Season Tickets - How Are We Doing?

[/\PP ST/\TE GRAD 09]

We just aren't there yet as a fan base. Weather sucks at times in Boone more than most college towns. So why spend money to travel to Boone and watch App State play Idaho in close to freezing temperatures, when you can download the Watch ESPN app and even watch the game when your wife drags your ass to the store? These are the thoughts going through people's heads, and I can't say that I disagree with their thoughts in not wanting season tickets for the reasons mentioned above.

Personally, I don't follow this logic, and I still make trips to Boone for the simple fact I was upset in May of 09 when I graduated and had to leave Boone. I love everything about Boone, Blowing Rock, Linville, Banner Elk, etc. This is what needs to be promoted to our fans, not just a guaranteed ticket to the Miami game.

I'm sure many of you have been to a game in Athens, and will see the same in Knoxville when we play Tennessee. There are people who go to Athens just to tailgate amongst a town full of fans, and end up watching the game from their tailgate spot or a bar. Why? Because they love the experience, and for some they just weren't fortunate enough to land tickets.

Again, our fan base is not close to this point, even scaled down to G5 type expectations. We will get there some day, but in the mean time we need to promote the game day experience to more people. I could easily look at this schedule and say, outside of Miami why should I spend $200 for season tickets. However I don't, because for me and my personal feelings, there's no place like Boone on a game day.

I come from 6 hours away, and bring friends sometimes co-workers to Boone, and they see who we are playing, however I tell them the experience is why I am bringing you. The experience.

[EastHallApp]

To answer the original question.

Appalachian State exceeded last year’s full season ticket sales on Thursday and is on pace to reach its 2016 goal of 7,500 season tickets

Sales remain brisk and, therefore, season tickets are now limited in some seating areas at Kidd Brewer Stadium. For example, season tickets in sections 208, 209, 217 and 218 are SOLD OUT.

http://www.appstatesports.com/ViewArtic ... =210949536

The four sections mentioned are the only four where you can buy a season ticket without being a YC member. Either non-members are buying at a higher rate to ensure Miami tickets, or that's just a function of more people getting funneled into those two sections who used to be able to buy elsewhere. (Or maybe some of both.)

Also, I'm thinking some of those sections were included in Miami's visitor ticket allotment, though not positive about that.

[appbio91]

To answer the original question.

Appalachian State exceeded last year’s full season ticket sales on Thursday and is on pace to reach its 2016 goal of 7,500 season tickets

Sales remain brisk and, therefore, season tickets are now limited in some seating areas at Kidd Brewer Stadium. For example, season tickets in sections 208, 209, 217 and 218 are SOLD OUT.

http://www.appstatesports.com/ViewArtic ... =210949536

The four sections mentioned are the only four where you can buy a season ticket without being a YC member. Either non-members are buying at a higher rate to ensure Miami tickets, or that's just a function of more people getting funneled into those two sections who used to be able to buy elsewhere. (Or maybe some of both.)

Also, I'm thinking some of those sections were included in Miami's visitor ticket allotment, though not positive about that.

That is what I thought but was too lazy to look. I am in 215 which was half empty most of the time last year. 216 a non-Yosef last year was almost always full. So I think we are seeing people migrating to areas that do not require Yosef donation.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

[ASUMountaineer]

To answer the original question.

Appalachian State exceeded last year’s full season ticket sales on Thursday and is on pace to reach its 2016 goal of 7,500 season tickets

Sales remain brisk and, therefore, season tickets are now limited in some seating areas at Kidd Brewer Stadium. For example, season tickets in sections 208, 209, 217 and 218 are SOLD OUT.

http://www.appstatesports.com/ViewArtic ... =210949536

That's awesome! Hope we exceed the goal!

[MtnMan09]

We just aren't there yet as a fan base. Weather sucks at times in Boone more than most college towns. So why spend money to travel to Boone and watch App State play Idaho in close to freezing temperatures, when you can download the Watch ESPN app and even watch the game when your wife drags your ass to the store? These are the thoughts going through people's heads, and I can't say that I disagree with their thoughts in not wanting season tickets for the reasons mentioned above.

Personally, I don't follow this logic, and I still make trips to Boone for the simple fact I was upset in May of 09 when I graduated and had to leave Boone. I love everything about Boone, Blowing Rock, Linville, Banner Elk, etc. This is what needs to be promoted to our fans, not just a guaranteed ticket to the Miami game.

I'm sure many of you have been to a game in Athens, and will see the same in Knoxville when we play Tennessee. There are people who go to Athens just to tailgate amongst a town full of fans, and end up watching the game from their tailgate spot or a bar. Why? Because they love the experience, and for some they just weren't fortunate enough to land tickets.

