Rice has confirmed its ability to accept donations to purchase tickets for distribution to students for Saturday's game. Details are:

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We will be able to accept donations for student tickets to help defray the cost of students attending the game. Please advise people to give me a call so we can have as many students attend free of charge. The donation will be tax-deductible.

Marc Laney
Assistant Athletic Director - Development/Donor Relations
Office Phone: 713-348-5086

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It's our turn now. Make that call

Excellent. Thanks!

If this goes ahead, I think it's imperative that the University give some explanation of why the costs are defrayed. Both that the alumni want them to be able to experience this monumental event in Rice history and that student attendance is a MUST for this game.

(12-02-2013 10:38 AM)RiceFight Wrote:  If this goes ahead, I think it's imperative that the University give some explanation of why the costs are defrayed. Both that the alumni want them to be able to experience this monumental event in Rice history and that student attendance is a MUST for this game.

I agree. I plan on making that comment to Marc when I call.

I'm having a hard time accepting that people (including the Rice Athletics Department) believe subsidizing student ticket sales (at a cost of $5) for students to attend a game (by WALKING for no more than 30 minutes) is a great idea.

In contrast, how many student tickets are being subsidized to the SEC championship game (which according to this link, http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.s...or_se.html are $60/ticket)? I can see and get behind a subsidy for these tickets, especially when you factor in travel costs to ATLANTA for any Auburn (Auburn, AL) or Missouri (Columbia, MO) student.

But, really, $5 is a necessary subsidy for the students? I think you just cheapened an already inexpensive opportunity for students. It is nearly impossible to measure, but take a step back and ask yourself, what is the ROI on this move? And, as it has been stated before, the time and effort on both the part of Rice fans and staff probably have been misdirected during this crucial and precious amount of time. Students who want to come are going to come regardless of a free vs. $5 ticket and the number of students who would not have been in attendance because of a charge of $5 (e.g., they have to start studying for finals, they did too much partying the night before, they have to work, it's not worth it to attend the game, it's too expensive, etc.) is not going to be significantly higher now that tickets are free. Again, diversify your investment into a potential new fan base (i.e, the bring a friend, neighbor, co-worker, relative, your son's best friend, your daughter's Brownie troop leader, your priest, etc. approach) and you might be surprised.

Now this makes me wonder how my yearly contributions to Rice athletics is being used and if they are being misdirected?????

(12-02-2013 10:38 AM)RiceFight Wrote:  If this goes ahead, I think it's imperative that the University give some explanation of why the costs are defrayed. Both that the alumni want them to be able to experience this monumental event in Rice history and that student attendance is a MUST for this game.

I'm not sure ordering a student to attend a game is the best approach. I'll speak for myself - I don't like to be told to do something (i.e., students must attend a game) when I clearly don't enjoy doing it in the first place (i.e., it appears student attendance has been low at recent games, despite some nice wins, so doesn't look like most students want to come for whatever reason).

So, maybe, you could take an approach of POSITIVE peer pressure?? Maybe have football players and coaches tell students why this game is important and what it would mean to have them there as fellow students/friends? Remember, not every student will a.) realize that Rice is playing on Saturday and/or b.) understand the significance of the game. You could have other athletes reinforce the message by telling non-athletes why this game is important and that they, too, will be going.

(12-02-2013 11:12 AM)CrabCake Wrote:  I'm having a hard time accepting that people (including the Rice Athletics Department) believe subsidizing student ticket sales (at a cost of $5) for students to attend a game (by WALKING for no more than 30 minutes) is a great idea.

In contrast, how many student tickets are being subsidized to the SEC championship game (which according to this link, http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.s...or_se.html are $60/ticket)? I can see and get behind a subsidy for these tickets, especially when you factor in travel costs to ATLANTA for any Auburn (Auburn, AL) or Missouri (Columbia, MO) student.

