Arena Club Donor

#27
#27
Bob50 said:
I’m an Original Arena Club donor(1980s). With my donation to help build the arena, I was given the ability to select my seats and have documents stating that I had them for life. In UTs grab for more money, they completely eliminated the Original Arena Donors. To do this they plan to remove our seats and replace them with new ones and call it Riverside Club. We were given the option to stay in Riverside club at 8 times our current seat cost or select other available seats. This was called Opting Out. When Opting Out, we were given 2 options. We could pay ticket price plus taxes and fees and not get donor points or we could pay ticket price plus taxes and fees and a substantial donation and receive donor points. When the time came to select new seats, the first option was not available. The seat cost would be almost 4 times what I had been paying. This is the second time they lied to us about seats. We no longer have basketball tickets.
Click to expand...
I feel for you. I don't care how bad of an idea the original agreement was - it was a legitimate contract between you and UT and now UT is sleaze-balling their way out of their end of the deal. 2 things can be true at once: Danny White has been a Godsend for our athletics department AND this crap that he pulls pisses me off, and I have absolutely nothing at stake in this particular matter. I'm generally the type of person who can understand both sides of almost any argument. On this one, I cannot grasp how UT is able to get away with this.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cardvolfan, RandomUTfan and DuckInAPen
#28
#28
bleedingTNorange said:
For those who were original donors, I get it, it sucks…in reality there’s not many of those left though and they’d been passed down to another generation, which I get sucks for those folks, but I feel slightly less sorry for.

You’ve got 1% of Vol fans who hate this and are effected by it, but you’ve got 99% of Vol fans who are now thankful those seats are available for a reasonable price, and that they aren’t sitting next to a teenager paying 1/10 the price just because his great grandfather made a big donation many years ago.

I get both sides, but I hardly fault Danny White on the decision to upset that 1%
Click to expand...
Having them for life is the original donor’s life from my understanding. It’s not a pass down unless the original owner is still alive. If so, he can give the seats away. If dead, it’s over. Probably not many left so they should accommodate them better. It should be open for a lawsuit if the original donor is still alive and the paperwork supports the premise of a lifetime contract. To add if it allows a one time grandfather clause, I would think that needs to be honored as well. Find a great lawyer who hates UT who will take the case pro bono. I think UT is thinking these donors do not have the money to fight. Also, the contracts probably had some holes in it. Therefore, it’s being exploited by what UT can afford. Very good attorneys. The monument with the names of those who still donated in 2020 never happened either.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Lankykong and DuckInAPen
#30
#30
JacketVol said:
Having them for life is the original donor’s life from my understanding. It’s not a pass down unless the original owner is still alive. If so, he can give the seats away. If dead, it’s over. Probably not many left so they should accommodate them better. It should be open for a lawsuit if the original donor is still alive and the paperwork supports the premise of a lifetime contract. To add if it allows a one time grandfather clause, I would think that needs to be honored as well. Find a great lawyer who hates UT who will take the case pro bono. I think UT is thinking these donors do not have the money to fight. Also, the contracts probably had some holes in it. Therefore, it’s being exploited by what UT can afford. Very good attorneys. The monument with the names of those who still donated in 2020 never happened either.
Click to expand...
I was going to say, my guess is there’s some loopholes in the original contract since all we hear about is those losing theirs and nobody winning a lawsuit that seemingly would be very easy to win.
 
#31
#31
bleedingTNorange said:
It wasn’t “their” money, I said I get it and that it sucks for them too, I just don’t feel quite as bad when it wasn’t their money spent. If my father passes down his lake house to me and the taxes continue to go up on it each year I have a choice, either pay those and keep the property or don’t.
Click to expand...
That isn't a great example. Based on inflation and past practice, you would expect property taxes to rise and neither you nor your father were promised they wouldn't.

You seem too focused on the outcome for the beneficiaries. The issue isn't solely that. The main issue is that the original donors were made a promise in writing and made a decision that affected them and their legacy...all part of the same deal/promise. Some may not have donated in the first place if they weren't allowed to pass the benefits down a generation.

A more apples to apples parallel using your father's lake house would be to say that your father bought a lake house, passed it on to you, and then the government declares a state of imminent domain over the property without offering you fair compensation for its value and booting you from the land.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JelloPuddinPup, SuggsOrMatthews, Lankykong and 4 others
#32
#32
VolGee4 said:
What was the original agreement? Just curious. Does anyone have that in writing?
Click to expand...
I dont have it in writing, but the original agreement, as I understand it, was that the original donors got premium seats for life and were allowed to grandfather then down one time.

