INDExtra

UL priority seating: you give you get

by Leslie Turk

UL is delighted about this dilemma - it's "being swamped with season ticket requests" for the upcoming football season. It's a good problem to have.

UL has just announced a new policy that aims to address a problem it's never been faced with. With Ragin' Cajuns spirits riding an all-time high due to the success of last year's football program, not to mention a high level of confidence in its future, the university is fielding a record number of requests for season tickets.

The university's solution? Those who give the most to the annual fund of the Ragin' Cajuns Athletic Foundation, the fundraising arm of the athletic department, will get priority seating, parking and tailgaiting spots. That prioritization affects new requests and upgrades from existing season ticket holders.

As costs associated with competing at the highest levels continue to rise, enhanced revenue received via ticket sales, donations and other opportunities is crucial, the university said in a press release issued Monday.

"Since RCAF contributions directly impact our student-athletes and the athletic department, this plan will reward our donors with opportunities at securing the best seating and parking available," Director of Athletics Scott Farmer said in the release. "This policy is currently being used at many Division I programs around the country."

"We set a goal of $1.5 million for the this year's RCAF Annual Fund drive and have already raised over $675,000 toward that goal," RCAF president John Bordelon said. "As UL strives to enhance its overall operations and begins to put together a master athletic facilities plan, the financial support of the community is crucial to its success and the goal of the RCAF is to reward our donors with priority seating and parking."

The university said by continuing to grow its annual operating budget, its coaches can focus more of their energies on coaching and recruiting and less on fundraising for their programs.

Season tickets for the 2012 football season are available by visiting the Cajundome Box Office or calling (337) 265-2357. Donations to the RCAF Annual Fund can be made online via RCAF4UL.com or by calling (337) 482-5393.

"Now is the time for Cajun fans to help us take the next step," UL football coach Mark Hudspeth said.  "We have accomplished a lot over the last year, and the athletic department is ready to take a big step nationally. To do this, we need everyone's support."

The new policy will affect other sports as well.