BEVO BEAT Football Texas to keep football season ticket prices same for next 2 years Sources: Former AD Steve Patterson's stiff resale policy may remain in force Posted November 24th, 2015


Story highlights Ticket prices to remain flat for the 2016, 2017 seasons.

Ticket prices to remain flat for the 2016, 2017 seasons. Mike Perrin cites strength of 2016 home schedule, which includes Notre Dame.

Mike Perrin cites strength of 2016 home schedule, which includes Notre Dame. Deadline to renew for the 2016 football season is March 3.

In an email sent Tuesday to Texas football season ticket holders, interim athletic director Mike Perrin announced that ticket increases and donation requirements implemented for the 2015 season will remain in place for 2016 and 2017.

Keeping prices flat for two consecutive years will be received favorably by some. But it was widely believed that Perrin would lower season ticket prices that had been implemented by former athletic director Steve Patterson.

Prices for some of the best seats inside Royal-Memorial Stadium — what UT officials call “beach-front property” — went up 31 percent for the 2015 season. All seat prices went up by an average of 6 percent throughout the stadium, UT officials said.


“Our 2016 home schedule features conference rivals like TCU and Baylor as well as a visit from Notre Dame. I encourage you to continue to come out to support Coach Charlie Strong and his team,” Perrin stated in the email.

“Along with the challenges we’ve faced this season, we’ve also made some good steps forward,” he continued. “The win over OU stands out. Our offense, defense and special teams all excelled that day as the fans, the Longhorn Band and the students created an energy that was truly special.”

Higher ticket prices were met with angry responses from the UT fan base, as many believed the school should not have raised prices coming off a 6-7 season in 2014.

Also, the email does not address the stiff no-resale policy Patterson implemented to keep some fans from reselling their tickets through secondary market outlets, like StubHub. However, multiple sources have told the American-Statesman that UT officials are leaning toward keeping that policy in place for 2016.

On Tuesday, UT athletic department officials had no comment on the resale policy.

These decisions may alter how fans view Perrin, who replaced Patterson in mid-September. UT President Gregory L. Fenves is aware of Tuesday’s announcement, two sources said.

According to Perrin’s email, the new deadline to renew for the 2016 football season is March 3. Thursday marks the final regular-season home game of the 2015 season. The Longhorns are 10-13 under Strong, who is completing his second season in Austin.

Note to readers: The information below is the complete email to UT season ticket holders from interim athletic director Mike Perrin:

As we get ready for the Thanksgiving game against Texas Tech, I wanted to personally reach out to thank you for supporting the Longhorns this season and help you start preparing for next season.

For our 500-plus student-athletes, your support helps ensure success both on and off the field, during and after their days on the Forty Acres. And for me, your support has been overwhelming and humbling this fall as I’ve taken on the role of interim men’s athletics director.

I’ve heard from some of you that the season ticket renewal process should be easier. We are working to make that happen. In the next few weeks, you will receive a package with details about a new renewal calendar, payment plan options, tickets for the AT&T Red River Showdown, and other information.

Season ticket prices remain the same for 2016 and 2017. The deadline to renew your seats is March 3 (with an early bird gift for anyone who signs up before Feb. 4).

Our 2016 home schedule features conference rivals like TCU and Baylor as well as a visit from Notre Dame. I encourage you to continue to come out to support Coach Charlie Strong and his team.

Along with the challenges we’ve faced this season, we’ve also made some good steps forward. The win over OU stands out. Our offense, defense and special teams all excelled that day as the fans, the Longhorn Band and the students created an energy that was truly special.

Next year, some of our outstanding young players return to lead an exciting and competitive team.

If you have questions about tickets, parking and seat-related contributions, please contact your personal representative or call our service team at 512-232-4422.

In the meantime, I want to wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving — and I hope to see you at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Thursday night.

Hook ‘em, Horns!

Mike Perrin, Interim Men’s Athletics Director

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