Some (small) Changes to Nippert

[GoUC11]

This may have noted already in another thread and if so I apologize and bump this one....

I was down on campus for the first time in about three months and noticed a small change in Nippert.

For the upcoming season bleacher backs have been added to the seats in Tier 3,2, and 1 (these seats are approximately between the 30 yard line in the upper half of the bowl and in the first 10-15 rows in the second deck).

They have done away with the black chair backs we had seen for a few years. I was never a fan of those as I didn't see them being all that comfortable and when it was hot I can imagine them being rather toasty to sit in for a 3 PM game in September.

This personally has no impact on my seats as I don't sit in Tier 1, 2 or 3 (maybe someday), but I do think with the added cost in UCATS pricing more amenities need to be added to the upper tier seats.

Whenever a renovation does get done it would not surprise me to see stadium chairs get added to the premium or high donation sections.

Sitting inside of Nippert had me excited for September 6th.

I believe we are now 98 days away!

[JDBEARCAT]

I thought the padded seats eliminated some seating room. I was ok with the all weather
seats they use to have. Not sure how everyone else feels but it is not a big negative.

[cpawstoney]

Originally Posted by JDBEARCAT

I thought the padded seats eliminated some seating room.

I agree. They may have just stored the padded seats away until the season starts. Don't count on the padded seats being gone or there until much closer to the first game.

[RedRocker]

Originally Posted by cpawstoney

I agree. They may have just stored the padded seats away until the season starts. Don't count on the padded seats being gone or there until much closer to the first game.

I talked to someone at the open house last night and they are indeed in storage.

[sbcat84]

I hope the padded seats are history. They were hot, uncomfortable and when someone leaned back in them they were practically in your lap. Hopefully we have a season where we stand more than sit.

[Binturong05]

Originally Posted by sbcat84

I hope the padded seats are history. They were hot, uncomfortable and when someone leaned back in them they were practically in your lap. Hopefully we have a season where we stand more than sit.

I've been to my fair share of venues across the country and have yet to visit a stadium that has bleacher seating where is comfortable to remain seated for extended periods of time. So I'm with ya, I'd prefer to stand the entire game other than maybe during half time when the stands clear out for bathroom breaks and concessions. With the ever expanding waist line of the average American bleacher seating designed prior to say the 1980s results in my knees in someone elses back and the ADHD-nature of the last two generations means you're going to be standing up and sitting down every couple minutes to make room for passers-by as people in the interior of a row have to get up to go somewhere and then come back.

Other than a complete makeover that would include fixed seats with backs similar to what you see at Paul Brown Stadium I doubt the situation is going to get much better.

[Bp4thebest]

Is there a legitimate chance we expand the upper deck stands? Would it be more likely if we ever got into the big 12?

[cmm27]

Perhaps it was merely the other UC fans I was around, as they tended to sit at all the wrong moments and stand all other times. Though what was best was the group of 20 something females standing all through the third quarter in front of me and my group as they complained about the lack of "funnel fries" whatever those are.

[BearCatMarcher]

Originally Posted by cmm27

Perhaps it was merely the other UC fans I was around, as they tended to sit at all the wrong moments and stand all other times. Though what was best was the group of 20 something females standing all through the third quarter in front of me and my group as they complained about the lack of "funnel fries" whatever those are.

Skyline's seasonal funnel-cake-esque food sticks sent through the fryalator device and then dusted with meth- I mean sugar.

I'd complain too, addictive little buggers

[cmm27]

It would be more likely if UC could ever sell out a 35k seat stadium with season ticket sales alone that they would then be able to expand. But when they struggle to pack Nipper regularly, there is no demand for more seating.

[GoUC11]

Originally Posted by cmm27

It would be more likely if UC could ever sell out a 35k seat stadium with season ticket sales alone that they would then be able to expand. But when they struggle to pack Nipper regularly, there is no demand for more seating.

From my understanding there are roughly 22k seats available for season tickets. The rest are designated for player tickets, visiting fans, students, etc.

We peaked about 18k after the 2009 season. After the 2010 season we dipped down to 12k after the 4-8 showing.

I imagine this year we'll climb back to 15 or 16k. This partially because of belief growing, Butch staying, and students graduating. I estimate each year we'll pick up at least 100 season ticket holders as the Sugar and Orange Bowl classes graduate.

[Bearcat Otto]

I've heard that our season ticket sales are lagging behind last year's numbers.

That is only renewals though. Maybe we will pick up some some customers and fans.

[Bearcat Chris]

Originally Posted by Bearcat Otto

I've heard that our season ticket sales are lagging behind last year's numbers.

That is only renewals though. Maybe we will pick up some some customers and fans.

There are no BIGTIME home games. Add that fact to the Deleware St. and Fordham games...... I am not surprised at all.

B.C.

[Carin's Dad]

I enjoyed watching the Purdue at Wisconsin game at Camp Randall this past season and I was on the 40 yard line about 25 rows up (I paid $350/ticket). The only seat backs were those season ticket holders had affixed themselves - we had none. That's the only way they could squeeze 80,000 into an old stadium. Of course they have luxury boxes too for the high rollers.

[CaptainProbasco]

Originally Posted by Carin's Dad

I enjoyed watching the Purdue at Wisconsin game at Camp Randall this past season and I was on the 40 yard line about 25 rows up (I paid $350/ticket). The only seat backs were those season ticket holders had affixed themselves - we had none. That's the only way they could squeeze 80,000 into an old stadium. Of course they have luxury boxes too for the high rollers.

That's the thing. With most big-time programs, the comfort of the individual fan in the seats is much less important than cramming in as many people as can get their hands on a ticket.

Personally, I think all these seat back changes at Nippert are a waste of money. They don't bring in additional revenue, do little (if anything) to add comfort, and suck up funds that should be saved for the eventual expansion.

[RedRocker]

Originally Posted by CaptainProbasco

That's the thing. With most big-time programs, the comfort of the individual fan in the seats is much less important than cramming in as many people as can get their hands on a ticket.

Personally, I think all these seat back changes at Nippert are a waste of money. They don't bring in additional revenue, do little (if anything) to add comfort, and suck up funds that should be saved for the eventual expansion.

Agreed. Our seats are in the last row of 119 and we did not get the padded seats because of the lack of clearance with the row in front of us. After sitting in them for part of a game in 2010, I was glad we didn't get them and frankly the hard plastic red seats don't do much good either.

I'd rather bring on a blanket or my own stadium seat as a cushion versus what is there now.

[GoUC11]

I've heard renewals are around 85%. Heard this awhile ago (last year) that renewals tend to drift in throughout the summer as there isn't a ton of urgency to get them in and are much more casual about this.

I'd like to know what the total number of NEW season ticket holders are at the start of the season (my guess is up...big time.)

And the pattern of renewals throughout the summer as the season ticket base grows. Waiting around will=not having the same spot or possibly not having a ticket at all.