Poll: Did you renew your FB tickets this year?

Submitted by Bluegriz on

I know the mgoblog audience is not necessarily a representitive sample of the overall Michigan Football ticketholder universe, but it seems like there are enough people here to provide an indication about 2014 football renewals.  There have been several times in the last couple years when people on this site confidently declared they will not renew season tickets anymore (due to losing games, ticket price increases, dynamic pricing, The Noodle, Dave Brandon, etc). 

So I'm curious, now that we are past the renewal deadline ... did you ACTUALLY give up your tickets?  Either you did or you didn't. 

Not sure if we'll get enough responses to draw conclusions, but I'll suggest a template for responses and include my own responses as an example.

  1. Student/Alum/Did not attend:  Alum
  2. Number of previous seasons you purchased season tickets, as student or not, excluding 2014:  9
  3. Number of tickets renewed for 2014:  2
  4. Number of tickets NOT renewed for 2014:  4
  5. Bonus question:  Did the Nuss hire or the Penn State night game announcement sway your decision?  (No for me)

I thought about letting all 6 go but just couldn't do it.

MGoNukeE

April 24th, 2014 at 2:18 PM ^

  1. Student/Alum/Did not attend:  Student
  2. Number of previous seasons you purchased season tickets, as student or not, excluding 2014:  4 (though last year was first time since 2008)
  3. Number of tickets renewed for 2014:  0
  4. Number of tickets NOT renewed for 2014: 1
  5. Bonus question:  Did the Nuss hire or the Penn State night game announcement sway your decision? No

blueneverquits

April 24th, 2014 at 2:23 PM ^

  1. Student/Alum/Did not attend:  Alumus
  2. Number of previous seasons you purchased season tickets, as student or not, excluding 2014:  5 (plus 4 when was a student)
  3. Number of tickets renewed for 2014:  4
  4. Number of tickets NOT renewed for 2014:  0
  5. Bonus question:  Did the Nuss hire or the Penn State night game announcement sway your decision?  No. 

Not sure how many games we'll get to this year - first child due in July.  Going to be a much bigger production than past seasons driving to AA from Chicago for games.  But renewed anyway.

Hail-Storm

April 24th, 2014 at 3:12 PM ^

My first is a year and a half and my second is due in June.  we used to go to a couple games a year, but now it's really hard (especially since my wife works every other weekend as a nurse).  Did take my son to a tailgate last year where he took some of his longest steps at the time across the golf course.  He handled a pretty long day like a champ.

We'll continue to do more tailgates, but won't take the kids until the youngest is atleast 5 or 6 I'm thinking.  Good luck and congrats.

Tkriz

April 24th, 2014 at 5:23 PM ^

3 of my 4 at 2 or 3 years (#4 is 2 now). They did fine, but I picked a game where I didn't mind leaving early....Indiana, San Diego state, etc. that was when those schools wouldn't have a chance at beating us (sdsu actually almost did), but things have changed.

HELLE

April 24th, 2014 at 2:27 PM ^

Student/Alum/Did not attend:  Did not attend Number of previous seasons you purchased season tickets, as student or not, excluding 2014:  5 Number of tickets renewed for 2014:  4 Number of tickets NOT renewed for 2014:  0 Bonus question:  Did the Nuss hire or the Penn State night game announcement sway your decision?  nope

modabomb

April 24th, 2014 at 2:31 PM ^

1. Student

2. 2 (both as student)

3. 0

4. All

5. No.

The continued high price of tickets, combined with the team's recent lack of success and a pathetic slate, might not have been enough to convince me to throw away my student season tix. However, I joined WCBN (student radio) this year, so I'll probably get to go to at least a few games by calling them. And, as a broke college kid, I don't think I'd make enough money by selling the tickets to those games to justify paying the full price of tix. Besides, I can always renew next year. The incentives for attending all the games in next year's ticket policy didn't really appeal to me because I'd rather watch the game from row 50 than row 5 anyway.

jmblue

April 24th, 2014 at 3:25 PM ^

Wait, you're a student and bought three season tickets last year?  I didn't think students could do that.  Or do you mean you were in a group of three that bought  tickets?

 

Yo_Blue

April 24th, 2014 at 2:46 PM ^

  1. Student/Alum/Did not attend:  Alum
  2. Number of previous seasons you purchased season tickets, excluding 2014:  30 seasons
  3. Number of tickets renewed for 2014:  2
  4. Number of tickets NOT renewed for 2014:  0
  5. Did the Nuss hire or the Penn State night game announcement sway your decision?  No

absy

April 24th, 2014 at 2:47 PM ^

  1. Student/Alum/Did not attend:  Alum
  2. Number of previous seasons you purchased season tickets, as student or not, excluding 2014:  22
  3. Number of tickets renewed for 2014:  1 (my brother has a season ticket next to me)
  4. Number of tickets NOT renewed for 2014:  0
  5. Bonus question:  Did the Nuss hire or the Penn State night game announcement sway your decision?  No

I have to admit, despite the rough results we've had the last few years, the rising prices, and other various changes that aren't my ideal, I will always renew.  I love Michigan football and want to be at every game -- there are so few opportunities to be there and it's still special to me.  And I love my seat, so I have to renew to keep it.