Again, our fan base is not close to this point, even scaled down to G5 type expectations. We will get there some day, but in the mean time we need to promote the game day experience to more people. I could easily look at this schedule and say, outside of Miami why should I spend $200 for season tickets. However I don't, because for me and my personal feelings, there's no place like Boone on a game day.

I come from 6 hours away, and bring friends sometimes co-workers to Boone, and they see who we are playing, however I tell them the experience is why I am bringing you. The experience.

This. All of this. People who went to school in Boone, love Boone, love to talk about Boone, love to talk to anyone who knows about Boone or went to school in Boone. This holds especially true for those of us who went to school during, what I believe one poster has termed, the "Camelot Era" (2005-2009). This passion, which I believe is unique and not seen at the same level among alumni from say State or UNC, can translate into ticket sales if we sell Boone and the atmosphere first. There are two keys to this: (1) we have to win and win consistently and (2) selling the gameday experience. Boone has a lot of the appeal/ college town charm that a place like Athens has. I unfortunately believe the major thing holding us back is its isolation from the rest of the state. We need to really sell those Boone memories as a way to get people to get over the hump about riding 2-3 hrs up the mountain.

Finally, if you don't show up to watch a subpar opponent in the snow, you miss the electricity that goes through the place when something like Simms running that fake field goal in on Georgia St. (2014) happens. That was worth the price of admission (and pain of frost bite) that day.

[DaphneUrquhart]

To all who have suggested that selling tickets should (must!) start with selling the overall game day experience, Amen! My trips to Boone for each home football game are as much about the day itself as about the game. I look forward to each family reunion with my family of choice knowing that I don't have to deal with crazy Aunt Alice or Uncle Stu or any of the others that make the "real" family less than fun to be around, knowing that the food at the "covered dish dinner" will be exceptional, knowing that we'll rejoice with new births and weep over deaths, knowing that the weather will be the stuff of legends - either in beauty or brutality, knowing that I get to watch my favorite sport played by kids in whom I've invested a nice chunk of time and treasure, knowing that I'll be worn out when I finally make it back to my own house.

Those of us who registered as champions for this year's #iBackApp campaign received a little "thank you" gift that included stickers designed for computers / smartphones. It didn't take me long at all to decide that the block A keyboard key sticker would go on the Home key. Appalachian is home for me ... wherever I am.

I now have five season tickets. There's only one of me. The other four tickets are for giving away to potential App family members or to App family members who need a ticket home.

C'mon home, folks. The next family reunion is only 116 days away!

[WVAPPeer]

Daphne - you are a TRUE FAN !!! - no agenda, no vitriol, no firings, Just someone who wants only the best for APP, its students, its athletes, its coaches and its administration and staff - You are in a class by yourself !!! BRAVO ---

[boonetown1]

As ived mentioned before. We need to build stronger networks of alum through our local chapters. I, like mtnman09 went to school during the "Camelot era" and think we need to continued networks around our age group. I go to most games, but have not went to some because there is no one to go with. I wish I had more of an app alum network, but I don't.

Hopefully Ashley Payne and this new kid in athletic donations can push to build alumni chapters, as I think it would help greatly.

[ASUMountaineer]

As ived mentioned before. We need to build stronger networks of alum through our local chapters. I, like mtnman09 went to school during the "Camelot era" and think we need to continued networks around our age group. I go to most games, but have not went to some because there is no one to go with. I wish I had more of an app alum network, but I don't.

Hopefully Ashley Payne and this new kid in athletic donations can push to build alumni chapters, as I think it would help greatly.

Just a few tidbits about the Alumni Chapters. These aren't directed at you personally, but more just general items for information.

The local chapters aren't organized or maintained by the Yosef Club or the Athletics Office, but by the Alumni Association. Of course, we do work with those groups from time-to-time. The University does provide a lot of support to the alumni chapters, but it takes alums volunteering and working to build the chapters.

I will say that running an alumni chapter takes a lot of work. I currently serve on the Lake Norman chapter board, and we just created this chapter in August 2015. None of us are paid, we are provided a $250 budget an academic year, and spend most of our time trying to come up with new event ideas and to get venues, food/drinks, and entertainment donated. We're fortunate to be in an area with several alums that own businesses that help us out, but the time commitment is huge for those on the chapter boards. With that said, it's also a lot of fun and it's great getting to meet fellow alums--the rewards outweigh the time commitment.

