[NU Sports] Tipping Point Near ?

[s.fridley at comcast.net]

>>If NU doesn't do something like that, I wish the Ticket Office would offer a
15% or 10% discount on single-game tickets to alumni or NAA members (what do
you think, Alan?), which shouldn't cut too deeply into season tickets (a 29%
discount) and should lead to more purple in the stands as opposed to
cardinal, scarlet, gold, blue, green, white, or what-have-you. <<

I liked this idea for a moment - then remembered something from many years of unhappy experience.  NU would indeed sell many more single-game tickets to alumni or NAA members - but it wouldn't necessarily lead to a greater ratio of purple in the stands.

Here's what I think would happen:  Some alumni would buy more single game tickets and go to and enjoy the games.
Other alumni would buy more single game tickets, then exploit the opportunity to sell their discounted tickets to opposing fans at face value or more.  NU would take money from its own pocket and put it into the pockets of those who would do anything for a buck.

Excessively cynical?  Maybe, but then again walk through the parking lots during Big Ten home games and figure out where all those Buckeyes got their parking passes.  Same goes for seats in the stands, too.  Some season ticket holders are unfortunately not immune to this disease, either - so consider the temptations for the decidedly more casual fan when offered a discount.