Norwood Teague's idea to aggressively institute scholarship seating is having a lasting effect. Whether you think its a donation, "donation" or seat license, the cost attached to the majority of TCF's possible season ticket zones is significant compared to 2014 (See attached visuals).
The product on the field hasn't changed much and what was once an auto renew situation for many longtime season ticket holders, adding that substantial per-seat gift on top of admission has made them think twice. My group has had season tickets for 23 years. I was able to hold the group together through phase 1 but was unable to keep it fully intact when phase 2 arrived. We eventually moved from 213 to 215 into non-donation seats.
Scholarship seating is inevitably an obstacle to attract new season ticket holders too despite any enthusiasm they may have for the team. Want the family of 4 in modest upper deck seats on the 15 in the first 20-25 rows? Sticker price is $1,320. But you can only sit there if you spend another $600-$1,200. In an era when the U collects 51 million from tv, a fan might contemplate why seeing the game in-person costs so much.
View attachment 5589
View attachment 5590