I'm actually considering adding two more seats so that I can begin taking my kids to games.  I won't actually do it unless two seats open up very close to my current ones (the athletic department said they would call once the renewal deadline passes).  I figured this was the year to try.  But if they don't have two very close, I'm ok with that since it's cheaper to stubhub it (the drawback of that being that I likely wouldn't be able to get seats close to mine for cheap).

bigl133

April 24th, 2014 at 2:48 PM ^

Student/Alum/Did not attend:  Did not attend

Number of previous seasons you purchased season tickets, as student or not, excluding 2014: 17

Number of tickets renewed for 2014:  0

Number of tickets NOT renewed for 2014: 2

Bonus question:  Did the Nuss hire or the Penn State night game announcement sway your decision?  no

Go Blue!

MGJS SuperKick Party

April 24th, 2014 at 2:49 PM ^

Alum
10
2
0
No, I enjoy night games and the atmosphere, but not the amount of work that goes into them. Last year I fell asleep on the grass at my tailgate. Nuss hire is nice, but doesn't change my view on anything

Ty Butterfield

April 24th, 2014 at 2:53 PM ^

1. Did not attend
2. 18 years
3. 2 tickets renewed.
4. 0 tickets not renewed.
5. No, these did not sway my decision. However, the apparent lack of development of the O-line and Lindsay ending up in Ohio have made me wonder why I renewed my tickets. There is a real possibility that this season may be worse than last season.

UM456670

April 24th, 2014 at 2:53 PM ^

1.  Alum

2.  11 Years

3.  Renewed 2 tickets

4.  0 Tckets not renewed

5.  No.

The PSL policy and increased prices for tickets chased away a lot of older alumni.  We are friends of a number of folks 80+ years old that attended forever it seems until they decided that it was just too expensive for retirees.  Even those who are reasonable wealthy just decided that the new policies were too aggressive from an economic standpoint.

I would assume that the latter issue was also impacted by some teams that emanated universal suckage.

One might think differently if the team played well and continued to improve.  Unfortunately that has not been the case.

Notwithstanding the negative comments, each home game is an enjoyable spectacle.  But it's tough driving home after a loss to Appy State........MSU.....Nebraska.  the beat seems to be going on and on and on...........even without Cher in the picture.

Rh22

April 24th, 2014 at 2:55 PM ^

Yes - renewed

1.  DNA

2.  17

3.  4

4. 0

5.  No - this is a family thing for me and my three kids (12, 20, 24) to spend 7-8 whole days together each fall.  They'd have to treat us really bad to ever get me to stop.

Dble B 27

April 24th, 2014 at 2:55 PM ^

1. Alum

2. 14

3. 3 plus looking to add 1

4. 0

5. no

 

I live in Ma and fly in for a few games a year and go to some closer away games. On average about 5 games a year.

jmblue

April 24th, 2014 at 2:57 PM ^

1.  Alumnus

2.  Tickets since 2005 (not counting student tickets a few years prior to that).

3.  2 tickets renewed

4.  No tickets dropped

5.  There was never really a "decision" to make - I'm a diehard.  I can't give the tickets up.

 

 

James Burrill Angell

April 24th, 2014 at 3:00 PM ^

1) alum 2) 13 I think. At least ten but I think 13. 3) Two 4) Zero but I've been thinking about adding two and that's out of the question. 5) neither had any influence. Not going to lie that I renewed on the deadline day because I've been vacillating on whether to give them up or not. I'm still struggling to put my finger on it but to me, "This is Michigan" couldn't be further from the truth. It doesn't feel like it used to ten, twenty years ago any more. I used to really be excited all year for the start of the season and every year I become more "blah" about it. Part of it to me is the loss of some of my personal traditions like my tailgate getting booted from the parking lot we were in and some of the other tailgates I used to visit suffering the same fate. Some of it is the feel of the game itself with the constant noise starting as you approach the stadium to the constant barrage inside either from some b.s. on the scoreboard or the music blaring over the loudspeakers. I don't know exactly how to describe it. One metaphor for me is the difference between a attractive, smart, college girl as opposed to a glossed up, boob enhanced, slutty dressing stripper. The latter is amusing at times but all in all I think most people associated with Michigan prefer the former on a day-in-day-out basis. The other metaphor I've heard used is the progression (or digression) of the Michigan football experience from something laden in tradition and dripping with history just in its mere presemce to what looks and feels on varying days as something between the NBA and Minor League baseball. Michigan just isn't that. I don't need to see fire shooting out when the players are introduced. Don't need to be stimulated by something every second between plays. I just need the winged helmet, the band, the stadium and the basic Michigan fan base.

