Photo: Demand for seats for this year’s Frozen Four is bound to be sky high at Chicago’s United Center.
“This is going to be big,” said Brian Elizardi, Director of Alumni Engagement for DU told LetsGoDU. “We have been working on this [Frozen Four] for a long time and we have some exciting plans in place. There will be events in Chicago and 11 more around the country to celebrate the University of Denver’s success.”
In a memo, Brandon Buzbee, DU’s associate Vice Chancellor for Global networks cites a unique alliance between Global Networks and DU Athletics to bring the DU community together in a way that it has never been done before. The Frozen Four is seen by DU as a golden opportunity to build the DU brand and forge lasting ties with their alumni network.
Everybody wants a piece of these #1 seeded ice hockey Pioneers – and everyone wants to watch high octane “200 feet of relentless Pioneer hockey”.
But can you get a seat?
As the clock ticked down on the DU’s 6-3 win over Penn State in Cincinnati, fans’ eyes moved immediately to the winner of the Notre Dame (23-11) – Mass-Lowell OT contest. Notre Dame won 3-2 and set-up a prime time Frozen Four semifinal thriller pitting the Irish against the #1 seeded Denver Pioneers (31-7-4) in what is sure to be one of the hottest tickets in the history of DU sports.
While DU does not usually travel well, a variety of factors are converging to make this a must-see event, especially for Denver fans who have seen their title drought extended to nearly 15 years. DU has a major presence in Chicago and so do the other schools at the Frozen Four- Notre Dame, Harvard, and Minnesota Duluth.
Pioneer fans remember last year’s 3-2 heartbreaking semifinal loss to North Dakota in Tampa. Denver fans believe this is just the team to end the drought and they are going to want to watch the action live.
But not so fast.
Anyone who follows the Fighting Irish understands the power of the Notre Dame alumni and friends, especially in the city of Chicago. They have a whopping 16,000 alumni in the Chicagoland area alone – and that does not include family and non-alumni who join the local Notre Dame network. They could easily fill up the entire United Center. The Notre Dame influence is felt across the city of Chicago as anyone who lives there can tell you and South Bend is less than a 100-mile drive.
There is The Notre Dame Club of Chicago which serves as an anchor for local Golden Domers. The Notre Dame Club of Chicago is a non-profit organization that raises funds for the ND Club of Chicago Scholarship Foundation and for the sponsorship of Summer Service Learning Projects in Chicago for current students. The Foundation currently supports over 60 local students.
Want to build a network for your career development, find an apartment, or just join cultural events? The Notre Dame Club offers these services and much more. If you are not from Chicago but want to fly in and go to the Frozen Four, just go to Notre Dame Travel and they will be glad to plan your trip and coordinate all your activities – be it sports or social events sponsored by the University.
But don’t sell DU short.
The University of Denver has 6,000 constituents in Chicagoland – mostly parents and alums. The DU Chicago Chapter is led by president Cody Sherrill and they are one of the largest and strongest alumni chapters in the country, behind only Denver. Cody told LetsGoDU, “The base of hockey fans in Chicago is huge. Also, Chicago is a big sports town and there are lots of DU grads here so the demand is going to be there. We were hopeful and planning all year for Denver hockey to make it here. There are a number of Chicago alums that purchased tickets months ago and it has been the talk of the chapter the last few months.”
And what about Harvard and UMD, the other two teams at the Frozen Four? They will have a ticket allotment, too and will be scouring ticket sites for a chance to see their teams play as well. Of course, Harvard also has Harvard Alumni of Chicago along with a national following and well-heeled graduates with an interest and the wherewithal to follow their team live. Duluth is in close proximity to Chicago and has a large, passionate fan base that travels well.
Finally, Chicago is one of the most appealing destinations for a Frozen Four and travel by air to the Windy City is affordable and accommodations are relatively inexpensive. People have nearly two weeks to make plans to attend and the event is at a relatively quiet time of year. Add this all together and you have the perfect storm with ‘only’ 19,717 seats for hockey at the United Center.
While none of the four participants have the singular draw of the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks fan base, this is sure to be one of the hottest tickets ever for a Frozen Four.
LetsGoDU will be covering all the details regarding Denver’s national watch parties, the soon to be announced #SkateFor8 Ambassador Challenge and Chicago Pre-Game reception details as soon as we get them.
As for tickets, good luck!
