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Season ticket renewals

Maybe the convenience of being close to a highway opens up things for casual single ticket fans. They simply dont have the fan base for more than a few thousand Season Ticket accounts. I doubt other than a couple thousand renew at rosemont but NU should be in great shape with single ticket sales for bigten games. My bet is that the team averages 7,000 per game.
Don't know about that. What did DePaul average there? Would think that NU is more popular and Big Ten opponents will produce larger crowds then DePaul got from Big East schools.
 
I talked to my ticket rep yesterday. Contrary to previous speculation I heard both inside and outside the athletic department, the '17-'18 season tickets DO have a affect on when the team returns to Welsh-Ryan Arena.

For next year, I only wanted to order half the tickets I have now. I was told if I don't renew all my tickets this year, I won't have access to my full original quantity for the '18-'19 season. I'll only be able to order the quantity I purchase for '17-'18.

Has anybody else heard differently direct from the horse's mouth? Can anybody be nice enough to call their account rep and verify from a second source?
Not all sections. All purple preferred seats have to be renewed for rights next year. All other seats arent affected.
 
Well, this page says ALL 2016-2017 season ticket holders are guaranteed the opportunity to purchase season tickets in the new WRA, but it says nothing about location or number of seats. And conveniently omits anything about the 'mandatory donation' that we all know is coming (which by the way I don't have a problem with per se, its how much it might be)

http://www.nusports.com/news/2016/9...home-games-at-allstate-arena.aspx?path=mbball

Further my earlier comment about piss poor communication. They rush to put stuff out there without having everything thought thru and hope they can figure it out as they go
 
Really confusing and makes one think that the Purple Preferred are really being strong armed to keep seating near where they once were. You need to buy all your tickets in 2017-18 and you need to make the top level donation, just to retain where you once were.

Does that mean that purple preferred come ahead of regular season ticket holders on the other side of the court in the new seating? Not sure, but they seem to have an extra level of requirement to keep their status.
 
Really confusing and makes one think that the Purple Preferred are really being strong armed to keep seating near where they once were. You need to buy all your tickets in 2017-18 and you need to make the top level donation, just to retain where you once were.

Does that mean that purple preferred come ahead of regular season ticket holders on the other side of the court in the new seating? Not sure, but they seem to have an extra level of requirement to keep their status.
With how many purple preferred seats were empty or filled by opposing fans in the best season of this program's history, this is a good thing.

Haven't quite decided what to do, but for the first time it seems like I'll have access to "the good seats". I realize it may seem like a punishment for some, but it's opportunity for others.
 
Really confusing and makes one think that the Purple Preferred are really being strong armed to keep seating near where they once were. You need to buy all your tickets in 2017-18 and you need to make the top level donation, just to retain where you once were.

Does that mean that purple preferred come ahead of regular season ticket holders on the other side of the court in the new seating? Not sure, but they seem to have an extra level of requirement to keep their status.


Don't really understand what all the fuss is about. I can't believe there are people that are considering dropping or reducing their seats for the year in Rosemont. What are we talking? 10 miles? It's not like when the Bears played in Champaign when SF was renovated. With the exception of those STHs that actually live on the North Shore it will be an easier commute.
 
Don't really understand what all the fuss is about. I can't believe there are people that are considering dropping or reducing their seats for the year in Rosemont. What are we talking? 10 miles? It's not like when the Bears played in Champaign when SF was renovated. With the exception of those STHs that actually live on the North Shore it will be an easier commute.

Or those that live in the city. Can't wait to attempt to reach the arena on the outbound Kennedy for a 6 PM tip.

I'm still going to buy my usual number of seats and go, but it's an inconvenience.
 
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Or those that live in the city. Can't wait to attempt to reach the arena on the outbound Kennedy for a 6 PM tip.

I'm still going to buy my usual number of seats and go, but it's an inconvenience.

The Kennedy out towards O'Hare? Seriously? I'm guessing you live on the north side. You haven't figured out Elston & Higgins yet?
 
