Hefty increases in season ticket prices and a mandatory one-time “capital gift” requirement to maintain those existing seats at Doak Campbell Stadium have been met with angst and a feeling of betrayal by some vocal long-term Seminoles football supporters.
A variety of new seating options will be available for FSU’s season ticket holders to purchase at an increased price as Florida State University begins its $265 million commitment to begin renovations on the stadium at the end of the current regular season.
This pricing includes a one-time capital gift contribution that is tax deductible and can be paid over three years. That contribution will be used directly toward funding the stadium renovation project that is scheduled to be completed for FSU’s home opener against Alabama in 2025.
Here are responses some season-ticket holders expressed in recent letters to the editor at the Tallahassee Democrat.
This long-term FSU season ticket holder, booster, left feeling betrayed
My wife and I have been season ticket holders and Seminole Boosters for 35 years. We, too, had sticker shock when we were informed of the increased costs of retaining our tickets.
When FSU says that the overall response to the survey revealed that people enthusiastically endorsed an enhanced game experience, I think it’s being a bit disingenuous.
There was absolutely nothing in the survey about cost increases of this magnitude. Just a basic question along the lines of “would you pay more for an enhanced game experience.” Of course, people answer that question in the affirmative.
What’s now happening is a clear out of long-term season tickets holders with good seats so that new people can pay big bucks and get those good seats. I just don’t feel like long-term season ticket holders and Boosters are being treated fairly.
FSU is very fortunate that this is being rolled out during a good season for the team. If not, I don’t think they could pull it off (assuming they can). And I’m concerned that a large “club” section will result in empty seats outdoors with people staying indoors. See Champions Club.
I think a significant number of loyal fans will be replaced with corporate guests and the stadium dynamic will be permanently changed. I haven’t yet made up my mind with what we’re going to do but will remain a loyal fan. The whole thing just feels like a money grab.
Mike Markham, Tallahassee FL, michaelmarkham1964@gmail.com
This 50-year FSU season ticket holder questions value to costly new fee plan
Just read the article in the Tallahassee Democrat, “Big Ticket Item” and we met with FSU last week.
Disappointed is an understatement.
We have been boosters and season-ticket holders for 50 years. We love FSU, Coach Norvell, all the coaches and the team are doing a tremendous job.
The primary problem we have with this additional $2,500 per seat, above our booster fees and ticket costs is there is no value added. It does not apply to our booster contribution, it does not improve our seating, nor the physical seats.
It’s a very heavy-handed approach that clearly states, “we are only concerned about getting more money, it does not matter how long you have been a booster or season ticket holder, your point accumulation means nothing…”.
Jeff Doxsee, Sr., Tallahassee, FL, JeffDoxsee1@gmail.com
Florida State has priced me out of being a season ticket holder
I’m a 1980 graduate and a retired teacher. This (Doak Campbell Stadium) renovation has priced me right out of ever buying season tickets again.
Traveling to Tallahassee from Orlando is already expensive, between tickets, hotel, food, and gas, it easily adds up to an $800 to $1,000 weekend.
The new ticket prices have put it out of reach for my family to attend. Not only is this going to price out teachers like me, but I’m sure service men and women, police, EMTs and other hardworking people who love the Noles will no longer be able to attend because of pricing.
The announcers at the games will no longer need to honor these people and have them stand because we won’t be there. I actual think attending away games might be cheaper.
Sherri Holstrum, St. Cloud, FL, sherrijstrum@embarqmail.com
How many Seminole Boosters will be lost through new capital-gift fees?
I have been a Seminole Booster since 1978, 45 Years. We have six tickets, seats at $350 per seat and $325 per seat for the boosters, $4,050 total.
We sit on the 20-yard line. We have been to every FSU bowl game for the last 38 years. I bet I’m one of the few who have truly supported them through the good and bad years. I have seen a lot of changes, a lot of fans that come and go. Most of our friends around us feel the same as we do.
FSU is going too far with the way they want to raise funds. They say they have a 20% commitment. This must be from the corporate sponsors. I don’t know who came up with this ridiculous one-time capital gift, but I feel like FSU will have a tough time and will lose a lot of their true old-time Seminole Boosters.
It’s sort of like Bobby Bowden, they eased him out. Good luck FSU! DADGUMMIT! ….and now the boosters are gone.
Mark Bishop, Cairo, Georgia, marksbishop56@gmail.com