Do they not have any allocation of tickets to the schools that make the Frozen Four?
There are ticket allocations as well as sales during the year to the general public. DU donors and Pioneer Movement members get first shot at DU’s allocation and then the remaining tickets will be sold. The NCAA controls the allocations and, ultimately, sales.
Thanks for the info. I’ll be a first-time Frozen Four attendee and I have no clue how it all works. Do Season Ticket holders get a shot before the General Public? Is there bloc seating for fans of competing teams (e.g., will there be a DU fan section)?
In Tampa, DU’s allocation of seats were in a section together – as were the other schools. If you go to http://www.denverpioneers.com/tickets/ you can see details or call when tickets are released.
Thank you. In Denver we were at the pioneer watching the games both days. It was packed not a seat to be found. The staff there was marvelous no one had to wait a minute for any kind of beverage or food. I was so impressed with the service.
Hats off to ” The Pioneer”.
Congratulations to all the hockey team🏆
Sent from my iPhone
>
Good catch Margaret. The Pioneer was awesome and their staff took great care of everyone. No better place to be a Pioneer or watch the Pioneers!
As soon as DU won yesterday I purchased tow all-session tickets via ncaa.com that then linked to Ticketmaster. I don’t what’s left there today.
Thanks for the update Jerseyb
At what point do we start the DG toga watch???
Today. DG is all-in every day. He already has his tickets in hand and posse activated.
I’m not sure Chicago is ready for DG in a toga….
LOL. Just wicked satire.
I’d like to think that I’ve become more refined in my Fifties and leave the asshatery to the younger alums. 🙂
I’m in my 40s – do I still get to be an asshat?
I was able to purchase my ticket through DU this morning. I had a link to a pre public sale sale thing in an email that they sent out yesterday. The link didn’t work, but I was able to clear it up over the phone and placed the order. Maybe I got early access because of donation to Pioneer Movement or something.
Anyway…it will be my fourth DU frozen four, it will be a blast. Always great to sit in the DU section. From my discussion on the phone, it sounded like DU has reserved quite a few sections in the United Center. I don’t know if they are big or small sections, but maybe they are anticipating more DU fans in Chicago. (Didn’t DU only reserve two sections in Tampa?)
In Tampa I believe we had two sections. It is ideal to sit with DU fans if you can…more energy. Plus, the United Center is cavernous.
All competing teams get the same allotment from the NCAA – about 400-500 tickets as I recall, and usually each school is assigned to one of the four corners of the arena. After DU takes some of them for its own purposes, DU’s allotment will sell out quickly to donors and season ticket holders. The tickets sell for about $100 per game (you typically must buy the three game package), so about $300 per three-game ticket. While this sounds like a lot for college hockey, it is a bargain for a marquee event, and comparable to the costs of a regular season NHL game.
Yep. Pretty much.
Only, at a regular season NHL game, there’s beer for sale (albeit at incredibly inflated prices…), good and plentiful merchandise available, and an all around better fan experience.
I wish the NCAA would stop trying to sanitize the experience for everyone. It’s completely unnecessary.
Whoops. Just got word that the “Voicemail Is Full” over at the DU Ticket Office. That can’t be good news….
For those that need the info….
Frozen Four ticket sales will be prioritized by Pioneer Movement donors, season ticket holders then DU Fans. Tickets are on sale now to Pioneer Movement donors. $290 Each.
DU public sale will begin Tuesday, March 28th at 9 AM
DU Frozen Four Ticket Office 303-871-4625
Plenty of tickets available on Stubhub.com
If you are interested in a 20 Person Suite for $340 per person [$6,800] for the Semi-Final Games on Thursday night. Includes Free Food & Alcohol. If DU makes the Championship Game, it would be $6,800 to rent it again. If you are interested contact Curtis Baddeley cbaddeley@unitedcenter.com
I think you should snap that up DG….
Then, give me the suite number and I’ll come crash your party. I promise, no ‘I told you so’s about Gwoz…
DG–don’t get the suite, we need you in the stands. You can’t do any damage from a suite or lead the DU fans like you have in the past. Save the suite for the after-party at a club. 🙂
Do they not have any allocation of tickets to the schools that make the Frozen Four?
There are ticket allocations as well as sales during the year to the general public. DU donors and Pioneer Movement members get first shot at DU’s allocation and then the remaining tickets will be sold. The NCAA controls the allocations and, ultimately, sales.
