P and D-prideandream wrote: ↑Fri May 24, 2024 10:17 am While in some respects I wish that things were more intimate and loyal and rank/class based for A/N tickets. There is no doubt that it's a special game and a special event and that the graduates first and foremost are most attached to the history and what the game means. That is a deep loyalty that can not be ignored. And I'm sure that we would keep it reasonable if we could.
My view is that external forces have pushed us here more than anything. This is the most visible event for both Academies by far. And to continue to be relevant on the national stage the game and how the game is administered has evolved. And you can still get tickets. They are out there but you won't be on the 50 yard line and certainly not in the lower bowl without a significant investment. Tickets went out around the Colonel Level this year which required a $1500 donation to the A club plus the cost of the ticket and you could get up to 10 tickets. So at that level even a single seat has you for $300 ($150 in donation per ticket and another $150 for the ticket). And those will be upper deck and likely in the corners or end zones. Lower bowl tickets you probably need to give $5000 or more plus the $150 at ticket. That would put your cost at around $500 a ticket and it just goes up from there. Add in fees from 3rd party sites like Stub Hub or Seat Geek and it's gonna be another $75 a ticket So that adds even more.
Revenue is the name of the game not just for football but for all Academy NCAA Sports. We still have more NCAA Sports teams than any school in America. And that doesn't come cheap. Coaches, staff, trainers, equipment, travel and lodging, recruiting, marketing, facilities, food, etc....it all adds up and only Football makes money. So we have to make a buck where we can. Army may be spread thinner athletically more than any school in America. imagine where it would be if we hadn't monetized the A/N Game and driven it to the success it has? There would certainly be other unforeseen circumstances. But then again probably no one would complain if women's cross country went away. We have 27 total mens and women's teams. Alabama has 14. Texas has 18. Michigan has 27 as well.
Lastly I'll say this, I wish tickets were in demand for home games like they were for A/N. Logistics are the major challenge first and foremost and secondly the home schedule is usually so bad that it compounds the lack of interest. People complain because they want to see the biggest game of the year. But no one complains about tickets or ticket prices at Michie and we all know why. Will the new stadium help? Probably not. I can watch us play Lehigh on TV without the hassle. Just an interesting perspective.
PD
You are absolutely correct on all your points . GRADS FIRST ALWAYS.
Me? I just an Army fan. 75 years but that is all. I paid the price to see and ENJOY EVERY game I attended over these 75 years. I am not a grad It but has always been my favorite team and will always be until the day I die. I just love going up to West Point for a football game or any other game. Even a concert. Lots of fun.
I owe the academy much, much, more than it ever owed me. As a matter of fact, West Point owes me nothing. For all the grads who graduated from this hallowed place, I do respect and admire each and every one for their sacrifice and dedication to a cause much greater than any of us--OUR FREEDOM.
Memorial Day is very special to me. It is a reminder to remember and pray for all of those men and women who paid the ultimate price of their lives so we could all enjoy everything this country has given us including for me, just to see a simple Army Football game.
Memorial Day ---A REMEMBRANCE ALWAYS.