Arizona football is entering a new era and making various changes to the program in the 2018 season including the hiring of new head coach Kevin Sumlin, stadium renovations and the lowering of ticket prices in hopes to get more fans in the stands.
Arizona Stadium has seen a decrease in attendance over the past two seasons, and during the 2017 season the stadium only averaged about 43,000 people despite the emergence and performance of star quarterback Khalil Tate.
Even UA Athletic Director Dave Heeke stated he was “disappointed” with the game attendance in an interview with the Arizona Daily Star. Heeke has been receiving feedback from fans by reviewing surveys, emails, social media and face-to-face conversations. Heeke didn’t just review the feedback, he listened and took action.
In order to improve gameday experiences, Arizona will not be raising ticket prices in 2018. Instead UA will be lowering them even though the 2018 schedule will have seven home games rather than six.
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“We decreased prices in three levels throughout 17 sections of Arizona Stadium,” Heeke said in his Wildcat Wednesday newsletter. “Our entry-level season ticket price has been reduced from $99 to $70 ($10 a game), and our youth (ages 3-12) season ticket price has been reduced from $50 to $35 ($5 per game). We also lowered the price in our economy level (EC) from $150 to $100. We’re committed to providing an affordable season ticket option for all of our fans, and we think these reductions are a step in the right direction.”
And that’s not all as Heeke is also taking steps to improve stadium seating and amenities which has been an important topic since he arrived to Arizona. With improvements already made on certain sections, the next stop is the ZonaZoo.
“Our next area of improvement is the ZonaZoo area. This process started last week and will include new restrooms, concession stands, and gathering areas in an enclosed east concourse,” Heeke said in his Wildcat Wednesday newsletter. “Our students stepped up their support with the new student fee and it is important that we reciprocate that support and make improving the student experience a priority. I do want to point out that the new east concourse will not be exclusive to students.”
With the many changes to the football program and stadium, will Arizona be able to attract more fans and be able to fill the stands?
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