University of Dayton basketball season tickets:
2011-12 - 10,484
2010-11 - 10,588 (record)
2009-10 - 9,590
2008-09 - 9,335
2007-08 - 9,287
2005-06 - 9,082
2004-05 - 9,270
2003-04 - 9,220
2002-03 - 8,629
2001-02 - 8,648
Gary McCans, the University of Dayton director of ticketing services, thought he had seen enough in more than four decades on the job not to be surprised anymore by the devotion of Flyer basketball fans. But they surpassed his expectations again.
After snapping up 10,588 season tickets in 2010-11 — which was about 1,000 more than the previous high in 41 years at UD Arena — Flyer followers bought 10,484 this season.
Fewer than 20 of the 5,800 season tickets in the lower arena were not renewed, and the vacant ones were filled by upper-arena inhabitants wanting to move down.
Sitting in the lower bowl requires an Arena Seating Plan fee ranging from $100 to $3,500, depending on the location.
Ticket prices were increased by $1, but the overall package was reduced because of fewer home games. The Flyers will play 19 times at UD Arena, including two exhibitions (yes, fans are charged full price for those, too).
“The lower arena was absolutely amazing,” McCans said. “We were prepared to try to go out and hustle for what we would need to replace people. I’m extremely happy only losing 100 season tickets (overall), coming off a record year.”
Fans will pay about $90 per game for the red seats nearest to center court and nearly $50 each in the prime blue sections. UD sets aside 1,200 tickets each game for students.
Asked why the demand was so high, McCans said: “I think No. 1, the quality of this home schedule is pretty good and will continue to increase. When you’ve got Alabama, Ole Miss and Seton Hall, they’re three pretty good quality names to be coming in here. I think that definitely helps. And I think it’s the excitement around the coaching change. A lot of people are excited about Archie Miller.”
The Flyers also have sold seven of the eight luxury suites this season (one more than last year), picking up a new client in General Electric. Most cost $50,000 per season and accommodate 20 fans. The eighth is being leased on a game-by-game basis for $2,500 to $5,000, depending on the opponent. Many of the most desirable games are already claimed.
McCans said he suspects many fans opting out of season tickets are purchasing eight-game Atlantic 10 packages to save money, judging from early sales.
The Flyers were 27th nationally in attendance last season with an average of 12,567. Only five teams outside the BCS conferences had higher turnouts.
Arizona, where Miller was associate head coach the last two seasons, was 20th in attendance at 13,680.
“There’s a lot of passion for this place. There’s a lot of excitement,” Miller said. “That’s why you come to coach here and that’s why you come to play here. Our hope is we can give them something to be proud about. We have a good home slate, and we’ll continue to try to schedule that way.”
UD also has been buoyed by increased business in corporate sponsorships, especially in a difficult economy. The basketball program has added new partners in Tim Horton’s, Dayton International Airport, Enterprise Rent A Car and others. PNC Bank and Premier Health Partners are on board again this season.
Revenues from corporate sponsorships have grown from 1.26 million in 2008-09 to a projected $1.8 million this year.
“I think it’s a combination of things,” said Dave Harper, UD associate vice president for external affairs in athletics. “I think one is the continued support of the community around Dayton basketball. Its history and tradition make it a very, very attractive property.
“In addition to that, the avid fan we have typically is very loyal to those companies that support their team, and that’s a unique situation we have. I think fans are very aware of who the sponsors are.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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