Thanks for the info. I’ll be a first-time Frozen Four attendee and I have no clue how it all works. Do Season Ticket holders get a shot before the General Public? Is there bloc seating for fans of competing teams (e.g., will there be a DU fan section)?
In Tampa, DU’s allocation of seats were in a section together – as were the other schools. If you go to http://www.denverpioneers.com/tickets/ you can see details or call when tickets are released.
Thank you. In Denver we were at the pioneer watching the games both days. It was packed not a seat to be found. The staff there was marvelous no one had to wait a minute for any kind of beverage or food. I was so impressed with the service.
Hats off to ” The Pioneer”.
Congratulations to all the hockey team🏆
Sent from my iPhone
>
Good catch Margaret. The Pioneer was awesome and their staff took great care of everyone. No better place to be a Pioneer or watch the Pioneers!
As soon as DU won yesterday I purchased tow all-session tickets via ncaa.com that then linked to Ticketmaster. I don’t what’s left there today.
Thanks for the update Jerseyb
At what point do we start the DG toga watch???
Today. DG is all-in every day. He already has his tickets in hand and posse activated.
I’m not sure Chicago is ready for DG in a toga….
LOL. Just wicked satire.
I’d like to think that I’ve become more refined in my Fifties and leave the asshatery to the younger alums. 🙂
I’m in my 40s – do I still get to be an asshat?
I was able to purchase my ticket through DU this morning. I had a link to a pre public sale sale thing in an email that they sent out yesterday. The link didn’t work, but I was able to clear it up over the phone and placed the order. Maybe I got early access because of donation to Pioneer Movement or something.
Anyway…it will be my fourth DU frozen four, it will be a blast. Always great to sit in the DU section. From my discussion on the phone, it sounded like DU has reserved quite a few sections in the United Center. I don’t know if they are big or small sections, but maybe they are anticipating more DU fans in Chicago. (Didn’t DU only reserve two sections in Tampa?)
In Tampa I believe we had two sections. It is ideal to sit with DU fans if you can…more energy. Plus, the United Center is cavernous.
All competing teams get the same allotment from the NCAA – about 400-500 tickets as I recall, and usually each school is assigned to one of the four corners of the arena. After DU takes some of them for its own purposes, DU’s allotment will sell out quickly to donors and season ticket holders. The tickets sell for about $100 per game (you typically must buy the three game package), so about $300 per three-game ticket. While this sounds like a lot for college hockey, it is a bargain for a marquee event, and comparable to the costs of a regular season NHL game.
Yep. Pretty much.
Only, at a regular season NHL game, there’s beer for sale (albeit at incredibly inflated prices…), good and plentiful merchandise available, and an all around better fan experience.
I wish the NCAA would stop trying to sanitize the experience for everyone. It’s completely unnecessary.
Whoops. Just got word that the “Voicemail Is Full” over at the DU Ticket Office. That can’t be good news….
For those that need the info….
Frozen Four ticket sales will be prioritized by Pioneer Movement donors, season ticket holders then DU Fans. Tickets are on sale now to Pioneer Movement donors. $290 Each.
DU public sale will begin Tuesday, March 28th at 9 AM
DU Frozen Four Ticket Office 303-871-4625
Plenty of tickets available on Stubhub.com
If you are interested in a 20 Person Suite for $340 per person [$6,800] for the Semi-Final Games on Thursday night. Includes Free Food & Alcohol. If DU makes the Championship Game, it would be $6,800 to rent it again. If you are interested contact Curtis Baddeley cbaddeley@unitedcenter.com
I think you should snap that up DG….
Then, give me the suite number and I’ll come crash your party. I promise, no ‘I told you so’s about Gwoz…
DG–don’t get the suite, we need you in the stands. You can’t do any damage from a suite or lead the DU fans like you have in the past. Save the suite for the after-party at a club. 🙂
What sections in the arena have been given to DU? Just curious, since I bought my seats earlier in the year (Section 227)
What sections in the arena have been given to DU? Just curious, since I bought my seats earlier in the year (Section 227)
For something they have been “planning for a long time” this ticket sale is a disaster! Anyone else having problems? Last I heard is DU allotted seats are gone, only reg NCAA tickets remain. Just buy straight from the United Center for better results.
