We received a question regarding the points system for getting basketball tickets in the upcoming year about a week ago through a comment on one of our blog posts. Thanks to Jim Harris, Associate Director of the Varsity Club, we are able to answer that question for you. So, for all those interested, we have some tips on how to get good seats and how to build up your points.
In summary, Harris mentioned three aspects that go into choosing how people are seated:
1. Longevity (how long you have been an active member of the Varsity Club)
2. Loyalty (financial contributions to the department and buying tickets)
3. Donation amount (more money = more points)
While new graduates cannot do much about longevity, there is hope for getting closer to the court.
"We reseat Assembly Hall and Memorial Stadium every year because it's all based on points," Harris said.
So what can you do to get those points and priority seating court side?
Recently, the athletics department announced that everyone who buys football tickets gets 125 bonus points to their name. Harris said he would suggest that any recent graduate purchase football tickets so they can get those added points. He also mentioned the minimum for getting into basketball games is usually around 40-80 points, so purchasing football tickets puts even those just out of IU past that mark and basically secures them a spot.
His second suggestion was to make a donation to the Varsity Club, with a minimum amount of $100, to establish yourself as a member and begin the process of gaining in the longevity and loyalty departments.
Finally, of course, more money brings more points. For every $100 donated, the Club gives the donor 1 point, along with a loyalty/longevity bonus depending on how active and consistent the donor has been with their contributions. Extra points are added on for donations of $5,000, $10,000 and $20,000.
By following these suggestions, fans can earn their way into the seat of their dreams.
"If you're supporting our other programs and you're making sure that you're giving your donation every year and buying tickets every year, you're going to maximize your points in those categories for sure," Harris said. "Then, it just comes down to the dollars"
