Frequently Asked Questions/Answers - University of Tennessee Athletics

April 6, 2004

Q. My family has had the same four seats for 43 years. Doesn't loyalty matter?
A. Certainly. We value our loyal fans and therefore have provided you with several options. Current grandfathered seat holders have a two-year option to keep two non-donor tickets in their current location, can join the VASF at a much lower annual contribution rate than "market value", can transfer the same seat into a child or grandchild's name, or can move their seats to an endzone location without making a donation.

Q. What happens in 2006?
A. If you retain two grandfathered sideline seats, you will have the opportunity to either make the donation to keep your current seats or move to the endzone as a non-donor.

Q. I can't afford to make an annual contribution. What are my options?
A. No one is being left out. You may choose to have non-donor season tickets in other areas of the stadium.

Q. Why are only sidelines seats affected?
A. We feel that we must make sure that we are using the most popular seats to reward VASF donors.

Q. If I choose to join the VASF and keep my existing ticket location can I receive other VASF benefits?
A. Absolutely. Depending on their level and rank, VASF donors can qualify for away and post-season game tickets, parking passes and other benefits.

Q. Can I move my grandfathered tickets to the endzone and transfer them to a child or grandchild?
A. No. You can only transfer your current sideline ticket location to related descendants who will then be responsible for the annual contribution and purchase of tickets.

Q. Can I request who I sit with?
A. Yes. Please send your request in writing on your ticket order form. Every effort will be made to accommodate your request.

Q. Is the annual seating contribution tax-deductible?
A. Generally the IRS allows you to deduct 80 percent of a contribution when you receive the right to purchase athletic tickets as a result of that contribution. We encourage you to consult your tax advisor.

Q. How will this money be used?
A. The athletic department will need to spend $50-$100 million refurbishing Neyland Stadium over the next 5 to 20 years. VASF dollars will be used for these needs and other operational needs of the department, while ensuring that the UT athletic departments remain financially self-sufficient with NO TAX DOLLARS.

Q. Do other schools have similar programs?
A. Yes. Schools such as Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Auburn, Florida and Kentucky all have seating priority programs for their premium seat locations.

Q. Will the new annual contribution stay the same or increase in the future?
A. Although the athletic department is diligently working to contain costs, the cost of scholarships and operating a 20-sport program continues to rise each year. Future increases in minimum gift levels are a possibility.