But, really, $5 is a necessary subsidy for the students? I think you just cheapened an already inexpensive opportunity for students. It is nearly impossible to measure, but take a step back and ask yourself, what is the ROI on this move? And, as it has been stated before, the time and effort on both the part of Rice fans and staff probably have been misdirected during this crucial and precious amount of time. Students who want to come are going to come regardless of a free vs. $5 ticket and the number of students who would not have been in attendance because of a charge of $5 (e.g., they have to start studying for finals, they did too much partying the night before, they have to work, it's not worth it to attend the game, it's too expensive, etc.) is not going to be significantly higher now that tickets are free. Again, diversify your investment into a potential new fan base (i.e, the bring a friend, neighbor, co-worker, relative, your son's best friend, your daughter's Brownie troop leader, your priest, etc. approach) and you might be surprised.

Now this makes me wonder how my yearly contributions to Rice athletics is being used and if they are being misdirected?????

I understand your concern about cheapening it, but I think we already do that by not charging at all for any game at home or at Reliant. And I also understand your concern about wasting department effort on this. Hopefully, it isn't too much since it has been pushed to the development group already.

If there has been enough of a groundswell, I'm not sure why you would turn the money away. The $5 is a minor impediment, but an impediment nevertheless. If I can remove that, I want to do so. And, yeah, it may not be a significant number more that go (but I think it is more than you think it is), but if you create a few more young fans, that isn't a bad thing. As well, not really sure why you can't help this effort and bring a friend. Who says the friend can't pay? By giving the friend a free ticket, aren't you cheapening the value?

As to your funds being misdirected, I have no idea how you make that leap.

(12-02-2013 11:28 AM)CrabCake Wrote:  

(12-02-2013 10:38 AM)RiceFight Wrote:  If this goes ahead, I think it's imperative that the University give some explanation of why the costs are defrayed. Both that the alumni want them to be able to experience this monumental event in Rice history and that student attendance is a MUST for this game.

I'm not sure ordering a student to attend a game is the best approach. I'll speak for myself - I don't like to be told to do something (i.e., students must attend a game) when I clearly don't enjoy doing it in the first place (i.e., it appears student attendance has been low at recent games, despite some nice wins, so doesn't look like most students want to come for whatever reason).

So, maybe, you could take an approach of POSITIVE peer pressure?? Maybe have football players and coaches tell students why this game is important and what it would mean to have them there as fellow students/friends? Remember, not every student will a.) realize that Rice is playing on Saturday and/or b.) understand the significance of the game. You could have other athletes reinforce the message by telling non-athletes why this game is important and that they, too, will be going.

I think it was more that, if you take a subsidized ticket, you MUST go, so that you are not taking a free ticket from someone who would go themselves.

Where do students purchase their $5 tickets? Do they have to purchase in-person at the Ticket Office? The Rice site doesn't mention anything about it.

(12-02-2013 11:46 AM)dragon2owl Wrote:  Where do students purchase their $5 tickets? Do they have to purchase in-person at the Ticket Office? The Rice site doesn't mention anything about it.

They haven't announced that yet. I would think it would be in-person at the Ticket Office.

(12-02-2013 11:39 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(12-02-2013 11:28 AM)CrabCake Wrote:  

(12-02-2013 10:38 AM)RiceFight Wrote:  If this goes ahead, I think it's imperative that the University give some explanation of why the costs are defrayed. Both that the alumni want them to be able to experience this monumental event in Rice history and that student attendance is a MUST for this game.

I'm not sure ordering a student to attend a game is the best approach. I'll speak for myself - I don't like to be told to do something (i.e., students must attend a game) when I clearly don't enjoy doing it in the first place (i.e., it appears student attendance has been low at recent games, despite some nice wins, so doesn't look like most students want to come for whatever reason).

So, maybe, you could take an approach of POSITIVE peer pressure?? Maybe have football players and coaches tell students why this game is important and what it would mean to have them there as fellow students/friends? Remember, not every student will a.) realize that Rice is playing on Saturday and/or b.) understand the significance of the game. You could have other athletes reinforce the message by telling non-athletes why this game is important and that they, too, will be going.

I think it was more that, if you take a subsidized ticket, you MUST go, so that you are not taking a free ticket from someone who would go themselves.

OK, if that is the point, then I completely agree with you! Unfortunately, I think it may be a bit difficult to enforce (and it's sad to think it is even necessary).

I have personally experienced a similar situation at Rice when providing students with free tickets to a Houston sporting event. At the 11th hour, more than half the students were backing out of going, despite being enthusiastic about the event just a few days prior (any, and every, excuse was made). Fortunately, I was able to find other students who wanted to go in their place, so I didn't feel as though my investment was wasted. Go forward, I learned that by charging students a small percentage of the face value of the ticket (i.e., now they have made an investment into the game), their attendance was markedly improved.