I'm not sure where you live, but there are alumni chapters across the state and in other states across the country. If you're in an area with a lot of alums and a chapter doesn't exist, reach out to the Alumni Association and inquire about starting one. It usually takes one person to take the leap and then others will follow. If you're in an area that has a chapter, but you feel it is not doing enough, reach out to the Alumni Association and inquire about how to get involved. The group in Boone will be glad to work with you to get involved.

Lastly, if you don't have the ability to commit to serving on a chapter board please go to the events that they plan. The chapter boards put in so much work, but the real reward is seeing tons of alumni show up and fellowship about THE Appalachian State University. Feel free to send me a PM if you want more information or some contacts with the Alumni Association in Boone.

-Chris

[Appsolutely]

To all who have suggested that selling tickets should (must!) start with selling the overall game day experience, Amen! My trips to Boone for each home football game are as much about the day itself as about the game. I look forward to each family reunion with my family of choice knowing that I don't have to deal with crazy Aunt Alice or Uncle Stu or any of the others that make the "real" family less than fun to be around, knowing that the food at the "covered dish dinner" will be exceptional, knowing that we'll rejoice with new births and weep over deaths, knowing that the weather will be the stuff of legends - either in beauty or brutality, knowing that I get to watch my favorite sport played by kids in whom I've invested a nice chunk of time and treasure, knowing that I'll be worn out when I finally make it back to my own house.

Those of us who registered as champions for this year's #iBackApp campaign received a little "thank you" gift that included stickers designed for computers / smartphones. It didn't take me long at all to decide that the block A keyboard key sticker would go on the Home key. Appalachian is home for me ... wherever I am.

I now have five season tickets. There's only one of me. The other four tickets are for giving away to potential App family members or to App family members who need a ticket home.

C'mon home, folks. The next family reunion is only 116 days away!

If more of our own alumni were as loyal and supportive as Daphne (a UNC alum), we wouldn't be worrying about season ticket sales and Yosef contributions.

[huskie3]

What perks are we providing season ticket holders? You don't get parking without going YOSEF.

I know most do not like the flagship university on a hill, but look what they have as perks. I like being able to make holiday card pics in KBS on an off Saturday in leaf season.
http://raiseupcarolina.com/seating-options

[DaphneUrquhart]

What perks are we providing season ticket holders? You don't get parking without going YOSEF.

I know most do not like the flagship university on a hill, but look what they have as perks. I like being able to make holiday card pics in KBS on an off Saturday in leaf season.
http://raiseupcarolina.com/seating-options

It looks like several of those are for "a limited number". As a graduate and a member of the Lifetime Alumni of the GAA (General Alumni Association) at Chapel Hill, my guess is that the limited number is either the highest ranking or lottery. I did have to chuckle at the picture, too. There's plenty of aluminum to be seen there.

We've got two issues that both need to be tackled simultaneously.
1) Yosef members - members mean dollars; dollars mean scholarships and COA allowances; scholarships and COA allowances mean better recruiting chances. You get the idea.
2) Season ticket sales - sales mean dollars. Sales also, hopefully, mean butts in the seats which leads to better crowd experience and so on.

The big question remains. How do we convince alumni and fans to put their hard-earned dollars into the Appalachian game day experience and make a real difference to both themselves and the student-athletes they support?

[EastHallApp]

2) Season ticket sales - sales mean dollars. Sales also, hopefully, mean butts in the seats which leads to better crowd experience and so on.

Side note, but one of my concerns for this year is that by using the Miami game as such a driver for season ticket sales, we're going to have an awful lot of unused tickets for those other five games, especially the ones later in the season. I know people are thinking they'll just resell the ones they aren't using, but I have a feeling there will be a lot more sellers than buyers.

[WVAPPeer]

2) Season ticket sales - sales mean dollars. Sales also, hopefully, mean butts in the seats which leads to better crowd experience and so on.

Side note, but one of my concerns for this year is that by using the Miami game as such a driver for season ticket sales, we're going to have an awful lot of unused tickets for those other five games, especially the ones later in the season. I know people are thinking they'll just resell the ones they aren't using, but I have a feeling there will be a lot more sellers than buyers.

I understand your point, however the season tickets have been purchased - that's the first hurdle ---

[ASUMountaineer]

Just a follow up to my post about alumni chapters. For those in Charlotte that are interested in getting involved, the Alumni Association is accepting applications to serve on the Charlotte Metro Chapter's leadership board. Applications must be submitted by May 31st.