“Planning for a long time” was referring to DU alumni and fans events around the Frozen Four, not ticketing. The lack of available tickets to fans is not DU’s fault at all. The NCAA controls ticket allocations, and from what I found out last night, each school gets less than 1,000 tickets to take care of its fanbase to the extent that they can. Once DU takes care of its internal ticket needs, there are about 3,000 Pioneer Movement donors to the athletic department, and likely 5 or 6,000 hockey season ticket holders between full and partial season plans, with the High level donors, Gold Club and Crimson Club members getting first crack at NCAA tickets. While there is a lot or overlap between those groups, you can easily how they would run out quickly, likely even before the full season ticket holder crowd could be serviced, let alone the 15,000 or so fans who follow DU hockey. Supply and demand….
I was told 600 allotment and 400 after coaches & team get theirs.
The NCAA controls allotments so DU is limited in terms of what they can do. Not surprised the tickets have been sold. This is going to be a difficult ticket. Hopefully, DU fans snap up United Center tickets before our competitors do…
http://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/04005158D3BC1A64?artistid=1561844&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=9&brand=unitedcenter&f_tmol_checkout=true&ab=m_efeat4786v1#efeat4212
My issue is the lack of transparency and poor communication. It’s 2017, they are waitlisting people on an excel spreadsheet and delaying sales. A better ticket plan could have been hatched last week, obviously they spent no time on it. It’s not difficult to have a prioritized ticket selling system ala Ticketmaster.
I have been a season ticket holder for 20+ years but sadly this will be my last after this debacle. Certainly they won’t care since I’m under the donation amount that matters, Brandon MacNeill in the admin made that very clear.
Good luck to the boys in Chicago! And good luck maintaining the dwindling reg season attendance.
I don’t quite understand why you are blaming DU for this. There is a prioritized ticketing system, and it’s pretty well understood that higher level donors get higher priority in any college athletic scenario when tickets are limited. The best way to secure NCAA ticket access is donate a high amount of money – it’s that simple. With DU being #1 and the Frozen Four in a high-demand city like Chicago (vs. say, Columbus), the ticket demand is simply higher than in previous years among the high donor class…
Is your name Brandon by chance? Did you read my post?
DU is sending me the emails and disseminating conflicting information. I would have bought tickets a week ago if I knew “priority for season ticket holders” meant waitlist until other options are sold out. I was at the ticket office this morning, when I was told tickets would go “on-sale.” I assumed (probably incorrectly) that DU would benefit from me buying from them.
I’m not complaining that they have so few tickets. I’m disappointed they can’t give a straight answer on the process except for “next time donate more money.” That’s pretty sh*tty customer service and I’ll chose to spend and donate my money elsewhere.
Totally agree, what a shame and a debacle. Apparently the team doesn’t care about it’s loyal fans. Mark me down as another season ticket holder (10 years of both nights), that is done!
I did end up buying seat the the frozen four, but sad I can’t sit why fellow fans.
Sorry about your bad experience, Anon. Although I was able to get a ticket through the ticket office (I called at 9:00 a.m. yesterday after I got an email the night before), I understand that DU could handle this better. I also don’t like the fact that DU doesn’t just give you the Frozen Four tickets that you buy from them, or at least allow you to pick them up at the DU arena before everyone leaves for Chicago. It’s a pain to have to pick them up at will call, especially in a situation like this where there is a considerable distance from the hotels where people are staying and the arena. But don’t let this dissuade from going to Chicago, Anon. It will be a good time, and I’m pretty sure you will be able to find a ticket somehow.
Appreciate the sentiment! Have fun in Chicago!
For something they have been “planning for a long time” this ticket sale is a disaster! Anyone else having problems? Last I heard is DU allotted seats are gone, only reg NCAA tickets remain. Just buy straight from the United Center for better results.
“Planning for a long time” was referring to DU alumni and fans events around the Frozen Four, not ticketing. The lack of available tickets to fans is not DU’s fault at all. The NCAA controls ticket allocations, and from what I found out last night, each school gets less than 1,000 tickets to take care of its fanbase to the extent that they can. Once DU takes care of its internal ticket needs, there are about 3,000 Pioneer Movement donors to the athletic department, and likely 5 or 6,000 hockey season ticket holders between full and partial season plans, with the High level donors, Gold Club and Crimson Club members getting first crack at NCAA tickets. While there is a lot or overlap between those groups, you can easily how they would run out quickly, likely even before the full season ticket holder crowd could be serviced, let alone the 15,000 or so fans who follow DU hockey. Supply and demand….