While The Parliament dives into its tangents, someone just bought ONE WHOLE HELLUVA LOTTA tickets for the students.

I'm one who believes that acts of generosity will return to the donor many times over. I'm also reminded that there are those who might not mind a free ticket to the game for numerous reasons.

Many thanks to you, Mystery Donor. You know who you are

Just spoke to Marc as I called in my donation. (Unfortunately, I can't make the trip in myself, though I expect to attend any bowl game not in Hawaii on Christmas Eve.) They're now up to around 1,050 donated tickets, with Marc having several voicemail messages he has yet to get to. Keep the donations coming-- even if it's just 10 - 20 tickets. I understand from Marc that several Board of Trustees have called in, as well.

Students will have to pick up the tickets at the stadium on game day. The Athletic Department will be getting the word out to the students, making it clear that these tickets were donated by alumni who feel it's important that the student body be supporting the team at this game en masse....and they (athletic department) will be hosting a free-of-charge student tailgate.

Come on, guys-- step up here and help ensure the largest student attendance in HRS in decades. It's also a way of showing our new AD how energized our alumni base can get when the program's future is at stake.

Marc asked that we get the word out to fellow alums by all means possible (including facebook, twitter, et al.). I just posted to facebook.

Joseph Duarte ‏@Chronicle_Owls 15s
A booster has donated 1,000 free tickets for Rice students that can be picked up at Tailgate Owley on day of game

I took it more as "very important," not as any sort of condition (either of studenthood or of getting a ticket... though getting a ticket and not going and not finding another student to take the ticket is very poor form). That is, I took it as similar to the more personal "I must have that" when shopping.

(12-02-2013 11:55 AM)CrabCake Wrote:  

(12-02-2013 11:39 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(12-02-2013 11:28 AM)CrabCake Wrote:  

(12-02-2013 10:38 AM)RiceFight Wrote:  If this goes ahead, I think it's imperative that the University give some explanation of why the costs are defrayed. Both that the alumni want them to be able to experience this monumental event in Rice history and that student attendance is a MUST for this game.

I'm not sure ordering a student to attend a game is the best approach. I'll speak for myself - I don't like to be told to do something (i.e., students must attend a game) when I clearly don't enjoy doing it in the first place (i.e., it appears student attendance has been low at recent games, despite some nice wins, so doesn't look like most students want to come for whatever reason).

So, maybe, you could take an approach of POSITIVE peer pressure?? Maybe have football players and coaches tell students why this game is important and what it would mean to have them there as fellow students/friends? Remember, not every student will a.) realize that Rice is playing on Saturday and/or b.) understand the significance of the game. You could have other athletes reinforce the message by telling non-athletes why this game is important and that they, too, will be going.

I think it was more that, if you take a subsidized ticket, you MUST go, so that you are not taking a free ticket from someone who would go themselves.

OK, if that is the point, then I completely agree with you! Unfortunately, I think it may be a bit difficult to enforce (and it's sad to think it is even necessary).

I have personally experienced a similar situation at Rice when providing students with free tickets to a Houston sporting event. At the 11th hour, more than half the students were backing out of going, despite being enthusiastic about the event just a few days prior (any, and every, excuse was made). Fortunately, I was able to find other students who wanted to go in their place, so I didn't feel as though my investment was wasted. Go forward, I learned that by charging students a small percentage of the face value of the ticket (i.e., now they have made an investment into the game), their attendance was markedly improved.

(12-02-2013 01:18 PM)07owl Wrote:  Joseph Duarte ‏@Chronicle_Owls 15s
A booster has donated 1,000 free tickets for Rice students that can be picked up at Tailgate Owley on day of game

Damn, that's fantastic. Thanks to everyone who has donated. Keep it up!