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The Kennedy out towards O'Hare? Seriously? I'm guessing you live on the north side. You haven't figured out Elston & Higgins yet?

You say "figured out" like that saves you any time. Elston can be worse than the expressway during afternoon rush.

And your guess is wrong.

Or take the Blue Line to Rosemont, and then hop on the Allstate Express bus.

http://www.pacebus.com/sub/espd/allstate_arena_express.asp

While I certainly can do this, it's hardly a time saver from where I live.

Are you guys seriously trying to argue that getting from the city to Rosemont is not a pain in the ass on weeknights?
 
Just sayin' that if the outbound Kennedy is a parking lot (as it often is during afternoon rush), the Blue Line is a nice time-saving alternative.
 
Just sayin' that if the outbound Kennedy is a parking lot (as it often is during afternoon rush), the Blue Line is a nice time-saving alternative.

Waiting at the station/arena for a shuttle back and forth at 10:00 on a Tuesday night in February is not a fun idea.

It's one year, and we're getting something great out of it, so it's not a huge deal long term. But it's argument for argument's sake to suggest that Allstate isn't a huge inconvenience for people who don't live in the northwest suburbs.
 
Waiting at the station/arena for a shuttle back and forth at 10:00 on a Tuesday night in February is not a fun idea.

It's one year, and we're getting something great out of it, so it's not a huge deal long term. But it's argument for argument's sake to suggest that Allstate isn't a huge inconvenience for people who don't live in the northwest suburbs.
It's a lot easier to get to from the western burbs and probably the south burbs as well.
 
I wouldn't buy tickets at All State unless they were offered at a steep discount to existing season ticket holders. The sterile environment isn't for me. By no means do I believe I should be entitled to such a loyalty discount, but it might have been in their best interest to bridge the gap and feed the season ticket addiction as they move into the new pricing/donation structure.

I'm guessing after some early season withdrawal symptoms, I'll find other things to occupy the time that was previously committed to commuting to and from W-R. Maybe I'll read some more books, mingle with the commoners, or slip into a cocaine-fueled lifestyle of clubbing and EDM festivals. Regardless, it makes it that much easier to say "no" to what will likely be a substantial increase in cost in 2018-19. I'm sure the athletic department will do just fine without me in the stands, but I wonder how many others will be less likely to renew after sitting a year out.

Basketball is just a way to pass the time until football season starts back up anyway. And in the grand scheme of things, does any of this even matter? Pay for tickets next year or don't, who cares? Eat Arbys.
 
So, spoke with my ticket rep today, who assured me that if I had 4 tickets in 2016-17 I'll be able to buy 4 comparable tickets in 2018-19, no matter whether I buy zero, 2 or 4 for 2017-18 at Allstate. She did point out that if I don't buy in 2017-18 I break the continuity for years as a season ticket holder, which effects priority point total, and where you will actually be able to sit (along with how big of a 'mandatory donation' you want to make). I've plenty of points so that doesn't worry me.

She did confirm that at Allstate, and the new WRA, you will get a time window based on your points to go on-line and pick where you want to sit from the seats available at that time (similar to what MSU does when they do their 'seat adjustment' every few years.

I did suggest to her that it might be good to put out an 'official' communication to clarify this to everyone - not sure how far that will go.

Charcat had a conversation with a different ticket rep and got the same answer. So, if all your points come from longevity as a season ticket holder you probably want to buy at Allstate to maintain your points. If you've got plenty of donation points maybe less of an issue.
 
After this discussion, I put another call into my ticket rep late on Friday. He needed to clarify with his manager and confirmed what you heard, BigCat. '18-'19 season tickets will not be dependent at all on '17-'18 purchases, no matter where you sit.

Yes, NU might want to communicate all of this more clearly. They might want to start with their employees.

Thanks for clarifying, BigCat. Thanks for sending us down the right road, Wickerpark.
 