I was told 600 allotment and 400 after coaches & team get theirs.
I am not Brandon and I don’t work for DU. I am just a regular fan and long time season ticket holder like you. I did read your posts, and I think (and please correct me if I am inaccurate) that you believe DU owes you a “straight answer or transparency” when it comes to Frozen Four tickets for a DU season ticket holder who is not a high level Pioneer Movement donor, right?
I don’t think they owe any of us a straight answer. There is a pecking order for NCAA tickets, and to make sure you are high enough in that pecking order, you need to be a high level donor. Nobody could buy tickets a week ago. They go on sale first to the big Pioneer Movement donors on Sunday night, who clearly had the highest priority here (as they should) and those donors probably bought up the DU allotment before they could even sell tickets to long-time season ticket holders like you today.
In the past, they always more than enough tickets to service the demand for Frozen Fours for the donors AND season ticket holders who wanted them. But this year, they clearly had more demand than tickets to service the demand. The only right answer here is to be a big enough donor so that when inventory demand is high, you get serviced.
We are talking past each other.
Anyone could buy tickets months ago from the NCAA. As I said above, I waited because I thought DU would benefit from me buying through them, along with wanting to sit with other supporters. They are not “on-sale” today as stated in the email that was sent out and when questioning the process I was told that I should have donated more by that bozo in the ticket office.
You are correct. DU clearly does not owe me or any other alum even an explanation (see Boone logo at top of page). They have made it abundantly clear that my ticket sales mean nothing to them regardless of how long I’ve had them.
I am saying that if they intend to keep a fan base during regular season games and less than stellar years, maybe the people in charge of the ticket office should sit in on a business course or two.
Why should I continue my support, financially or otherwise? The administration has convinced me not to in the future.
The NCAA controls allotments so DU is limited in terms of what they can do. Not surprised the tickets have been sold. This is going to be a difficult ticket. Hopefully, DU fans snap up United Center tickets before our competitors do…
http://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/04005158D3BC1A64?artistid=1561844&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=9&brand=unitedcenter&f_tmol_checkout=true&ab=m_efeat4786v1#efeat4212
My issue is the lack of transparency and poor communication. It’s 2017, they are waitlisting people on an excel spreadsheet and delaying sales. A better ticket plan could have been hatched last week, obviously they spent no time on it. It’s not difficult to have a prioritized ticket selling system ala Ticketmaster.
I have been a season ticket holder for 20+ years but sadly this will be my last after this debacle. Certainly they won’t care since I’m under the donation amount that matters, Brandon MacNeill in the admin made that very clear.
Good luck to the boys in Chicago! And good luck maintaining the dwindling reg season attendance.
I don’t quite understand why you are blaming DU for this. There is a prioritized ticketing system, and it’s pretty well understood that higher level donors get higher priority in any college athletic scenario when tickets are limited. The best way to secure NCAA ticket access is donate a high amount of money – it’s that simple. With DU being #1 and the Frozen Four in a high-demand city like Chicago (vs. say, Columbus), the ticket demand is simply higher than in previous years among the high donor class…
Is your name Brandon by chance? Did you read my post?
DU is sending me the emails and disseminating conflicting information. I would have bought tickets a week ago if I knew “priority for season ticket holders” meant waitlist until other options are sold out. I was at the ticket office this morning, when I was told tickets would go “on-sale.” I assumed (probably incorrectly) that DU would benefit from me buying from them.
I’m not complaining that they have so few tickets. I’m disappointed they can’t give a straight answer on the process except for “next time donate more money.” That’s pretty sh*tty customer service and I’ll chose to spend and donate my money elsewhere.
Totally agree, what a shame and a debacle. Apparently the team doesn’t care about it’s loyal fans. Mark me down as another season ticket holder (10 years of both nights), that is done!
I did end up buying seat the the frozen four, but sad I can’t sit why fellow fans.
Sorry about your bad experience, Anon. Although I was able to get a ticket through the ticket office (I called at 9:00 a.m. yesterday after I got an email the night before), I understand that DU could handle this better. I also don’t like the fact that DU doesn’t just give you the Frozen Four tickets that you buy from them, or at least allow you to pick them up at the DU arena before everyone leaves for Chicago. It’s a pain to have to pick them up at will call, especially in a situation like this where there is a considerable distance from the hotels where people are staying and the arena. But don’t let this dissuade from going to Chicago, Anon. It will be a good time, and I’m pretty sure you will be able to find a ticket somehow.
