For non-conference play, we have provided 300 complimentary tickets to both Rice University and the University of California at Berkeley for their marching bands. We are disappointed that the MOB from Rice University has chosen not to attend, as we were excited to host one of the great traditions of college football.
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When the opposing teams’ bands play at Jones AT&T stadium, they will face similar charges.
The decision was made in July by business advisers at all four schools.
According to Texas’ response, Big 12 schools have historically charged visiting schools for the band and fans.
“I think just in today’s environment with the way business is now, and teams travel different sized bands”, Giovannetti said. It also stated that its policy follows practices at other Big 12 member institutions. Texas did not initiate the discussions on this policy.
In July, the Big 12 Conference schools made the decision to charge these fees uniformly, ending a “handshake” deal held by Texas schools in an attempt to try and recoup financial losses as student ticket sales continue to fall nationally and a new ruling on Cost Attendance mandates that student athletes be paid a twice-monthly stipend, in addition to their scholarships.
The University of Texas Athletic Department is responding to social media posts. The paper reports that with 600-seats reserved for the 100-member Goin’ Band, at $100 per ticket, the total cost for the group will be $60,000.
The UT Athletic Director, Steve Patterson, weighed in on the issue on Twitter.
Universities, including Texas Tech, UT, Baylor and TCU, have reported they will not charge each others’ bands admissions into the games when they play each other.
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According to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Robert Giovannetti, senior associate athletics director of external operations at Texas Tech, said Tech has not had to pay for the Goin’ Band’s seats at the UT game in the past, but that was part of what he called a “gentleman’s agreement” between the four Texas schools in the Big 12. I can see maybe charging a lower price for the band, but $100?
