Frequently Asked Questions

BIG EAST Comparative Pricing Charts
F.A.Q. Regarding Bowl Ticket Credit

Why is UC no longer requiring UCATS members to purchase football season tickets for the opportunity to purchase men's basketball priority season tickets?
In the recent past patrons were required to purchase football season tickets in order to have the opportunity to purchase basketball season tickets. While we understand why the linkage existed in the past, we also believe strongly in the value of the UC Football experience in the BIG EAST Conference, full BCS partners, and know that if we are going to reach a level of sustained excellence then we must position football as having the strength to stand alone.

Important Dates

Tickets can be purchased online at www.GoBEARCATS.com or via phone at 1-877-CATS-TIX.

Why are bowl tickets being included in the higher level season ticket plans?
Consistent with our fervent belief in the value of UC Football, we have incorporated the cost of a bowl ticket in this year's higher level season ticket packages. It is important for our football program to be able to show prospective bowl committees that UC has a ready, willing and able fan base that is committed to the Bearcats. By having these tickets pre-sold in advance of the bowl selection process, UC football will have an advantage come selection time. 

How will the $50 (per ticket) bowl credit be applied when UC advances to a BCS bowl game?

Patrons will have the option of using their credit to purchase bowl tickets (default option) or if they are not planning to attend the bowl game the patron may choose to direct their bowl ticket credit balance towards one of the following options:

1. The UC Football Bowl Fund, which goes towards team expenses associated with a postseason bowl trip.  This would be a restricted gift which would not contribute to the patron's UCATS priority points total.

2. The Patrons UCATS membership account, in which the patron would receive a higher point value as an unrestricted gift than they would by restricting their gift as defined above. UCATS members who are interested in boosting their priority points would consider this to be a more attractive option.

Each reserved season ticket includes a $50 bowl credit.  If a patron has two (2) tickets they would be receiving a bowl credit of $100. For instance, when UC advances to the Orange Bowl and the price of two (2) tickets cost $250; the patron would then have a credit of $100 toward the purchase price. The remaining balance of $150 is due two (2) weeks prior to the date of the game.

However, if UC advances to a non-BCS bowl in which the tickets may only cost $50 per ticket, the patron would not owe anything if purchasing two tickets.

What would happen to my $50 (per seat) bowl credit if the Bearcats do not go to a bowl game?

In the unlikely event that the Bearcats do not advance to a postseason bowl game patrons may transfer their bowl credit balance towards one of the following options:

1.   A down payment for UC Football Season Tickets for the 2008 season (default option)

2. Apply the balance towards their UCATS membership and receive attendant points

If I purchase season tickets now how can I be sure that UC Athletics will not run promotions throughout the year which make it more affordable for me to buy individual game tickets?
UC Athletics is committed to providing our season ticket holders the best possible value. The pricing for the 2007 season was developed with that premise in mind. Individual game patrons will pay more on a per ticket average than the season ticket holder and will not have access to the myriad of benefits as well as the best locations which will be exclusively offered to our season ticket holders.

What is the benefit of being a season ticket holder?

• Opportunity to choose the best reserved seats in Nippert Stadium
• First priority to renew and request improved seating locations
• First priority for purchasing post-season tickets
• First priority for purchasing additional single and away game tickets
• First priority for purchasing group tickets
• Renewal Incentives (see chart below)

Seat selection is based on priority points within your annual gift tier for UCATS members and by date of purchase for non-UCATS members in general seating areas.

Can a group purchase season tickets and sit in the same section?
All current season ticket holders will receive a `seat selection appointment time' based on their priority points. Individuals with varying priority points and appointment times wanting to sit together as a group can select seats together, however, the individual in the group with the fewest priority points and latest appointment time will determine seat location. Individuals may increase their priority points by increasing their annual contribution before May 31, 2007.

How do I become a UCATS member?
Membership requires a minimum contribution of $50 or more. Please refer to our website www.GoBEARCATS.com, or contact the UCATS office at (513) 556-4884 for further information on how you can make a difference in the lives of over 500 UC student-athletes.

Do I need to make a separate UCATS gift if I want both football and men's basketball season tickets?
No. Your annual gift to UCATS makes you eligible for season ticket opportunities for both football and men's basketball. Your annual gift coupled with your priority points rank will determine the extent of your UCATS benefits.