Appreciate the sentiment! Have fun in Chicago!
My thoughts…I know DU is scrambling to get more tickets (it was tweeted today). So, before everyone gets too excited, let’s see what solutions they come up with to secure (if possible) extra tickets. With Chicago, Notre Dame, and the NCAA handling ticket allocations this was bound to be challenging. Hold tight and let’s see what happens for those of you that are still looking for tix…
The problem is that if you wait to see what “solutions” DU comes up with the actual tickets available via the NCAA online/Ticketmaster are selling and will eventually none will be left. People who wait generally end up with nothing.
Agreed. Get tickets now if you can (DU does not mark them up). But, if you can’t find them, DU may get more tickets. You can always move extras on the secondary market if DU knocks on your door – if they are better.
This was the point I’m trying to make. Why say the tickets are “on sale” (the email) when they are not in fact on sale or even in existence? It was a real disservice to fans, let alone so-called “priority” fans.
I hate to belabor the point, but the tickets were “on sale,” and they sold out. It seems pretty simple. Not sure what the perceived controversy is, aside from Anon feeling like he should have been prioritized more. Time to move on, find a ticket somewhere else, and get to the event!!! Looking forward to hearing about the DU events in Chicago, which should be well attended. Interested to hear which hotel will be the HQ for the DU events.
There are random college hockey fans selling tickets on USCHO.com as well. Trying to help those still looking…
I was at the ticket office at nine am this morning – no tickets on sale as advertised as recently as last night, combined with an insult from the admin. Good luck keeping a fan base with that business model. Shame on me, I already knew DU has a large enough donor base that they don’t care about fans. It will be sad when then crowd thins out further.
Good luck to those trying to get tickets, I’m done.
DU Team Hotel is the Sheraton Grand Hotel, on the River just off Michigan Avenue. I am guessing that some or all of other competing teams are probably staying there too, along with the media and NCAA family.
DU is working on fan parties in Chicago and 11 watch parties and will announce locations and details as soon as they are finalized.
I am not Brandon and I don’t work for DU. I am just a regular fan and long time season ticket holder like you. I did read your posts, and I think (and please correct me if I am inaccurate) that you believe DU owes you a “straight answer or transparency” when it comes to Frozen Four tickets for a DU season ticket holder who is not a high level Pioneer Movement donor, right?
I don’t think they owe any of us a straight answer. There is a pecking order for NCAA tickets, and to make sure you are high enough in that pecking order, you need to be a high level donor. Nobody could buy tickets a week ago. They go on sale first to the big Pioneer Movement donors on Sunday night, who clearly had the highest priority here (as they should) and those donors probably bought up the DU allotment before they could even sell tickets to long-time season ticket holders like you today.
In the past, they always more than enough tickets to service the demand for Frozen Fours for the donors AND season ticket holders who wanted them. But this year, they clearly had more demand than tickets to service the demand. The only right answer here is to be a big enough donor so that when inventory demand is high, you get serviced.
We are talking past each other.
Anyone could buy tickets months ago from the NCAA. As I said above, I waited because I thought DU would benefit from me buying through them, along with wanting to sit with other supporters. They are not “on-sale” today as stated in the email that was sent out and when questioning the process I was told that I should have donated more by that bozo in the ticket office.
You are correct. DU clearly does not owe me or any other alum even an explanation (see Boone logo at top of page). They have made it abundantly clear that my ticket sales mean nothing to them regardless of how long I’ve had them.
I am saying that if they intend to keep a fan base during regular season games and less than stellar years, maybe the people in charge of the ticket office should sit in on a business course or two.
Why should I continue my support, financially or otherwise? The administration has convinced me not to in the future.
I too will speak to the poor job done by DU handling the NCAA tickets. Let me begin with me queing up with one other person in the cold and rain this morning prior to 9 am outside the north box office window, as the DU website said. I did want to leave tickets to the chance of a call not getting returned.
