MEMBERSHIP GUIDE

Transcription

1 MEMBERSHIP GUIDE University of Cincinnati 2751 O Varsity Way Suite 470 Richard E. Lindner Center P.O. Box Cincinnati OH UCATS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jim Amann President Jerry Atkins Nancy Blum Ross Bushman Maria Cholak Dr. Bob Coppola John Courter Gary Johns Shenan Murphy Tim Murphy Fritz Russ Ph.D. Benjamin Russert Jeff Schaeper Will Schwartz Matthew Sheakley Greg Wolf David Wyler Mike Ziegler UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI ATHLETICS TEAM SUPPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL A UCATS REPRESENTATIVE AT UCATS OR VISIT UCATS.NET Online contributions at UCATS.net click on DonorNet

2 THE BIG PLAYS... THE EMOTION... THE MOMENTS... THE CHAMPIONSHIPS... EVERY STUDENT-ATHLETE... EVERY DEGREE... BEGINS WITH A SCHOLARSHIP... PROVIDED BY UCATS... ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN AND SEASON TICKET IMPORTANT DATES APRIL DEADLINE: UCATS Pledge Renewals DEADLINE: Football Season Ticket Renewals DEADLINE: Football Seat Improvement Requests MAY Letter distribution begins communicating football seat improvement appointment dates and times MAY Seat selection process begins for football seat improvement requests beginning with members of the George D. Smith Society JUNE Annual UCATS Riverboat Cruise AUGUST DEADLINE: UCATS football pledges must be paid in full in order to receive tickets SEPTEMBER 2011 The seat selection process for men s basketball seat improvement requests and new season ticket holders is conducted throughout September. Selection appointment dates and times will be communicated in early September. OCTOBER UCATS men s basketball pledges must be paid in full in order to receive tickets TABLE OF CONTENTS A message From the Director of Athletics...1 UCATS Mission...2 UCATS At A Glance Ways You Can Help Bearcats Athletics...4 UCATS Membership...5 UCATS Priority Point System...6 Leadership Support...7 UCATS Priority Seating...8 Men s Basketball Priority Season Tickets...9 Football Priority Season Tickets...10 Bearcats Football at Paul Brown Stadium...11 Program Specific Giving...12 UCATS STAFF AND CONTACT INFORMATION Andy Hurley Jeff Smith Jenny Gardner Greg Harrell Bryan Allen TJ Feuerbach Chris Pyles Katie Pavel Vicki Rohlfer Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development Associate Athletic Director Development Associate Athletic Director Development Director of Priority Seating Major Gift Officer/Athletics Assistant Director of Development Assistant Director of Development Sports Program Associate Administrative Coordinator UCATS University of Cincinnati 2751 O Varsity Way Suite 470 Richard E. Lindner Center P.O. Box Cincinnati Ohio Phone or UCATS Fax UCATS@uc.edu UC ATHLETICS TICKET OFFICE MARKETING & FAN DEVELOPMENT Meagan Kantor Lindsey Delscamp Melissa Kopriva Nicholas Bowes Leslie Wenert Brad Wurthman Jaime Schiferl Athletics Ticket Office University of Cincinnati 2751 O Varsity Way Suite 480 Richard E. Lindner Center P.O. Box Cincinnati OH Phone or CATS-TIX Manager Customer Service & Ticket Operations Assistant Manager Customer Service & Ticket Operations Assistant Ticket Manager Ticket Office Accountant Assistant Athletic Director Promotions & Special Events Assistant Athletic Director Marketing & Game Operations Coordinator Marketing & Promotions A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Dear Bearcats Fans I would like to thank you for being an integral part of Bearcat Nation and playing a significant supporting role in our ongoing pursuit of excellence at the University of Cincinnati. As we reflect on 2010 we see a year marked by triumphs and challenges. Triumphs such as our Volleyball program s remarkable 30-6 season and NCAA Tournament appearance Men s Soccer s impressive run to the BIG EAST semi-finals and our vision of the Sheakley Athletics Center becoming a much-anticipated reality. We cherish these memories but understand the challenge that we face as a member of the BIG EAST one of the premiere intercollegiate athletics conferences in the country. The University of Cincinnati has experienced tremendous growth since joining the BIG EAST in 2005 however it is more apparent now than ever that we must remain steadfast in our resolve to grow this athletics department to remain a viable competitor in a BCS conference. As your Director of Athletics I can tell you that I have never been more proud to be associated with a collective group of student-athletes than what we have here at the University of Cincinnati. These young men and women are not only talented athletes but they are remarkable students inspiring stewards of Bearcats Athletics and wonderful ambassadors for the University of Cincinnati. In forty-one student-athletes participated in the 191st UC Commencement 184 Bearcats earned BIG EAST All-Academic Team honors and collectively they completed over 5500 hours of community service in the Greater