I would like to renew my seats for next season. What do I need to do to make sure that my membership is renewed on time?

• Pay at least ¼ of your 2007 pledge by May 31, 2007.
• Make full payment for your 2007 football season tickets/parking by May 31, 2007.
• If you choose to purchase men's basketball season tickets, you will be invoiced in August of 2007.

Exceptions may apply to George D. Smith Society members.

What if I renew my UCATS membership after the renewal deadline?
Every effort will be made to accommodate late renewals; however, your seat availability may be adversely affected. Please understand that we must adhere to deadlines in order to administer benefits in a fair and timely manner.

When will seat selection begin for the 2007 football season?

• If you want to change or improve your seat location, the seat selection process will begin June 5, 2007.You will receive notification of your seat selection appointment time1.
• Non-UCATS season ticket holders will have the opportunity to select their seats beginning July 9, 2007.
• Renewing season ticket holders have the opportunity to maintain their current tickets.

1Seat selection times will be based upon your UCATS giving level and priority points.

What if I cannot make the appointment time for my seat selection?
The UC Ticket Office will try to accommodate you; however, seat availability may be adversely affected. In the event you cannot make your seat selection appointment time you may send a representative on your behalf or contact our office so we can assist you.

If I increase my annual donation are my football seats automatically upgraded?
If your annual donation is increased to meet the appropriate tier requirement, your football seats may be upgraded to the corresponding tier in Nippert Stadium. You will be contacted prior to our seat selection regarding your seat improvement. Please note the increased donation should be made prior to the May 31, 2007 renewal deadline.

If I increase my annual donation are my basketball seats automatically upgraded?
No. At this time written requests are required for ANY move in seat location. Seat Improvement forms are available online at www.GoBEARCATS.com, or a written request can be submitted with your renewal form.

When are priority points calculated for use in football and men's basketball?
All benefits associated with football seating and parking will be based upon your priority points as of May 31, 2007. All benefits associated with 2007-08 basketball seating and parking will be based upon your priority points as of September 3, 2007.

How many football season tickets can I purchase if I join the UCATS?
You are eligible to purchase eight (8) season tickets unless you had previously purchased more season tickets. Patrons who purchased more than eight tickets will be allowed to continue to purchase up to maximum number of tickets they previously held. If you wish to purchase more than eight football season tickets in a particular tier, please contact the UCATS office at (513) 556-4884.

Why are Priority Points important?
The UCATS Priority Points System is designed to ensure proper consideration for the loyalty and financial support for UCATS members who have given both their time as well as their financial contributions for the betterment of our student-athletes.  The purpose of the Priority Point System is to appropriately distribute benefits as it provides a framework for seat assignments at away or neutral site conference and non-conference games, post season play, parking, seat improvements, bowl appearances and other special athletic events or activities.  The Priority Point System will be based upon annual giving (unrestricted to scholarships as well as sport specific), consecutive years of donation, cumulative gifts, other athletics and university giving,  volunteer opportunities, alumnus, faculty/staff and letter winner status. 

How can I increase my number of Priority Points?
The best way to boost your priority points is through increasing your annual contribution to the UCATS. Making full payment of your gift by the May 31, 2007 deadline will maximize your number of priority points in time for football related benefits.

Can I transfer my tickets to another person?
Both UCATS memberships and season tickets are non-transferable outside of a transfer to immediate family members (son or daughter). It should be noted that in no instance, will priority points associated with a membership be transferred. Inherited memberships will be required to meet mandated minimums in order to maintain seat location.

As a current season ticket holder can I elect to purchase parking for football and men's basketball?
Yes. Many UC ticket holders elect to purchase parking on a season basis, which ensures the same parking location for every home game. Parking locations are assigned based on UCATS Priority Points.

How does my support of UCATS make a difference?
Your contributions to the UCATS are used to offset the annual athletics scholarship needs of Bearcat student-athletes in all 18 varsity sports.

Is my UCATS contribution tax deductible?
Yes. Your contribution to the UCATS is tax deductible minus the value of benefits received and the value of the opportunity to purchase season football and/or men's basketball tickets. Please consult your tax advisor for further details. You will also receive a letter from the UC Foundation regarding your tax deductible donation.