So, for example, your grandfather...as an original donor...could have those tickets up until the point he passes away or he passes them on to your dad, or you, or anyone else, and then that person keeps the rights to those seats until they die or give them up. Ticket prices aren't frozen at 1986 prices or anything like that. But the right to those seats belong to the original donors and their grandfathered proxy without change to their donor status or requirement.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DuckInAPen
#33
#33
I wonder if the same attorneys working to tear up the seat licenses agreements are the same ones that are responsible for Kevin Steele’s million dollar buyout after being the interim head coach for 10 days and Monte Kiffin’s million dollar “retention” bonus for sticking around for a couple of weeks after Lane ran off to USC?

Edit: And the buyouts. Bruce got a million after being fired for cause. Fulmer, Dooley, and Butch were paid millions in failure money.
 
Last edited:
#34
#34
Thunder Good-Oil said:
I wonder if the same attorneys working to tear up the seat licenses agreements are the same ones that are responsible for Kevin Steele’s million dollar buyout after being the interim head coach for 10 days and Monte Kiffin’s million dollar “retention” bonus for sticking around for a couple of weeks after Lane ran off to USC?

Edit: And the buyouts. Bruce got a million after being fired for cause. Fulmer, Dooley, and Butch were paid millions in failure money.
Click to expand...
You pay someone like Bruce Pearl so that you avoid litigation in the future. It just covered his salary through the year. If he gets nothing and decides to sue, then you have to pay legal fees that might be more than you paid him.

They did the opposite to Pruitt (by building their case) but still paid $1.5 million in legal fees. They saved money in the long run but were fighting two fronts- Pruitt and the NCAA.

The Kevin Steele hire was certainly questionable, but I am not sure Fulmer knew what was coming for Pruitt. However, the contract had a mitigation clause and Steele was hired at Miami (also Maryland for a weekend) in 2022, thus mitigating the $450,000 annual contract.
 
Last edited:
#35
#35
Thunder Good-Oil said:
I’m leaning towards Children’s Hospital. The Deacon is fond of the Emerald Youth Foundation as well. I’m not Catholic, but Catholic Charities does good work. Dad liked the USO and the Salvation Army.
Click to expand...
Have you heard of The Dog's Retirement Fund ? No, well, apparently neither have I, there's not a penny in it. Emerald Youth Foundation started out, connected to Fulton, so I guess they can have mine
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lankykong and DuckInAPen
#36
#36
cncchris33 said:
I dont have it in writing, but the original agreement, as I understand it, was that the original donors got premium seats for life and were allowed to grandfather then down one time.

So, for example, your grandfather...as an original donor...could have those tickets up until the point he passes away or he passes them on to your dad, or you, or anyone else, and then that person keeps the rights to those seats until they die or give them up. Ticket prices aren't frozen at 1986 prices or anything like that. But the right to those seats belong to the original donors and their grandfathered proxy without change to their donor status or requirement.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
The last part is somewhat wrong, until just a couple years ago those ticket prices were pretty much 1986 prices…then DW changed the model to where a donation was required to purchase any of these tickets, so where previously they were getting the tickets at ticket cost for around say $200/each, all of a sudden a required contribution of around $1,000 was added in, same for a new person or someone under the original plan, this was what caused all the initial commotion from the same group a few years back.

Someone sitting lower level side court opposite of the lodge last year saw a ticket price increase this year of around $200 each, same increase someone who bought them 2 years ago would’ve seen. What the OP is mentioning is nothing new as far as price increase goes, their high cost is simply because of the new club section built, and now those lower level seats are gone, they should be able to move to equivalent seats on the other side of the arena for close to the same price, but no they won’t be given club level seats for what they were paying previously, that’s correct.

Now…if they weren’t given/offered seats that were similar as to what they previously had I do agree that’s a bad look and not really fair, but from what I gathered any seats effected by the club being built were going to be offered to move to equivalent seats and given first rights, this would’ve been over a year ago though so if OP is just now mentioning this maybe they missed that opportunity or forgot, idk.
 
#37
#37
cncchris33 said:
That isn't a great example. Based on inflation and past practice, you would expect property taxes to rise and neither you nor your father were promised they wouldn't.

You seem too focused on the outcome for the beneficiaries. The issue isn't solely that. The main issue is that the original donors were made a promise in writing and made a decision that affected them and their legacy...all part of the same deal/promise. Some may not have donated in the first place if they weren't allowed to pass the benefits down a generation.

A more apples to apples parallel using your father's lake house would be to say that your father bought a lake house, passed it on to you, and then the government declares a state of imminent domain over the property without offering you fair compensation for its value and booting you from the land.
Click to expand...
These new ticket prices also could be considered inflation…
 
  • Like
Reactions: YankeeVol
#40
#40
Bob50 said:
I’m an Original Arena Club donor(1980s). With my donation to help build the arena, I was given the ability to select my seats and have documents stating that I had them for life. In UTs grab for more money, they completely eliminated the Original Arena Donors. To do this they plan to remove our seats and replace them with new ones and call it Riverside Club. We were given the option to stay in Riverside club at 8 times our current seat cost or select other available seats. This was called Opting Out. When Opting Out, we were given 2 options. We could pay ticket price plus taxes and fees and not get donor points or we could pay ticket price plus taxes and fees and a substantial donation and receive donor points. When the time came to select new seats, the first option was not available. The seat cost would be almost 4 times what I had been paying. This is the second time they lied to us about seats. We no longer have basketball tickets.
Click to expand...
I am sorry to hear this even though I am not surprised by it. Thank you for your original donation to help to build this beautiful arena. Did you try to have an attorney look at your document? I suspect it would say something like you have the right to the seats for life, but didn't say for how much. They could set the price prohibitively high to force you to opt out, like what's happening now. I am just curious. Over the years (after your initial donation), are you required to continue to donate to keep these seats?
 