Cincinnati Community. Your support as a UCATS member makes a difference in the lives of these investment-worthy student-athletes and allows them to make an impact on the field of play in the classroom and in the community. As we move forward we are constantly exploring opportunities for the betterment of our athletics program. It is paramount that we grow our base of support through UCATS and leverage opportunities that impact revenue generation such as the introduction of the Bearcats Fan Advantage program and the expanded use of Paul Brown Stadium for Bearcats football. We got a taste of this experience in 2010 when over Bearcats fans filled Paul Brown Stadium for the Bearcats battle with Oklahoma. Going forward we will continue to explore the viability of playing additional games downtown while balancing the needs of our programs and campus community. Whether you are a long-time UCATS member or a prospective first time donor I want you to know that you are a vital component of our intercollegiate athletics program. Not only is your support paramount to our success but we also need your help on the recruiting trail for new investors and UCATS members. On behalf of UCATS and the entire Cincinnati Bearcats family I thank you for your support. Go Bearcats! With Bearcat Pride Mike Thomas Director of Athletics 1

3 UCATS MISSION MISSION STATEMENT To provide financial support to fund student-athlete scholarships and special needs of the athletics department while fostering camaraderie sportsmanship and school spirit among students faculty & staff alumni and friends of the University of Cincinnati Athletics. WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP UC Faces Revenue Generation Challenges Relative to BIG EAST Conference Peers In the BIG EAST Conference UC has the lowest amount of revenue generation by football and ranks in the bottom half in men s basketball. Our reduced capacity as well as the limited number of lower bowl and premium seating options in the University s competitive venues places UC at a competitive disadvantage relative to our peers. Furthermore football and men s basketball season tickets and related revenues are not enough to adequately support the total intercollegiate athletics program. The private support from a family of loyal and dedicated UCATS members is critical to the long-term success of Bearcats Athletics. Rising Costs of Academic Support With over 530 student-athletes representing 18 varsity sports the annual scholarship budget is approximately $6 million. UCATS must raise these funds through private support on an annual basis. Athletics is Often Viewed as the Front Porch of the University of Cincinnati Athletic success is important to the University of Cincinnati. Financial stability in athletics ultimately breeds success and success breeds pride among our many alumni and friends. This success can be a tremendous recruiting tool for the general student population and potential student-athletes as evidenced by UC s record applications and enrollment following recent athletics success. METHODS OF GIVING Most common methods of giving include: CASH CHECK AND CREDIT CARDS Making an annual contribution to UCATS can be as easy as writing a check (made payable to the UC Foundation) or using Visa MasterCard American Express or Discover credit card. Convenient installment plans may be coordinated. For additional information please contact a UCATS staff representative at UCATS. GIFTS-IN-KIND Gifts of goods or services can be of great financial assistance to UC Athletics while offering the donor credit for the fair market value of the gift. PAYROLL DEDUCTION As the Greater Cincinnati Community s largest employer the University of Cincinnati offers payroll deduction for UCATS contributions. UC Faculty/Staff members are encouraged to contact UCATS if you are interested in the convenience of payroll deduction. STOCK TRANSFER UCATS will accept contributions in the form of securities. The value of the gift is determined by the average of the high and low prices of the security on the day the security is received in the UC Foundation s brokerage account. MATCHING GIFTS Numerous companies match donor gifts to UCATS. A list of the companies with UCATS matching gift programs can be found on our website at The top 5 companies matching to UCATS include General Electric Foundation Macy s Foundation Deloitte Foundation Duke Energy Corporation and Microsoft Corporation Matching Gifts. For more information donors should directly contact their company s human resources department. UCATS AT A GLANCE GROWING UCATS NUMBER OF MEMBERS 2179 ANNUAL FUND DRIVE RAISING THE BAR NUMBER OF MEMBERS 3496 ANNUAL FUND DRIVE BIG EAST FOOTBALL PARTICIPANTS TOTAL DONORS TO ATHLETICS FOR LOUISVILLE WEST VIRGINIA 6590 PITTSBURGH 5991 CONNECTICUT 5783 RUTGERS 5500 SYRACUSE 5300 CINCINNATI 5260 SOUTH FLORIDA 3500 NUMBER OF MEMBERS 4539 ANNUAL FUND DRIVE MEETING THE NEED: ANNUAL ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP EXPENSES Value of a Full Scholarship to the University of Cincinnati NUMBER OF MEMBERS 5260 ANNUAL FUND DRIVE When joining the BIG EAST Conference UC ranked a distant last in the number of donors to athletics (1962 in 2006) relative to other BIG EAST football participant schools. UCATS has grown over 150% since joining the BIG EAST and in once again led the conference in annual growth with a 16% increase in membership. UC Athletics is proud of this growth but understands there is still much work to be done. At the heart of the UCATS mission is an essential need to continue to grow the base of support for Bearcats Athletics. This growth is imperative for the University of Cincinnati to compete at the highest level in the BIG EAST Conference and on the national stage Academic Year Tuition & Fees Books Room & Board Total IN-STATE $10065 $1275 $9510 $20850 OUT-OF-STATE $24588 $1275 $9510 $ Total Scholarship Expense $ * * Figures represent both full and partial scholarships throughout the course of the academic year 167 In-State Scholarships 167 Out-of-State Scholarships For a complete list of giving methods please contact the UCATS office or visit 2 3

4 5 WAYS YOU CAN HELP BEARCATS ATHLETICS 1 SUPPORT THE UCATS ANNUAL 4 SUPPORT BEARCATS STUDENT- FUND ATHLETES THROUGH AN The UCATS Annual Fund is used to ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP meet the annual scholarship expense An endowment represents a long term for Bearcats student-athletes. With over solution to keeping pace with escalating 530 student-athletes representing 18 scholarship costs. This program allows varsity sports approximately $6 million UCATS members to invest in the must be raised annually through educational opportunities of UC private support to make our dream of student-athletes. Endowed gifts are excellence in athletics and academics a held in perpetuity as the UC Foundation reality. All gifts required for priority invests the initial gift and spends only season tickets are directed to the a portion of the annual investment UCATS Annual Fund. return for the scholarship created. A donor who makes an endowed gift 2 MAKE A GIFT TOWARD A today can be confident that his or her SPECIAL PROJECT OR gift will grow and continue to provide SPORTS-SPECIFIC PROGRAM support for future UC student-athletes. We encourage all members to give to A donor may endow a named scholarship for a UC student-athlete with a gift the UCATS Annual Fund first but there are other ways that you can support of $ Although a donor cannot and become involved with Bearcats select specific scholarship recipients he Athletics. Remember any gift (undesignated annual fund gifts or sport-specif- for a specific sport/program. or she can designate his or her support ic designated gifts) of $50 or more Please contact a UCATS representative at makes you a UCATS member! There are UCATS to discuss your specific many critical needs for the athletics interest. department and sport-specific development funds meet the individual 5 REMEMBER UC ATHLETICS needs of each varsity sport. See page 12 IN YOUR ESTATE PLANNING for additional information. UCATS members can help ensure that the excellence of UC Athletics 3 ASK IF YOUR COMPANY continues in perpetuity by making a PARTICIPATES IN A MATCHING planned gift. Our staff working with GIFTS PROGRAM the UC Foundation can help you Some companies will match your determine the gift plan that best charitable contribution to UC Athletics. meets your financial and philanthropic Please consult the benefits office at goals. Please contact a UCATS representative at UCATS to discuss your your place of employment to see if you are eligible for their matching gifts specific interest. program. Log-on to UCATS.net for a complete list of known companies that currently match gifts to the University of Cincinnati. UCATS MEMBERSHIP UCATS consists of members from the community students alumni faculty/ staff and corporations. A $50 minimum gift is required to receive benefits through active membership. Many members purchase football or men s basketball priority season tickets or both however many UCATS members (without priority seating) give philanthropically in support of Bearcats student-athletes. There are many benefits associated with UCATS membership and all Bearcats Athletics supporters are encouraged to join in support of UC student-athletes. Complete priority seating information for men s basketball is available on page 9 and football on page 10 & 11. MEMBERSHIP LEVELS AND BENEFITS SUGGESTED MEMBERSHIP LEVEL AMOUNTS NOTE: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PURCHASE PRIORITY SEATING FOR FOOTBALL OR BASKETBALL TO BECOME A UCATS MEMBER. ALL UCATS MEMBERS ARE ENTITLED TO STANDARD MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS. Football and Men s Basketball gift requirements represent independent gifts. If you purchase priority