Due in part to the (perhaps unlikely, but nonetheless undeniable) possibility of some sort of misinformation/policy change/crossed signals or whatever at some point down the road, I'm taking no chances and renewing my pair of seats. It will be difficult for me to make a number of the games, though, and when I DO have to miss games, I'll certainly be looking at making my seats available to posters I recognize. Not interested in money as much as I am in keeping these in the proper hands.
 
Coming from the SW suburbs, Rosemont will be easier for the one year.
 
I wouldn't buy tickets at All State unless they were offered at a steep discount to existing season ticket holders. The sterile environment isn't for me. By no means do I believe I should be entitled to such a loyalty discount, but it might have been in their best interest to bridge the gap and feed the season ticket addiction as they move into the new pricing/donation structure.

I'm guessing after some early season withdrawal symptoms, I'll find other things to occupy the time that was previously committed to commuting to and from W-R. Maybe I'll read some more books, mingle with the commoners, or slip into a cocaine-fueled lifestyle of clubbing and EDM festivals. Regardless, it makes it that much easier to say "no" to what will likely be a substantial increase in cost in 2018-19. I'm sure the athletic department will do just fine without me in the stands, but I wonder how many others will be less likely to renew after sitting a year out.

Basketball is just a way to pass the time until football season starts back up anyway. And in the grand scheme of things, does any of this even matter? Pay for tickets next year or don't, who cares? Eat Arbys.
If you were a season ticket holder in 2016, your seats for 2018 will be comparable, even if you dont buy this year. Again, nobody cuts in line if they buy this year, and nobody steps out of line if they play hooky. This season will be handled like the dayton game last year except its for a season and not one game. The only advantage, as far as 2018 placement is that new season ticket holders will have an opportunity over the public for season tickets next year.
 
Just buy single tix for the popular games and get the rest on StubHub. I think you will be able to hear the echo of the basketball on certain nights in that cavern.
 
Just buy single tix for the popular games and get the rest on StubHub. I think you will be able to hear the echo of the basketball on certain nights in that cavern.
I think you are correct. I'm not sure why they raised ticket prices over 50% from $292 to $447???
The product simply doen't have tradition to follow it and I wouldn't be surprised if Northwestern had to dump tickets on secondary markets. For instance, most of the OOC games will be lucky to get 3,000 fans, in my opinion. And how many students will attend? Not many, in my opinion.
And if we don't get Indiana at home then I'm not sure what other Big Ten game would command $50 and expect more than 5,000 fans. Just seems like inflated prices for Season Tickets.
 
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We are so eager to up our prices, any time we do well in any sport, we jack prices automatically. We'd start charging $20 a game for tennis or fencing if we won the NCAAs.
 
I'm not sure why they raised ticket prices over 50% from $292 to $447???
Pure speculation on my part, but perhaps it has something to do with the season we just had. I've got 5 season tickets for football and have never had any trouble getting people to these games. For basketball over the years, it's been painful trying to get these same guys to games. Now, they all want to buy in on basketball season tix. Times are changing, fork up the $, get on the boat and enjoy the ride.
 
Pure speculation on my part, but perhaps it has something to do with the season we just had. I've got 5 season tickets for football and have never had any trouble getting people to these games. For basketball over the years, it's been painful trying to get these same guys to games. Now, they all want to buy in on basketball season tix. Times are changing, fork up the $, get on the boat and enjoy the ride.
I hope you are right but I will be picking up my ticket on stubhub for $6 before the game and sit anywhere I want.
 
Boy, one thing that is rather irksome.. I just renewed. Now we're up to $30 in fees/handling?? Assume it will be same for football STHs.
 
Boy, one thing that is rather irksome.. I just renewed. Now we're up to $30 in fees/handling?? Assume it will be same for football STHs.
I don't get the "fees and handling" crap. Almost as bad as airline ticket pricing. Just roll it all into the face value of the ticket and be up front with the cost of attending a game.
 
