Long-standing Nebraska softball season ticket holders are disgruntled after being shut out of their usual seats for this weekend’s regional tournament at Bowlin Stadium.
Tamera, Larry, and many other loyal fans have been attending nearly every Husker softball home game for the past three years. They’ve braved rain, snow, and bitter cold to support the team.
“We come to our little number 11, of course I have to watch the number its 7 and 8. We love our seats,” Tamera said.
Donor Status Determines Seating
For the regional tournament, the university implemented a new system where seat allocation was based on donor status. The more money given to Husker Athletics, the higher the priority for purchasing tickets.
This system resulted in numerous season ticket holders being relegated to a lower tier, losing their reserved seats and being moved to general admission, if they could get seats at all.
“It feels like (expletive), are you kidding me? It’s horrible,” Tamera said.
Tyler Kai, head of revenue generation for the athletic department, defended the system, saying it provides equal opportunity.
“This tiered on sale is the most equitable way we can think of allowing every fan an equal opportunity to be able to get into the venue,” Kai said.
Kai added that every season ticket holder had the opportunity to purchase tickets, and about a thousand tickets were offered to the public.
He also noted that the NCAA requires 350 tickets to be set aside for the visiting teams.
Loyalty Questioned by Fans
Season ticket holders feel that their loyalty has been disregarded. “I don’t feel like any of us feel like people listen, no loyalty whatsoever to the ticket holders,” Tamera said. “That’s where season ticket holders loyalty gets you. Yeah, hope for a bleacher.”
Tamera feels that taking advantage of her loyalty is a slap in the face, and she is now questioning whether to continue showing loyalty if the athletic department does not reciprocate. “We’re here. And they don’t care, good luck getting a seat in the bleachers,” she said.
Tamera and Larry will be moving to general admission for the regional. “It would be tough for us to sit in that grass for so long. Pull up a blade of grass, let’s enjoy that for four hours,” Tamera said.
Athletic Department Response
Kai said he will continue looking at other possible solutions moving forward but plans on keeping the same process if the Huskers host a super regional.
Many season ticket holders contacted 10/11 expressing their frustration and demanding answers. 10/11 evening anchor Nathan Brennan put those questions to Tyler Kai during an interview.
Despite the seating issues, Tamera and Larry are looking forward to the Huskers hosting a regional at Bowlin Stadium and will continue to offer their support if there is a Super Regional. Ultimately, the pair said they just want to be treated with respect.