seating for both football and men s basketball your total gift requirement is based on the lesser of; the sum of the two tiers (FB + MBB) or a 10% increase on the higher of the two tiers (FB or MBB + 10%). MEN S BASKETBALL DIRECTOR S SOCIETY $50000 GEORGE D. SMITH SOCIETY $13500* TIER 1 $4200 TIER 2 $3000 TIER 3 $2000 TIER 4 $1800 TIER 5 $600 FOOTBALL DIRECTOR S SOCIETY $50000 GEORGE D. SMITH SOCIETY $13500* TIER 1 $3000 TIER 2 $1500 TIER 3 $750 TIER 4 $250 TIER 5 $100 FAMILY PLAN $100 BEARCAT LAIR/CAVE $100 * The one-year annual gift requirement for the George D. Smith Society is $ New George D. Smith Society members can lock in a $13000 annual gift requirement with a five-year commitment. See page 7 for additional information. MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS TAX DEDUCTION SEASON TICKET PRIORITY SEATING AWAY NEUTRAL AND POST SEASON TICKET PRIORITY SEASON TICKET PREFERRED PARKING OPPORTUNITIES ADVANCED SINGLE-GAME TICKET PURCHASE FIFTH THIRD ARENA UCATS CLUB ACCESS INVITATIONS TO SPECIAL EVENTS SUBSCRIPTION TO THE BEARCATS FAN ADVANTAGE* * The Bearcats Fan Advantage is a new benefits platform for all UCATS members at the $100 level or greater. Through the Bearcats Fan Advantage UCATS members receive exclusive deals and discounts VIP experience opportunities a subscription to a weekly enewsletter and more. Be on the lookout for additional details! ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP/ YOUNG PROFESSIONALS New UCATS members under the age of 40 have a special opportunity to get involved and help broaden the Bearcats Athletics base of support. For the first two years of UCATS membership pay only half of the minimum requirement for a particular membership level and enjoy the full benefits of that respective tier. Please note members must minimally participate at the $100 level ($50 gift requirement first two years) or above for this opportunity (excludes partnerships). 4 5

5 UCATS PRIORITY POINT SYSTEM The UCATS Priority Points System is utilized to reward both donor loyalty and generosity. Each donor s Priority Points total is taken into consideration when distributing benefits and assigning or allocating the following: New season tickets Season Ticket Seat Improvement Requests Priority Parking for athletics events Away-game tickets Neutral site tickets Football Bowl tickets Men s Basketball BIG EAST Tournament & post-season Admittance to select special events and VIP opportunities All other priority-based benefits PRIORITY POINT CALCULATION CRITERIA GIVING/LOYALTY Current year/undesignated or designated gift to UCATS 5 points for every $100 Consecutive years of UCATS membership 2 points per year Irrevocable planned gift/pledge to athletics 1 point for every $100 (max 1000 points) Cumulative lifetime giving to athletics 1 point for every $100 Giving to a UC program outside of athletics 1 point for every $100 (as recognized by the UC Foundation in current fiscal year) AFFINITY POINT OPPORTUNITIES (One per membership) UC degree holder 20 points per membership Former UC student-athlete 20 points per membership UC Faculty/Staff (both current and retired) 10 points per membership 2010 MEMBER RANKING LEADERSHIP SUPPORT George D. Smith Society The George D. Smith Society was created to recognize the most distinguished supporters of Bearcats Athletics. It is only fitting that the society for UC Athletics greatest benefactors bears the name of one of UC s greatest legends George Smith. Smith guided the University of Cincinnati men s basketball team to national prominence from before serving the university as Athletics Director and later Vice-President for Development. In 1978 he was inducted into UC s Athletic Hall of Fame. Through their private support George D. Smith Society members provide the necessary resources for sustained success. Founded in 1992 the George D. Smith Society has grown to over 150 members. This membership represents only 3% of total UCATS members yet accounts for over 45% of the total dollars generated through the UCATS annual campaign. For this leadership support George D. Smith Society members receive the ultimate in UC Athletics benefits. George D. Smith Society members demonstrate their commitment to UC Athletics by contributing at or above the $13500 level on an annual basis ($13000 annually with a 5-year commitment). Director s Society Any George D. Smith Society member who donates annually at the $50000 level or above is recognized as a member of the elite Director s Society. The generosity of the Director s Society enables the University of Cincinnati to compete at the highest level in the BIG EAST Conference and advances the UC Athletics vision of becoming one of the premiere intercollegiate athletics departments in the country. Member Benefits Courtside Seating Opportunities Deluxe Merchandise Package On-Field Recognition Access to Twyman Lounge Before Each Football & Men s Basketball Game Personalized Locker