Red White Club for our premium seating options. We hope you will re-consider on how important it is for our student-athletes here at St. John’s for us to increase revenues with support from our important donor group.

However, please know that not all seats in the Garden require a contribution to our tax deductible organization which is typical among our Big East peers. Great seats will remain in the lower bowl and above and we hope you will continue to still come to cheer on St. John’s!

We thank you for your consideration and understand your concerns as we develop new revenue models in a difficult competitive environment.

Best always -

Mike


Wanted to make sure you saw these as well:

FAQ'S ON PREMIUM SEASON TICKET POLICY
· Q: How were required contribution levels determined and why was this policy implemented?
· A: Required contribution levels were established based on the quality of your seat location at Madison Square Garden. The policy was implemented to increase the value of your season tickets and help generate new revenue streams for the athletic department, which will directly enhance the student-athlete experience at St. John’s.


· Q: Is a required contribution necessary to purchase all St. John’s season tickets?
· A: Absolutely not. Less than half of all seats at Madison Square Garden are subject to a required contribution. In fact, there are six sections in the lower bowl alone that do not require a Red White Club contribution for the purchase of a season ticket. All seats in the 200, 300 and 400 levels do not require a contribution for the purchase of a season ticket.


· Q: Is this policy entirely new?
· A: No. The two most exclusive season ticket locations, Platinum and Diamond, have been subject to a required contribution of similar value for more than a decade.


· Q: Is this type of policy common in college athletics?
· A: Yes. A survey conducted by our Office of Institutional Advancement determined that the other nine teams in the BIG EAST and returning conference member Connecticut all require similar contributions for the most exclusive levels of seating in their home arenas.


· Q: How will the revenue from contributions be used?
· A: The proceeds generated from required season ticket contributions will be placed into the hands of the Red White Club. Those funds will then be used to address the most pressing needs of the St. John’s Athletic Department, including facility maintenance and enhanced gameday experience for our fans.


· Q: If I am already a Red White Club member, will my annual donation be counted toward my required season ticket contribution?
· A: Yes, so long as that donation is made directly to the Red White Club and not a specific program or event. For questions regarding possible implications, please contact your tax professional.


· Q: Have season ticket prices gone up?
· A: While the final cost of your season ticket may be higher than in years past, the per game price of a St. John’s men’s basketball season ticket has not risen in more than two years. The final cost of the ticket, excluding your contribution, is higher than in years past because of the team’s upgraded schedule, which will include seven games at Madison Square Garden as opposed to the five games played at MSG in each of the past two seasons.


· Q: How will this policy change affect my seat location at Carnesecca Arena?
· A: If your already a season ticket holder, your seat location in Carnesecca Arena will not change based upon your contribution level. New season ticket holders will be subject to required contributions for premier seating locations at the on-campus home of the Red Storm.




Mike Cragg
Director of Athletics
craggm@stjohns.edu
(718) 990-6223 work
(919) 819-7624 cell



.... I probably still won’t renew, but I thought that was very cool of him to actually reach out like that.
 
Last edited:
I am old school and believe in Redmen Forever so this "donation" will not deter my season ticket decision as I will be renewing for the 39th year. As noted, the donation is something required at our 9 fellow conference members. It is also something required at most major colleges. Someone I know in Syracuse has had this requirement for years to buy a season. Heck, I remember some one who worked for me in the early 1980's who was from Oklahoma telling me that this was something required back then to buy OU FB seasons. People complain about us being a mom and pop shop and then when the school does something to upgrade, everyone wants to stay mom and pop.

If you want a successful program--it costs money. If you don't have the money, you won't have success.

PS the event tonight was quite good; great food selection and some good beers (something unknown in CA) plus all the coaches available to chat. Mike and his wife are quite charming and I am hoping for success
 
[quote="mjmaherjr" post=355826][quote="OLV72" post=355821]114 done in by Craggflation? It was fun while it lasted.[/quote] we did have a legendary run in 114[/quote]

Looking like a few may be keep the tradition going. Perhaps you will make a return and bring along Kranmars?
 
[quote="OLV72" post=355833][quote="mjmaherjr" post=355826][quote="OLV72" post=355821]114 done in by Craggflation? It was fun while it lasted.[/quote] we did have a legendary run in 114[/quote]

Looking like a few may be keep the tradition going. Perhaps you will make a return and bring along Kranmars?[/quote] if you guys are in then I'm in. Will definitely sell my carnesecca tix instead of just eating the cost
 
[quote="SJU85" post=355787]If anyone is going to the food event tonight, you have the opportunity to express your concerns.[/quote] nycredmen was there and said it was excellent event
 
[quote="mjmaherjr" post=355836][quote="SJU85" post=355787]If anyone is going to the food event tonight, you have the opportunity to express your concerns.[/quote] nycredmen was there and said it was excellent event[/quote]

I was there as well and I concur with that review. One interesting thing to note about the arena: there is no scoreboard having from the ceiling anymore but it looks like the end zone scoreboards are gigantic. Arena looks more open without that thing hanging down.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top