Priority Points System for Men's Basketball Season Tickets

Basic Information
The Butler University Athletic Department implemented a new system in 2007-08 for men's basketball season tickets. With this system, all those who turn in a season ticket application will have a computed number of Priority Points. The same Priority Points System will be in place as we prepare for the 2009-10 campaign. A ticket holder's points will take into account the number of consecutive years they have had tickets and their gifts made to the Athletic Department over the last five years. The system created is similar to those used at a number of Division I Universities. The following are the three ways to earn and calculate a season ticket holder's total points and Priority Points: 

• 1 point per ticket requested for 2009 per consecutive year as a season ticket holder (dates back to 1989, when chair back seats were added)
• 5 points per $100 donated to Athletics from June 1, 2004 through May 31, 2008 (FY 2005-08)
• 10 points per $100 donated to Athletics from June 1, 2008 through September 1, 2009 (FY 2009 and will also be referred to as the "last year")

When all points are calculated, the total points will then be converted into a number of Priority Points. Priority Points will be calculated by taking the total points and dividing by the number of tickets requested for the 2009-10 basketball season.

After September 1st, all season ticket applications will be ranked in descending order starting with the application with the highest number of Priority Points. Season ticket renewal forms will be sent out in early summer. The renewal form will indicate the ticket holder's seats from the previous year and will offer a space to make specific requests for changes. As we move down the priority point list, season ticket holders will be awarded seats according to their ranking due to their Priority Points and specific requests for changes. Just to clarify, all renewals and upgrades will be based on the Priority Points System, thus seats from the previous year are not guaranteed.

Three Ticket Holders & Their Priority Points

"Solid As A Rock" Bulldog
4 tickets requested in 2009
Ticket holder for five years
= 20 points

$100 donated in FY05
$100 donated in FY06
$100 donated in FY07
$100 donated in FY08
= 20 points

$100 donated in FY09
= 10 points

50 total points
divided by 4 tickets =
12.5 Priority Points

"The Bulldog"
4 tickets requested in 2009
Ticket holder for 12 years
= 48 points

$250 donated in FY05
$250 donated in FY06
$250 donated in FY07
$500 donated in FY08
= 62.5 points

$500 donated in FY09
= 50 points

160.5 total points
divided by 4 tickets =
40.125 Priority Points

"Blue II"
4 tickets requested in 2009
Ticket holder for 18 years
= 72 points

$500 donated in FY05
$500 donated in FY06
$750 donated in FY07
$750 donated in FY08
= 125 points

$1,000 donated in FY09
= 100 points

297 total points
divided by 4 tickets =
74.25 Priority Points

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a points system for men's basketball season tickets?
Programs like this are very common in intercollegiate athletics. The program will help increase annual giving to athletics, while providing our season ticket holders and donors an extra incentive to stay loyal year after year.

Do I have to make a donation in order to purchase season tickets?
Athletics giving is not required but it is encouraged and greatly appreciated.

How are donations to Athletics used?
Donations to athletics go directly to support our athletes and teams. Donations are used to fund: team travel, equipment, recruiting, etc.

How do I know how many Priority Points I have for next season?
Listed above is an explanation of the calculation process and three examples of how Priority Points are figured. If you have any questions or want to find out the details of your charitable contributions for the last five years, feel free to contact Mike Freeman at (317) 940-6452.

Do gifts to a specific sport count towards Priority Points?
Yes. Any gift to Butler athletics is appreciated and will be counted towards Priority Points, while an annual gift with no restrictions, such as a gift to the Bulldog Club, is preferred. These gifts can be allocated to the greatest need. Just to reiterate, all gifts to Butler athletics, no matter the area or sport will be counted towards Priority Points.

My company matches my gift to Athletics. Will the match be counted in my Priority Point calculation?
Yes. If you want to know if your company matches gifts, contact Kyle Smith in the Office of Annual Giving at 317-940-8162.

How do I make a request to improve my seats for next year?
On your renewal form that will be sent this summer, indicate your request. When all renewals are in, the Athletic Department will then honor those requests on the basis of the Priority Point system.

I used to have more tickets, but this year I am only requesting two. How many points will I get?
This individual would receive one point per ticket requested for the 2009-10 season times the number of consecutive years as a season ticket holder. So, if this individual has had tickets since 2000, then they would receive 14 points (7 years times 2 tickets) for their ticket consistency.

For the system that is going into place, why only take into account an individual's ticket history dating back to 1989?
The decision was made to count consecutive years as a season ticket holder since 1989 due to the fact that was the first year of renovated seating in Hinkle Fieldhouse and records of season tickets prior to that year are not complete.