Callahan

April 24th, 2014 at 4:03 PM ^

I would describe it as the erosion of the gameday experience. I agree that it's difficult to put a finger on exactly what it is because it's not just one thing. For me, even the ND and OSU game experiences -- both exciting games against rivals -- were lacking something for me last season (and the last couple of years). Hate to revert to cliches like the straw that broke the camel's back, but it sounds like you've had the same experience: a series of very minor gripes and inconveniences (Special K, the closing of the Yost lot to many, the banning of water bottles, "have you liked Michigan Football on Facebook?" etc. just a representative example, certainly not everything) combining to make going to games less enjoyable until, this year, I decided I just didn't enjoy the day enough to invest in season tickets anymore after 27 years.

MileHighAnnArborite

April 24th, 2014 at 3:47 PM ^

This is exactly how I feel (also renewed on the last day after thinking about it for a long time).  I mentioned it in another thread on this subject, but the "product" off the field is a lot more concerning to me than the one on it -- I never remember worrying about the prices, or whether to renew, even during the worst RR years.  I'm still hanging on to mine almost entirely for the ability to go back and visit family and friends that I usually end up only seeing when we're all back in town for football games.  I would have already gone the Stub Hub route, but said family and friends have sat in the same group block since the early 70s and I don't want to be the one to ruin it.

As for the poll:

Student/Alum/Did not attend:  Did not attend -- tickets taken over from parents who have had them since the late 60s.

Number of previous seasons you purchased season tickets, as student or not, excluding 2014:  35
Number of tickets renewed for 2014:  4

Number of tickets NOT renewed for 2014:  0
Bonus question:  Did the Nuss hire or the Penn State night game announcement sway your decision?  no

cgnost

April 24th, 2014 at 3:01 PM ^

  1. Student/Alum/Did not attend:  Alum
  2. Number of previous seasons you purchased season tickets, as student or not, excluding 2014:  7
  3. Number of tickets renewed for 2014:  2
  4. Number of tickets NOT renewed for 2014:  0
  5. Bonus question:  Did the Nuss hire or the Penn State night game announcement sway your decision?  No

MLaw06

April 24th, 2014 at 3:05 PM ^

  1. Student/Alum/Did not attend: Alum
  2. Number of previous seasons you purchased season tickets, as student or not, excluding 2014: 7
  3. Number of tickets renewed for 2014: 8 (and upgraded)
  4. Number of tickets NOT renewed for 2014: 0
  5. Bonus question: Did the Nuss hire or the Penn State night game announcement sway your decision? No.  I'm hyped about Jabrill, Freddy, Deveon and the Devins.  That's worth the money for this year alone.

lmgoblue1

April 24th, 2014 at 3:06 PM ^

1) Alum 2) 38 years 3) 4 4) 0 5) Not a factor. Waited until they begged Medline enew. Now I have received 3 love letters from them since I renewed. Sincere or false love I cannot tell. But I know what I think.

ericcarbs

April 24th, 2014 at 3:08 PM ^

  1. Student/Alum/Did not attend: Alum
  2. Number of previous seasons you purchased season tickets, as student or not, excluding 2014: UMMMM like 20+
  3. Number of tickets renewed for 2014: 4
  4. Number of tickets NOT renewed for 2014: 0
  5. Bonus question: Did the Nuss hire or the Penn State night game announcement sway your decision? NO

 

This is for my dad and not me since he has the cash flow for this and I do not.

party like its 1989

April 24th, 2014 at 3:22 PM ^

1) Alum
2) 4 seasons as student, moved too far away, moved back and have had the same seats for last 15 years
3) Renewed my pair of tix
4) Again, renewed the pair
5) Bonus Question: No, did not sway me, though the second chance they gave me to get my PSD in did. My daughter was crushed when she found out I was dropping them. Honestly, didn't see that coming...brought a tear to my eye. Glad DB gave me another shot. ; ) Go Blue!

straight-gangs…

April 24th, 2014 at 3:29 PM ^

Did not attend

tickets for 10 years

renewed 0

not renewed 2

No impact at all

 

It boils down to a few things for me.  Weekends seem to fill up with kids getting older, even though they do enjoy tailgating and going to the games.  I end up trying to give away a few games each year and realize that the other games that I can attend and/or do want to see, I could probably purchase better seats on stub hub.   

UnkleBuck

April 24th, 2014 at 3:29 PM ^

On my phone so apologies for any mistakes.
1. Alum
2. # of seasons 15 I believe
3. # of tickets is 2
4. # of tickets not renewed is 0
Bonus- I guess I renew to support the program and University, along with being a die hard fan. Started going to games as a kid in the Rick Leach era--yes I'm old. How long will I continue? Great question, maybe until my interest starts to fizzle.

dahblue

April 24th, 2014 at 3:30 PM ^

Next time, use surverymonkey.com.  It's free and will allow you to easily assemble the info you want.

That said, 

  1. Student/Alum/Did not attend:  Alum
  2. Number of previous seasons you purchased season tickets, as student or not, excluding 2014:  16
  3. Number of tickets renewed for 2014:  2
  4. Number of tickets NOT renewed for 2014:  0
  5. Bonus question:  Did the Nuss hire or the Penn State night game announcement sway your decision? Couldn't care less about PSU being at night. The Nuss hire increased hope but I probably would've renewed anyway.