Bill Martin hints at “required donation” for 2004 SALINE, MI MARCH 30, 2003 Football season ticket renewals were sent out last week. As expected, ticket prices were raised again, this time between $1-$5, depending on the seat location and on the opponent. The Wolverines AD has continued the policy of charging a higher amount for the better games. In 2003 there are two “premium” games on the schedule: Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Ohio State Buckeyes. It makes you wonder if the other schools feel slighted as not being designated as a premium opponent. Hmm. Athletic director Bill Martin basically guaranteed that Michigan will institute some type of seat license or required donation program in 2004, to make up for having only 6 home games on the schedule. But I have a feeling once this fee is in place, it is here to stay. Speaking of fees….the other change this year is the ability to renew season tickets online. I was pretty happy when I saw this feature, especially given the prospect of avoiding the $6 handling fee that is charged to renewals that are mailed in. My glee was quickly dashed when I went online to see that not only was the $6 fee still there, it was jacked up 50% to $9. In an email, the M ticket…
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Michigan Spring Scrimmage 2002
Quarterback question on everyone’s mind – Ticket application arrives ANN ARBOR, MI Saturday April 13, 2002 Supposed back-up quarterback Spencer Brinton received a big welcome from the 20,000 or so who came to watch the annual Michigan football spring scrimmage. The problem that plagued the Wolverines last year remains: lack of consistent play at quarterback. John Navarre played with what appeared to be the first unit, but Brinton looked a little more sharp. Continuing a tradition from last year, Scotty Mudbowl and I played the M course (across the street from a stadium) that morning. Despite a shaky putter, Geegs pulled teeth. Meanwhile, on Friday I received my annual renewal for my 2 endzone seats. After a steep price increase last year, they raised the price of each ticket in my section by $1, to an even $40. In his annual letter, Michigan Director of Athletics Bill Martin noted that poll data shows that most M fans don’t mind the current ticket prices. He also pointed out that many of Michigan’s “peer schools” have implemented seat donation programs (a required donation in order to buy tickets). FYI, the peer schools are Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Notre Dame. The required donation at these schools ranges from $100 – $3000. The Buckeyes charge $3K for seats between the 35 yard…
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Calm before the Storm: Michigan/Ohio State 2002
Oh me oh my, it’s a big one in Columbus, Buckeyes an early 4 1/2 point favorite ANN ARBOR, MI NOVEMBER 16, 2002 Ohio State squeaked by Illinois in OT on Saturday setting up another classic with the Michigan Wolverines. The Buckeyes are 12-0 on the year and sit at #1 in the BCS poll. A win will surely put them in the championship game in the Fiesta Bowl. The game is in Columbus at noon on Saturday, ABC will televise. Michigan (9-2) looked a little sloppy in a 21-14 win over Wisconsin on Saturday. But the running game, which is so critical to M’s offense, has really kicked in over the last three games. Left out of the fun are Iowa, who pummeled Michigan a few weeks ago, and who did not play OSU this year. Based on Ohio State’s last 2 games, Iowa looks like the class of the Big Ten. The last time the game was this big was 1997. On eBay, tickets to the game are going for around $250-$300 each. The Buckeyes must be a little nervous for fear that they will choke this one away – again. Lose, and the Buckeyes not only slip out of the BCS championship, but also out of the Rose Bowl, as Iowa will become sole Big Ten champs.…
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Michigan Football Tickets Arrive, No Upgrade!
Webmaster denied a seat upgrade once again ANN ARBOR, MI AUGUST 13, 2001 Michigan football tickets arrived last week. My efforts to get my seats upgraded failed. I am in the same seats I have in for the past several years. The artwork on the tickets takes you through the history of Michigan Stadium, from Fielding Yost issuing bonds to finance the construction to various changes throughout the years. They did a fine job. The highlight of the year’s schedule has to be the Ohio State game, to be held on November 24. The disclaimer on the back of the tickets notes that the tickets may not be sold or offered for sale at a higher price than the amount printed on the ticket (or it may be seized and cancelled without compensation). The disclaimer ends with the following: “Management reserves the right to refuse admission or to eject any person whose conduct Management deems disorderly, obnoxious or unbecoming.” Sounds like the rules at Bushwood CC under the Judge Smails regime.