CLT Metro Chapter Leadership Board Application

[appaneer1984]

I've been thinking of ways to entice Yosef members in general to get up to the Mountain and here is my overnight suggestion.
Move some of the games to noon. Games that kickoff at 3 is great, but by the time the game is over it is pretty much dinner and bedtime, especially if you have kids. By moving the game up to a noon kickoff, this will allow fans time to explore Boone and the greater high country after the game, and maybe even on Sunday. AND I think with a noon game the majority of the fans (AHEM STUDENTS!!!) would stick around for the conclusion of the game.
Pair up with local businesses and restaurants (Grandfather Mountain Winery, App Mountain Brewery, Woodlands, Dos Amigos, maybe some of the amusement/attractions too, etc) and put together a coupon book for Yosef members, kind of like GoPlaySave Coupon Books schools sell to raise money. These coupons can be good all season long, good for all home game weekends, or just on an individual home game weekend.
I believe this would give Yosef members more of a reason to come up for home games. I’m just guessing, but I imagine most people who travel 3 hours or more for home games probably spend the night, and as a former hotelier in Boone, the price gets jacked way up on home game weekends and without blinking an eye you can easily spend over $500 for a weekend of football. This coupon book would give Yosef members the opportunity to explore Boone and re-visit some of their old stomping grounds without further breaking the bank.

[moehler]

a new South Florida charter is holding its first get togeather later this month, looking forward to seeing my fellow mountaineers!!

[ASUMountaineer]

I've been thinking of ways to entice Yosef members in general to get up to the Mountain and here is my overnight suggestion.
Move some of the games to noon. Games that kickoff at 3 is great, but by the time the game is over it is pretty much dinner and bedtime, especially if you have kids. By moving the game up to a noon kickoff, this will allow fans time to explore Boone and the greater high country after the game, and maybe even on Sunday. AND I think with a noon game the majority of the fans (AHEM STUDENTS!!!) would stick around for the conclusion of the game.
Pair up with local businesses and restaurants (Grandfather Mountain Winery, App Mountain Brewery, Woodlands, Dos Amigos, maybe some of the amusement/attractions too, etc) and put together a coupon book for Yosef members, kind of like GoPlaySave Coupon Books schools sell to raise money. These coupons can be good all season long, good for all home game weekends, or just on an individual home game weekend.
I believe this would give Yosef members more of a reason to come up for home games. I’m just guessing, but I imagine most people who travel 3 hours or more for home games probably spend the night, and as a former hotelier in Boone, the price gets jacked way up on home game weekends and without blinking an eye you can easily spend over $500 for a weekend of football. This coupon book would give Yosef members the opportunity to explore Boone and re-visit some of their old stomping grounds without further breaking the bank.

They used to have a coupon book for YC, and I think there's a discount card now. Daphne could verify.

[3rd]

I've been thinking of ways to entice Yosef members in general to get up to the Mountain and here is my overnight suggestion.
Move some of the games to noon. Games that kickoff at 3 is great, but by the time the game is over it is pretty much dinner and bedtime, especially if you have kids. By moving the game up to a noon kickoff, this will allow fans time to explore Boone and the greater high country after the game, and maybe even on Sunday. AND I think with a noon game the majority of the fans (AHEM STUDENTS!!!) would stick around for the conclusion of the game.
Pair up with local businesses and restaurants (Grandfather Mountain Winery, App Mountain Brewery, Woodlands, Dos Amigos, maybe some of the amusement/attractions too, etc) and put together a coupon book for Yosef members, kind of like GoPlaySave Coupon Books schools sell to raise money. These coupons can be good all season long, good for all home game weekends, or just on an individual home game weekend.
I believe this would give Yosef members more of a reason to come up for home games. I’m just guessing, but I imagine most people who travel 3 hours or more for home games probably spend the night, and as a former hotelier in Boone, the price gets jacked way up on home game weekends and without blinking an eye you can easily spend over $500 for a weekend of football. This coupon book would give Yosef members the opportunity to explore Boone and re-visit some of their old stomping grounds without further breaking the bank.

No noon kickoffs...we have been down that road before. Most people drive 2-6 hours to attend a game. With a noon kick off for people to tailgate they would have to get up even earlier to leave thus tailgating would suffer thus the overall gameday experience would go down. This is what we need to change...while of course I want everyone into the game that is but one part of the equation to get people to Boone on Saturdays. It starts with relaxing some of the "rules" on tailgating. While I hate them ECU and NC State have wonderful tailgates which students and alum enjoy. Because they love them as students they come back as alums to relive that experience. This is what we are greatly lacking as a whole right now.

[WVAPPeer]

Just wondering what comes under the heading of "relaxing some rules on tailgating"?