Starting with something as simple as the sign (this morning) that said “hours 9 am to 5 pm M-F.” Another sign on the far right window said “West window open 2 hours before event on game days.” When there were no lights on at 9:10, I called Ron Grahame (the only name I recognized that I thought might respond) and left a VM. So I wandered inside only to find the west office was open, contrary to the signage. I drove by the arena tonight to snap a photo to record the erroneous sign so I could send it to Mr. McNeill. To my surprise, they had actually changed the signage to say “go to the west box office for ticket purchases.” They could not even do something right that was that rudimentary. I am disappointed Mr. Grahame did not bother to return my call, but at least someone responded in some way.
While purchasing my tickets, I asked the agent why they made the change that season ticket holder sales did not start on Tuesday morning as promoted on their website. He said they made the change “upstairs.” After asking several times they gave me Brandon McNeill as the person “upstairs” pulling the strings. No one would say anything bad about their boss, but I certainly could see they were not pleased with how that had taken place. They obviously understood how bad the communication had been.
So I went up the fourth floor and visited with Mr. McNeill. His first instinct was to jump out his chair, blame his staff and said “lets go downstairs and find out who said that.” Knowing that would solve nothing, I told him that is not the point. Look at your website and how it changed. After a few more minutes of back and forth, his parting shot was “maybe next year you should make a contribution and you won’t find your self in this position.” Really? It did not make me reach for my checkbook. This guy is in charge of selling tickets to the public? I was embarrassed for him that a remark like that came out of his mouth, let alone some who represents DU. He managed to suck all the joy I have had for the program right out of me.
I understand about Donors and the big money getting the favors… no problem with that. I understand that the NCAA controls the events. I looked at the United Center website after the game and knew I could have just gotten tickets then. But a big part of going for me would be enjoying and cheering with the other DU fans. So I waited to buy until the information was up on the DU website (which was pretty slow).
I trusted my alma mater to provide accurate and timely information, of which they did neither. So I guess I am the idiot for trusting them. Spare me the false modesty DG. I do what I can for DU, but I do not have your money nor Dan Richie’s. I am just a hardworking old alum who graduated years ago when not every student had a silver spoon in their mouth.
The bottom line is that DU has done a poor job managing this. Interesting with DG’s comments about Notre Dame and how they treat their alumni. DU does owe us straight talk. Not asking for favors. Just be straightforward and truthful. If we would be better off going our own way, just tell us. Do not not lead us down a false path.
As for the NCAA, DU is a member. Work to change it. Make it more open to the loyal fans. When the quarter final tournament was here a few years back, I bought 16 tickets. The deal was to get one ticket to the Frozen Four the next year, you had to buy 4 tickets to the prior year’s regional. And I was at the Frozen Four here at the old hanger in 1976.
I do not have much to do with pro sports anymore, because it is all about the money. Sadly, I thought college hockey would stay free of that for at least a while longer. The people on earlier posts will probably not be the only ones you lose as season ticket holders. As someone posted recently, Loyalty 0, Money 1.
Maybe the University needs to look at itself instead of blaming fans for the reason for declining ticket sales. Check your collective egos. It is all about the attitude.
Great note, Old Pio. You provided a thorough summary of your experience – hopefully, DU will see this and make improvements. I got interested in college sports because I was sick of high $$$ pro sports, too. Contrary to what you may think, DU and athletes need our support at DU. DI sports without a big football program is not a profit center. Nor by the way does DU benefit by NCAA playoff revenue – the NCAA does. Thanks for taking the time write about your experience Old Pio.
My thoughts…I know DU is scrambling to get more tickets (it was tweeted today). So, before everyone gets too excited, let’s see what solutions they come up with to secure (if possible) extra tickets. With Chicago, Notre Dame, and the NCAA handling ticket allocations this was bound to be challenging. Hold tight and let’s see what happens for those of you that are still looking for tix…
The problem is that if you wait to see what “solutions” DU comes up with the actual tickets available via the NCAA online/Ticketmaster are selling and will eventually none will be left. People who wait generally end up with nothing.
Agreed. Get tickets now if you can (DU does not mark them up). But, if you can’t find them, DU may get more tickets. You can always move extras on the secondary market if DU knocks on your door – if they are better.
This was the point I’m trying to make. Why say the tickets are “on sale” (the email) when they are not in fact on sale or even in existence? It was a real disservice to fans, let alone so-called “priority” fans.
I was there last year at Tampa. DU’s presence was minimal, including no pep band. I would hope that with a year’s advance notice, and a #1 rated team, that DU could have done a better job of anticipating a possible return and marshaling their fans to Chicago.
