Georgia Tech won’t conduct a mere preseason practice Saturday morning. Rather, Bobby Dodd Stadium will be the site of an “exclusive scrimmage.”
It is part of an effort by the Tech ticket office to add value to season tickets. The scrimmage was to be closed, but coach Paul Johnson agreed to open it to season-ticket holders and guests (along with family of team members and media).
“We’ve really made it a major emphasis to thank our season-ticket holders and try to give them more for their investment in the program,” said Rick Thorpe, associate athletic director for sales and fan experience.
The athletic department has attempted other initiatives for season-ticket holders, such as enabling them to receive two free tickets to the season opener against Elon on Aug. 31 and giving them first dibs on single-game tickets. They also received an emailed version of “The Process,” the web series produced by the football team about the Yellow Jackets’ preparations for the season, which contains bonus material.
It is part of an effort to raise the value of the season ticket. Across professional and college sports, fans have become less inclined to purchase tickets for an entire season and instead buy tickets only for select games, particularly with the ease of buying aftermarket tickets online.
Thorpe, hired in February 2012, has also been pleased with sales from a variety of different sales strategies, including a discounted season ticket for young alumni and different minipacks. Thorpe said season-ticket sales for faculty and staff have exceeded the total for last year.
Season-ticket sales are at about 22,500, tracking to match last season’s figure of 23,319. That total, though, included 1,200 season tickets sold for $99. This year, the least expensive season ticket available to the general public, which includes the Georgia game, is $190.
On Saturday morning, Gate 7 will open at 8:30 a.m., with the scrimmage beginning at 9:30 a.m. Breakfast concessions will be available. Season-ticket holders are asked to bring photo identification. Free parking is available at Peters Parking Deck north of the stadium.
