Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't the "rival pack" around before Nero
came to Maine. He came in March of 2003 according to the biography on
goblackbears. I remember they had rival packs last season as several people
were in an uproar over the "rival pack" idea when they wanted tickets to the
home UNH games. If I'm not mistaken, this was Shaun Russell's idea. I
believe the only reason people didn't make a larger issue of it last year
was because there were a lot of tickets withheld for students at the skybox
end of the arena which always became available at the door an hour before
gametime. For most games you could get tickets at the door, even the good
games. I believe the UNH game was the only game where those tickets were
totally used up, but I believe they sold a small amount of standing room
only tickets to get more people in. But now this year with those withheld
tickets being converted to season ticket sales, supply down... demand up....
and the "rival pack" becomes much more of a controversy. So I don't think
the "rival pack" was Nero's idea originally, even though he is trying to
justify the "rival packs". But it probably was his idea to sell more season
tickets, which is up front guaranteed money. Hard to argue with that
concept, after all it is a business as hockey funds over 75% of the athletic
budget if my numbers are right. Please correct me if I am mistaken, but that
is the way I recall things...

-Cory

-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2003 11:32 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Ticket explaination


> From: [log in to unmask]
> One of the things Nero has done this year is to take  most of the tickets
that had been set aside for corporate sponsors (and which often weren't
being used) and making them available as season tickets.

> Nero has a huge challenge--to make the UMaine athletic program financially
self-supporting--and bundling tickets is one of many new approaches he is
trying to increase athletic department revenue.  There are three
alternatives to increasing revenue: (1) getting more money from the
Legislature to support UMaine athletics, (2) shifting money away from
academics or other UMaine activities to give more money to athletics, or (3)
reducing the funding level for some or all athletic programs.  I think the
chances of #1 or #2 happening are nil, and reduced funding is likely to
ensure mediocrity in all sports, including our beloved hockey program.

YAY!  DAVID!!
In two brief and cogent paragraphs, Dave has summed it up perfectly.
Patrick had no clue how bad things really were when he took this job, I
suspect, and he is trying to make things better as quickly and seamlessly as
possible.  Give him credit for trying and cut him some slack as he and a
number of brand new department staff members get a handle on who and what we
are at Maine.

If, a year from now, you think he or someone in the department is screwing
up -- let him have it.  In the meantime, give him a much needed break from
carping and just ask him something if you have a question or a complaint.
He is always available on the Q&A board, can be reached at
[log in to unmask] and the office phone is 207-581-1052 where you
may be able to speak with him or, if not, with his most affable assistant,
Linda Thayer.
Peace, comrades :-)
Nonni

President, M Club
Co-Advisor, All Maine Women
19 Annbar Drive, Old Town ME 04468
207-827-8386
Other email: [log in to unmask]