I will be there because I am there every year. Four of us attend every Frozen Four. This year I hope DU makes a much better effort to support its team. Go PIoneers!
I understand the athletes do need our support, but I was basically told today that “we do not care about you unless you make a donation.” Hard to stomach that after supporting the program for 45 years, and through some extremely lean years. What will happen with that attitude is attendance will continue to decline, and there will remain a few wealthy donors sitting in the stands. Not a good show for recruiting.
I am not sure why they hired Mr. McNeill with an attitude like that. He has been in academia too long! And why hire someone from a non hockey school–Tulane, really? I am sorry he does not have a better understanding of the history… but then again maybe they don’t care where the real support has been over the years. It is the fans in seats that will make the program truly succeed. Mr. Ritchie and other donors have done great things for the University, but there does need to be balance.
What an opportunity to promote the program, keep fans enthused, attract new ones and, yes, generate ticket sales. But instead, there was this horribly managed process. Why have ticket sales declined? You have the best program in the country and can’t sell out every night? Boobs like the guy upstairs are part of the problem.
You sell tickets one at a time, and it appears DU is going to lose fans the same way. Very sad.
Adding on to Old DU Youngstar, why isn’t there a headquarters hotel, a reception for fans, a travel agent to set up package deals? (Don’t worry Mr. McNeill, happy to pay for my drink.) I think you can still get a marketing degree at DU… where is the creativity? Coordination with the Chicago alumni club? The list goes on.
Need to get rid of that “if we build it, they will come” mentality. Other schools can do it, why can’t DU?
The Alumni group is working with the Chicago Chapter and they are going to have a sizable reception area and a place for Denver fans to go that will be announced shortly. There is also a team hotel but tough to save enough rooms for fans when they only make the tournament a week and a half before Chicago. That being said, Old Pio hit the nail on the head with the need for better communication and coordination.
5bwest, Old Pio passed away unfortunately over a year ago. You mean Old School
Right you are…I my mistake! We miss him.
I hate to belabor the point, but the tickets were “on sale,” and they sold out. It seems pretty simple. Not sure what the perceived controversy is, aside from Anon feeling like he should have been prioritized more. Time to move on, find a ticket somewhere else, and get to the event!!! Looking forward to hearing about the DU events in Chicago, which should be well attended. Interested to hear which hotel will be the HQ for the DU events.
There are random college hockey fans selling tickets on USCHO.com as well. Trying to help those still looking…
I was at the ticket office at nine am this morning – no tickets on sale as advertised as recently as last night, combined with an insult from the admin. Good luck keeping a fan base with that business model. Shame on me, I already knew DU has a large enough donor base that they don’t care about fans. It will be sad when then crowd thins out further.
Good luck to those trying to get tickets, I’m done.
Just read the last 30 or so comments for the first time tonight. Pretty shocking developments.
My heart goes out to everyone who has been impacted by this. Who’s to say who or how many already think they have tickets, might get screwed over still? None of us have a ticket in hand until moments before Faceoff on Thursday week. All we have is a credit card receipt.
What if DU is able to secure more tickets in the next week, but longtime Denver based season ticket holders who would have gone, have already been turned away by the Ticket Office? That would be tragic.
Can’t help thinking about countless DU hockey road games have I attended over the years when there less than half-dozen Pioneer fans in the building, not counting parents? Now we have this situation where many were willing and able to go and appear to be shutout at the last minute.
What would North Dakota fans do in the same situation? They’d get on Stubhub.com and buy tickets anywhere in the barn. Then they’d vent their anger at the opponent.
Let’s turn this into an opportunity. I’m willing to trade up to four tickets in the DU section (if I actually get them) for nose bleed seats. The seats may not be together, but who know what right now. Just email me a copy of your Stubhub receipt from now onwards and the first two people will get to swap tickets with me. dggoddard “at” aol “dot” com
I can predict one thing with certainty. This is going to be the largest DU road turnout in history. The party’s are going to be off the hook fun and DU hasn’t been this favored in a Frozen Four for half a century.
All four teams are staying at the Sheraton Grand Hotel.
DU Team Hotel is the Sheraton Grand Hotel, on the River just off Michigan Avenue. I am guessing that some or all of other competing teams are probably staying there too, along with the media and NCAA family.
DU is working on fan parties in Chicago and 11 watch parties and will announce locations and details as soon as they are finalized.