Quote:Here are details regarding student tickets:
- Generous athletics donors have paid for 1000 student tickets for the Championship game. The first 1000 students to show their valid student ID at the ticket table by College Row in Tailgate Owley from 8am to 11am on Saturday, will receive a free ticket to the game.
- At kickoff, the complimentary tickets will stop and students will be able to purchase $5 cash-only tickets at the student gate located at Gate 4.
- Students can purchase $15 student guest tickets in advance of the game only at the Athletics Ticket Office during operating hours (M-F, 8:30am-7:30pm). Offer not available on game day.
- College Row will be open for each college to tailgate like a normal regular-season football game.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=...079&type=1

(12-02-2013 01:35 PM)texd Wrote:  I took it more as "very important," not as any sort of condition (either of studenthood or of getting a ticket... though getting a ticket and not going and not finding another student to take the ticket is very poor form). That is, I took it as similar to the more personal "I must have that" when shopping.

(12-02-2013 11:55 AM)CrabCake Wrote:  

(12-02-2013 11:39 AM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  

(12-02-2013 11:28 AM)CrabCake Wrote:  

(12-02-2013 10:38 AM)RiceFight Wrote:  If this goes ahead, I think it's imperative that the University give some explanation of why the costs are defrayed. Both that the alumni want them to be able to experience this monumental event in Rice history and that student attendance is a MUST for this game.

I'm not sure ordering a student to attend a game is the best approach. I'll speak for myself - I don't like to be told to do something (i.e., students must attend a game) when I clearly don't enjoy doing it in the first place (i.e., it appears student attendance has been low at recent games, despite some nice wins, so doesn't look like most students want to come for whatever reason).

So, maybe, you could take an approach of POSITIVE peer pressure?? Maybe have football players and coaches tell students why this game is important and what it would mean to have them there as fellow students/friends? Remember, not every student will a.) realize that Rice is playing on Saturday and/or b.) understand the significance of the game. You could have other athletes reinforce the message by telling non-athletes why this game is important and that they, too, will be going.

I think it was more that, if you take a subsidized ticket, you MUST go, so that you are not taking a free ticket from someone who would go themselves.

OK, if that is the point, then I completely agree with you! Unfortunately, I think it may be a bit difficult to enforce (and it's sad to think it is even necessary).

I have personally experienced a similar situation at Rice when providing students with free tickets to a Houston sporting event. At the 11th hour, more than half the students were backing out of going, despite being enthusiastic about the event just a few days prior (any, and every, excuse was made). Fortunately, I was able to find other students who wanted to go in their place, so I didn't feel as though my investment was wasted. Go forward, I learned that by charging students a small percentage of the face value of the ticket (i.e., now they have made an investment into the game), their attendance was markedly improved.

texd was the closest to what I was trying to get across. Sorry if I was being vague. My suggestion was to let the students know that this is something special, not just another regular season game. Put out some message that the tickets are being subsidized not just because it's Rice football and that's what we do for home games, but because some alum(s) thought it was important enough for you to be there that they were willing to shell out of their own pocket for your ticket. My thought process led to this being a best-of-both-worlds type approach where the tickets and game weren't necessarily being devalued but the impediment to attendance was removed. And for the record, I do not by any means support any sort of mandatory attendance. That would do waaaay more harm than good.

(12-02-2013 03:39 PM)dragon2owl Wrote:  

Quote:Here are details regarding student tickets:
- Generous athletics donors have paid for 1000 student tickets for the Championship game. The first 1000 students to show their valid student ID at the ticket table by College Row in Tailgate Owley from 8am to 11am on Saturday, will receive a free ticket to the game.
- At kickoff, the complimentary tickets will stop and students will be able to purchase $5 cash-only tickets at the student gate located at Gate 4.
- Students can purchase $15 student guest tickets in advance of the game only at the Athletics Ticket Office during operating hours (M-F, 8:30am-7:30pm). Offer not available on game day.
- College Row will be open for each college to tailgate like a normal regular-season football game.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=...079&type=1

After thinking about it, I think it's good that they're having the alumni tickets given out on game day (thus ensuring that only people that are going to the game actually get these tickets, as opposed to giving them out today and having X amount of students not actually show up). I do hope that they'll be ready to sell tickets before kickoff though, as I'm hoping that the free tickets will be long gone before then, but maybe that's just wishful thinking.

Let's just say I haven't seen this much movement for a Rice home game since before my time as an Owl fan.

Hopefully this hard work pays off. I would love to see a full student section and "full" crowd cheering the Owls as we defeat Marshall.