  • Like
Reactions: DuckInAPen
#41
#41
I gave up on my season tickets years ago. I just buy single game tickets now. They cost more, especially for good seats, but it keeps me from all dealing with all that other frustration.
 
#43
#43
YankeeVol said:
Hell for football, my 4 tickets have gone up $944 ($400 from 23-24, $544 from 24-25) in just the last 2 years.
Click to expand...
Yes and they’re lying about the fake waiting lists too, while yesterday sending email for season tix holders first right on single games this year.

We were discussing all this earlier today and if they increase prices again early next year, we’re OUT! It’s out of control!
 
  • Like
Reactions: WallyBalls and RandomUTfan
#44
#44
PC Jr. said:
I gave up on my season tickets years ago. I just buy single game tickets now. They cost more, especially for good seats, but it keeps me from all dealing with all that other frustration.
Click to expand...
It's worth it to me. I make make about 1/2 back from the games I can't attend*

*I could make more, but I try to be fair.
 
#45
#45
beachvol23 said:
Yes and they’re lying about the fake waiting lists too, while yesterday sending email for season tix holders first right on single games this year.

We were discussing all this earlier today and if they increase prices again early next year, we’re OUT! It’s out of control!
Click to expand...
I don't think they are lying (maybe about the number, but not about the list). I assume (I know), that they leave so many single game tix available regardless.
 
#46
#46
I was Arena Club donor with eight tickets . None had been transferred to anyone. . I ask about retaining the seats I had . I was told seating would be based on contributions to TN Fund . I ask about Parking . They said I might get G3 which I have been in since beginning . G3 is being torn down as I understand it .
The people that went with me have moved on to recliners with a big screen TV . Such is life .
A friend of mine who was an Arena club donor kept his tickets and was moved to less favorable seats which I expected . Any fan regardless of history and possible past relationship with university are just like fans of any pro team .It is a business . Most fans should know that my now .I was not surprised by the decision made by UTAD even though disappointing .
 
  • Like
Reactions: exotic_vols
#47
#47
cncchris33 said:
I dont have it in writing, but the original agreement, as I understand it, was that the original donors got premium seats for life and were allowed to grandfather then down one time.

So, for example, your grandfather...as an original donor...could have those tickets up until the point he passes away or he passes them on to your dad, or you, or anyone else, and then that person keeps the rights to those seats until they die or give them up. Ticket prices aren't frozen at 1986 prices or anything like that. But the right to those seats belong to the original donors and their grandfathered proxy without change to their donor status or requirement.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
I got in touch with several of my friends who did this years ago. None of them, including me, remember the pass down benefit. Lifetime tickets and parking were guaranteed.
 
#48
#48
bleedingTNorange said:
These new ticket prices also could be considered inflation…
Click to expand...
Not really. That consideration continues to ignore the promise made to donors. It isn't a ticket price issue, necessarily. It's a donation issue and the threat of having to now reclaim the seats you or your parent/grandparents were promised.
 
Last edited:
#49
#49
cardvolfan said:
I got in touch with several of my friends who did this years ago. None of them, including me, remember the pass down benefit. Lifetime tickets and parking were guaranteed.
Click to expand...
My dad is the beneficiary of grandfathering of tickets thru his friend whose father was a donor. So it's legit. A group of 6 of them have split their 4 tickets for years (probably 20 years) since his friend's dad passed away and passed them down. It used to just be 4 of them splitting them, but it got too costly for 4 of them, so they brought in two others and then they draw for games, lottery style.
 
#50
#50
cncchris33 said:
My dad is the beneficiary of grandfathering of tickets thru his friend whose father was a donor. So it's legit. A group of 6 of them have split their 4 tickets for years (probably 20 years) since his friend's dad passed away and passed them down. It used to just be 4 of them splitting them, but it got too costly for 4 of them, so they brought in two others and then they draw for games, lottery style.
Click to expand...
Oh, okay. I didn’t remember that. That’s interesting. Sounds like it could get pretty complicated. The 3 other couples I know are all originals and didn’t mention that detail. I asked them about the grandfathering and they didn’t remember that. They all still go to games. Heck, we all do. I guess 35-40 years takes a toll on the brain cells.
 
New posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

VN Store



Back
Top