OU Announces New Ticketing Programs

August 25th, 2005

Courtesy: SoonerSports.com
Boomer Sooner!

NORMAN, Okla. – Perhaps never before, at least in the college athletics realm, has loyalty had rewards like this.

The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department is implementing a new ticketing program designed to reward fans for game attendance and the resale of their tickets through athletics department channels. The Sooner Loyalty program is launching Aug. 26 and is unique nationally in its approach.

“The University of Oklahoma is passionate about offering its fans the latest ticketing technology available” said Jane Kleinberger, CEO of Paciolan, Inc. “This comprehensive loyalty program is the first of its kind at the collegiate level and reflects OU’s commitment to continually improve their ticket services.”

In previous years, priority points, used by the athletics department to determine seat location and ticket availability to marquee events, could be gained only by donations to the Sooner Club and season ticket purchases. Now, through the use of digital ticketing, points will be rewarded to season ticket holders based on ticket use.

OU Athletics Ticket Office | Ticket Transfers | Ticket Marketplace

“We have done considerable research and as a result, added cutting edge technologies to provide just the right way to reward those fans that consistently support our programs” said Joe Castiglione, OU Athletics Director. “The new Sooner Loyalty program gives us that ability. Additionally, we believe this gives us a unique way to keep our stadium and arena near or at maximum capacity on game days.

“Season ticket holders can now conveniently transfer unused tickets to someone else even at the last minute. These initiatives make it possible to maximize the use of our tickets, fill our venues and reward our fans. It is absolutely a win-win for everyone.”

The attendance-based points can be accumulated at volleyball, baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, football and softball home events. Availability for other sports will be added in the future.

Each season ticket contains a barcode which is scanned as fans enter OU venues. When the ticket is scanned, the attendance will be credited automatically to the ticket holder’s account and the priority points will be awarded at the end of the season based on percentage of events attended.

Fans whose tickets are used for 100% of the events will be labeled as Hall of Famers and will receive an additional four priority points. Those whose tickets are used at 85-99% of the events achieve National Champion status and receive three points. For those who tickets are used at 73-84% of the events, the heading is All-American and the point value is two.

Reaping those rewards will also be possible even if the ticket holder cannot attend in person through new Ticket Marketplace and Ticket Sharing programs. Now, when season ticket holders sell or transfer their tickets on SoonerSports.com, or give the original tickets to a third-party, they will be credited with points if the tickets are used for admittance.

Season ticket holders receive a free membership to the Ticket Marketplace and Ticket Sharing portion of SoonerSports.com, the athletics department’s official site. Non-season ticket holders can purchase Ticket Marketplace memberships for $25 giving them the opportunity to access premium tickets posted for sale by season ticket holders.

Complete instructions will be mailed to season ticket holders and are available online at SoonerSports.com.

At the same time as the announcement of the Sooner Loyalty program, the athletics department is announcing the ability to fans to print out tickets from any computer. A barcode will be printed which will then serve as the item to be scanned at the game site. The technology is similar to e-ticketing that is now in use by most airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my original ticket still be used if I have sold it on OU Ticket Marketplace or transferred it via Ticket Sharing?
A: No. Once your ticket has been sold or transferred the bar code on the original ticket is voided and the original ticket should be destroyed.

Q: Is there a fee to use OU Ticket Marketplace or Ticket Sharing?
A: Season ticket holders receive a complimentary membership to OU Ticket Marketplace. There is a $25 annual fee for non-season ticket holders wishing to purchase tickets on OU Ticket Marketplace. Tickets transferred via Ticket Sharing are subject to a $2 fee per transaction. This fee may be paid by either the season ticket holder or the recipient.

Q: If I purchase or receive tickets through OU Ticket Marketplace or Ticket Sharing, what are my options for picking up the ticket(s)?
A: Tickets may be picked up at will call or you have the option of printing the tickets using your personal computer. The “print-at-home” option requires no special printers, papers, etc. All you need is access to a computer and printer. The service utilizes technology which will print a bar code on your printed ticket that allows you entrance to the venue (much like the airlines currently employ). Once the unique bar code associated with your ticket is scanned at the venue, any duplicate copies will be rendered useless.

Q: If my tickets are sold on OU Ticket Marketplace, will I recoup the cost of the ticket?
A: Yes. The season ticket holder will receive face-value credit for the ticket(s) that are sold via OU Ticket Marketplace. Checks will be issued by the OU Athletics Ticket Office bi-annually to season ticket holders who have sold tickets throughout the year.

Q: Do I have to use all of the tickets on my account for each game to receive 100% attendance credit?
A: Yes. Attendance percentages will be calculated based upon the use of all tickets associated with a particular account. For example, if Joe Fan has 4 season football tickets then he has 24 tickets (4 season tickets x 6 home football games = 24 tickets) which must be used for admission to receive 100% attendance credit.

Q: Will I receive credit for attendance if I give or sell my tickets directly to an acquaintance without using OU Ticket Marketplace or Ticket Sharing?
A: Yes. You will receive attendance credit as long as the ticket is used for entry to the event and scanned at the gate.

Q: What sports can I receive attendance-based priority points for attending?
A: Currently, season ticket holders in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, football, softball and volleyball can receive attendance-based priority points. Availability for other sports will be added in the near future.

Entry Filed under: Sooners