Ask the AD -- May Edition
06/01/2009 | 12:00:00 | General
June 1, 2009
This is the latest installment of our monthly feature called, "Ask the AD." If you have questions for Saluki Director of Athletics Mario Moccia, feel free to submit them by e-mail.
E-Mail a question to Mario Moccia
I noticed that for the 2010 ticket selection, one person could purchase eight seats. I understand that the system for the 2010 selection is that everyone will get a specific time to come pick out their seats, based on your priority points. What is going to happen if the first group starts picking up extra seats for friends that currently sit in the upper bleachers and don't currently contribute to the school? This will take seats away from the people that are lower on the priority point system that have been purchasing seats and donating for some time.
Good question. Currently we don't have a set limit of tickets you can purchase in the arena or stadium, so each year this could occur after all the renewals are complete. This hasn't happened to date, and our research indicates the average men's basketball account has 2.6 tickets per account holder. First and foremost, individuals who purchase tickets must pay for each ticket, plus the individual per seat donation, so taking additional seats for someone else would be a bit pricey. In your scenario, if an individual purchased eight and wanted to give away four to someone else, that "someone else" would have no account at all with us. Therefore, they wouldn't be recorded as a season-ticket holder, wouldn't be accruing any points, and wouldn't be able to receive a parking pass. Also, they would not receive a tax benefit, if they are simply paying their friend. There are enough negatives that I believe there won't be much of this going on. In addition, if the individual who actually purchased the tickets wanted to suddenly keep them or stopped buying them for whatever reason, the "someone else " individual would have to go back to square one. There is no perfect system to prevent the scenario you described, but I believe there are enough detriments that those instances will be few and far between.
My first game at The Mac was in 1965, so we have a little history together -- the Mac and I. I have been there a least once a year, other than military service, since then and despite living far away. The place means a lot to me, as it does to many. I loved pointing out the "trailer press box" and Tut's gravesite to the newbies. It seems like today, tradition is often left at the roadside either for money or for trend. I know we need the new stadium, we have needed it for years, but why are we even considering a new name? I think a lot of alums like me would agree. It always has been and always should be The Mac.
I appreciate your passion for McAndrew Stadium. I agree that with brand-new stadiums usually come brand-new names because of the finances it takes to build the venues in the first place. I am sure we will be memorializing Dr. McAndrew in a prominent location at the Stadium and certainly want to recognize his achievements, as well as the history of our football program. While plans haven't been finalized, they have been discussed on several occasions.
Do you have the specific dates for the exempt tournament in Las Vegas? I heard sometime in December. I am already scheduling meetings in December and would like to avoid tournament dates so I can attend Saluki basketball.
The Las Vegas tournament is going to be played on December 20, 21 and 22. At the present time VCU, is scheduled to participate, and the promoter needs to get two more teams to round out the field.
I would like to acquire Saluki memorabilia from some of our more prominent alums that could be displayed proudly in a home or office. Have you given any thought to auctioning collectibles?
We have given this much thought as a way to expand the type of services we offer on the www.siusalukis.com and as a revenue source. I know our Assistant AD for Marketing, Mark Gazdik and the General Manager for Saluki Sports Properties, Will Paterson, have discussed improving our on-line auction items. In addition, with our recent meetings with Brandon Jacobs, Bart Scott, Jerry Hairston Jr. and Walt Frazier, we should have some nice items in the near future.