I don't get the "fees and handling" crap. Almost as bad as airline ticket pricing. Just roll it all into the face value of the ticket and be up front with the cost of attending a game.
If you're worried about those fees and handling I hope you never have to buy on stubhub. Their fees are truly egregious. Minimum 15%, and higher % on lower $ tickets. Ridiculous

And re all the back and forth about whether it's easier or harder to get to... I guess the answer will be apparent this upcoming winter. For pretty much everyone I know it will be worse - friends my age who all live down in the city, and friends my dad's age where I grew up in near N suburbs. This will be an inconvenience for those groups and stop some / many from coming. The students as well obviously. But it just as obviously is more convenient for those in NW, W, SW suburbs.

So just wait a few months and I guess we'll find out which group(s) contribute more bigly to the NU fanbase! And how committed are those who are inconvenienced by the move...
 
If you're worried about those fees and handling I hope you never have to buy on stubhub. Their fees are truly egregious. Minimum 15%, and higher % on lower $ tickets. Ridiculous

And re all the back and forth about whether it's easier or harder to get to... I guess the answer will be apparent this upcoming winter. For pretty much everyone I know it will be worse - friends my age who all live down in the city, and friends my dad's age where I grew up in near N suburbs. This will be an inconvenience for those groups and stop some / many from coming. The students as well obviously. But it just as obviously is more convenient for those in NW, W, SW suburbs.

So just wait a few months and I guess we'll find out which group(s) contribute more bigly to the NU fanbase! And how committed are those who are inconvenienced by the move...
Tickpick has no fees. I have used that for bulls games. But Im sure Northwestern tickets will be $6 again on Stubhub so I don't mind paying an extra dollar.
 
Tickpick has no fees. I have used that for bulls games. But Im sure Northwestern tickets will be $6 again on Stubhub so I don't mind paying an extra dollar.
Honestly I find the $2 on $8 tickets to be less egregious than paying $15 fee for an $85 ticket. It's the fact that the % doesn't go below 15 even on very high priced tickets that seems completely off fair market to me.

It's basically an artificial monopoly via exclusive licenses with the various leagues.
 
Just buy single tix for the popular games and get the rest on StubHub. I think you will be able to hear the echo of the basketball on certain nights in that cavern.

I don't totally disagree with your direction. However, the reason I won't do this is because I bet the seats will blow for the good games. There's too many seats that suck.

Like the United Center, the Allstate Horizon is just such a scrappy venue. So many of the seats are just garbage. Anything behind the basket is horrible. That's a minimum of 1/3 of the seats.

Also I'm not sure how good the second level is. I'll agree you can live with the first several rows, but after that ...

Also, watch out for those floor seats.

Just another perspective. God love the Welsh.
 
Just another perspective. God love the Welsh.

Gotta love the Welsh; they gave us Bertrand Russell, Tom Jones, and Shirley Bassey. ;)

The -State, however, may be an acquired taste. If it turns out to be Alumni Hall 2.0, I can live with that.
 
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Honestly I find the $2 on $8 tickets to be less egregious than paying $15 fee for an $85 ticket. It's the fact that the % doesn't go below 15 even on very high priced tickets that seems completely off fair market to me.

It's basically an artificial monopoly via exclusive licenses with the various leagues.

Ricko are you really Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam? I know he grew up in Evanston.
 
< We are so eager to up our prices, any time we do well in any sport, we jack prices automatically. We'd start charging $20 a game for tennis or fencing if we won the NCAAs. >

"We" must have been financially drooling over the success... AND the new, improved arena...AND "We" expect people to be excited about this next team, as "We" are. "We" are talking not merely going, but also winning a few in the tournament. "We" are a tad giddy, but why not?
 
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Ok I bit the bullet and renewed my tickets for the Allstate season. I'm concerned that I'll get priced out of my seats for the next set when they bump the prices another 50% and add the 'donation' as well, but I'll burn that bridge when they build it I guess.

And I'll definitely have to get a good plan for Allstate to try and avoid crappy seats when I get to pick them in July.
 
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