Frustrated with the Perk Selection System — Is It Time for a Lottery Option?

[Mr. 131]

I’ve been a football season ticket holder for 4 years, donate to Dinkytown Athletes, follow the team obsessively — and yet every year, I get shut out of meaningful perks like tunnel team or on-field access. I’m in third group that makes selections, which basically means I get to pick between a volleyball game or a scented candle.

I reached out to the ticket office to see if there was any way to get something for one of the bigger games. Got a polite “no” and a reminder that I’m ranked 10,000+ in the system. Cool.

Here’s my point: if regular fans like me rarely have a shot at these premium experiences, why not reserve a few for a random drawing? Keep the bulk for high donors — no argument there — but throw in a few lottery spots so mid-tier fans have some hope. I shouldn't need a suite named after me to feel like I have a realistic chance.

Would love to hear others’ experiences with the system. Have you ever actually gotten a good football perk? How long did it take you?

Will I be on dialysis by the time I'm in the chosen few?

 

[Mr. 131]

Edit- not sure why the question isn't in a font that's contrasting against the maroon.

"Should Gopher Athletics throw regular fans a bone with a perk lottery?"

 

[A_Slab_of_Bacon]

I think that's a good idea.

Throw some lottery type options.

The number of perks has dropped over time and IMO the U makes a HUGE mistake in advertising all the perks to everyone if only to ... show most of the people what they can't have. That's bad, doesn't make people feel good.

It's not like at some store where "you can buy the upgraded version for $50" and you can just get it, the U has only so many of the better options and most will never get it ... no matter what anyone does.

 

[upnorthkid]

i'm ranked in the 6000s and ended up with tunnel access for MSU (in addition to a hockey perk).

Personally I think the perks are overall pretty meh and that there are too many selections for those at the top. Would rather they really try push the envelope to make more exclusive offerings but restrict number of selections (because we know top donors need to get game of their choice, meeting with Coyle, luxury seats, and 3 more things every single year). Lottery system is interesting, but what incentive is there to the U? They're only after pushing you to donate to a higher tier and unless they also reserved something "special" for those tiers, it ends up irrelevant.

I don't think they should send out all the stuff as Slab alludes to. It's after the fact and you can't change your score, why show me all the shit I could do but won't get to as it's gone every year (not that I'd necessarily want those things)? I get it they're trying to show all the options they offer and are trying for fan engagement, but really its for donors and unless youre saying someone can guarantee something, it's not going to make 99.9% of people donate more

 

[Mr. 131]

The number of perks has dropped over time and IMO the U makes a HUGE mistake in advertising all the perks to everyone if only to ... show most of the people what they can't have. That's bad, doesn't make people feel good.

It's not like at some store where "you can buy the upgraded version for $50" and you can just get it, the U has only so many of the better options and most will never get it ...

Exactly! That's incredibly on point for how I'm feeling.
Legit was ready to make my selections the moment I could....and yep, scented candle.

 

[Swaggerson]

I’ve been a football season ticket holder for 4 years, donate to Dinkytown Athletes, follow the team obsessively — and yet every year, I get shut out of meaningful perks like tunnel team or on-field access. I’m in third group that makes selections, which basically means I get to pick between a volleyball game or a scented candle.

I reached out to the ticket office to see if there was any way to get something for one of the bigger games. Got a polite “no” and a reminder that I’m ranked 10,000+ in the system. Cool.

Here’s my point: if regular fans like me rarely have a shot at these premium experiences, why not reserve a few for a random drawing? Keep the bulk for high donors — no argument there — but throw in a few lottery spots so mid-tier fans have some hope. I shouldn't need a suite named after me to feel like I have a realistic chance.

Would love to hear others’ experiences with the system. Have you ever actually gotten a good football perk? How long did it take you?

Will I be on dialysis by the time I'm in the chosen few?

Mixed feelings on this. Approaching 70 years of FB tix in the family and 30 years of BB tix. For the first 55 years of FB…received no loyalty benefits. Now I am ranked in the 900s. Still get shut out of some things but had my fill of tunnel teams and on field passes. Yet, I still get to select them most years. Seems like they could make some benefits “one and done” so that more folks can use them. I am also a fan of the lottery system and would happily get 1 less perk (2 rather than 3) to ensure others (hopefully kids) get a chance.

Great topic.

 

[A_Slab_of_Bacon]

Mixed feelings on this. Approaching 70 years of FB tix in the family and 30 years of BB tix. For the first 55 years of FB…received no loyalty benefits. Now I am ranked in the 900s. Still get shut out of some things but had my fill of tunnel teams and on field passes. Yet, I still get to select them most years. Seems like they could make some benefits “one and done” so that more folks can use them. I am also a fan of the lottery system and would happily get 1 less perk (2 rather than 3) to ensure others (hopefully kids) get a chance.

Great topic.