in Twyman Lounge Access to AD Suite for Men s Basketball Away Game Travel Opportunity with the Team Director s Society VIP Press Box Tickets For Football FOUR TIX TWO TIX Priority for Season Ticket & Parking Allocations Post Season & Away Game Ticket Allocations Seat Improvement Opportunities Invitations to Exclusive Events Annual Feature Gift George D. Smith Society After calculating priority all donors are ranked according to their number of points with Director s Society and George D. Smith society members receiving first priority. Donors making a ticket or parking request will have their request evaluated in priority point order. MEMBER RANK PRIORITY POINTS MEMBER RANK Rankings as of December 2010 PRIORITY POINTS UCATS Board of Directors reserves the right to award priority points as deemed appropriate. 7

6 UCATS PRIORITY SEATING DONOR SEATING UCATS members receive priority seating for football and men s basketball season tickets. The seating charts of Nippert Stadium (pg. 10) and Fifth Third Arena (pg. 9) reflect the minimum tier giving amounts that are required to sit in the priority seating locations of each venue. Football and men s basketball tier requirements are independent gifts. The gift requirement for UCATS members that purchase both football and men s basketball season tickets will be determined based on the lesser of: 1. The sum of the two tier requirements or 2. A 10% increase on the higher of the two tiers (FB/MBB) Example A Joe Bearcat has both football and men s basketball season tickets. His football seats are located in Tier 3 ($750) and his basketball seats are located in tier 2 ($3000). Using the above criteria his gift requirement is determined as follows: Lesser of: 1) Sum of the tier requirements - $3750 in this case 2) A 10% increase on the higher of the two tiers in this case this represents a 10% increase on $3000 (MBB) or $3300. Joe s total gift requirement would be $3300 for football and men s basketball. Example B Jane Bearcat has both football and men s basketball season tickets. Her football seats are located in Tier 5 ($100) and her basketball seats are located in Tier 3 ($2000). Using the above criteria her gift requirement is determined as follows: Lesser of: 1) Sum of the tier requirements - $2100 in this case 2) A 10% increase on the higher of the two tiers in this case this represents a 10% increase on $2000 (MBB) or $2200. Jane s total gift requirement would be $2100 for football and men s basketball. All UCATS season ticket holders will have the opportunity to keep their existing seats as long as minimum donation requirements and deadlines are met and have the ability to improve their seats through the annual Seat Improvement Process. New UCATS season ticket holders with a pledge intention on file may also participate in the Seat Improvement Process. Appointments are allocated based on giving tiers (pledges) and priority points within each tier. PLEDGE INTENTIONS To allow for review of the most attractive seating locations in Nippert Stadium and Fifth Third Arena all UCATS members may pledge to a desired tier location without a financial obligation at the time of pledge. This will present the opportunity for UCATS members to participate in the seat improvement process evaluate seating locations in a desired tier location and make the decision to lock in their pledge at the time of seat selections. UCATS members are provided the opportunity to consider higher priority tier locations while reserving the options to retain their current seats. MEN S BASKETBALL PRIORITY SEASON TICKETS FIFTH THIRD ARENA - SEASON TICKET PRICING _ UCATS Reserved Lower Level $538 _ UCATS Reserved Upper Level $482 _ Bearcats Cave $344 _ Bearcats Lair $166 _ Pricing based on the season and subject to change depending on number of home games TICKET LIMIT INFORMATION DONOR LEVEL TICKET PER SEAT GIFT LIMIT ABOVE LIMIT George D. Smith $ $2000 George D. Smith $ $2000 _ Tier 1 $ $1050 _ Tier 2 $ $750 _ Tier 3 $ $250 _ Tier 4 $ $225 _ Tier 5 $600 8 $75 _ PRIORITY SEATING MAP & UCATS TIER REQUIREMENTS 2 SEAT IMPROVEMENTS AND ADDITIONAL TICKET REQUESTS All requests for additional season tickets and/or changes to seating locations can be submitted when renewing your season tickets or by visiting UCATS.net. All UCATS members requesting changes to their seating locations must submit their pledge intention by April Football Seat Improvement Request Deadline: April Men s Basketball Seat Improvement Request Deadline: August UCATS SEASON TICKET HOLDER PRIORITY PARKING Season parking passes for the football and men s basketball season are assigned to designated garages on campus. UCATS season ticket holders are provided the opportunity to request desired parking locations. Passes will be allocated based on the UCATS Priority Points System. A reduced price will be offered for a season pass versus game day parking. For additional information on parking please contact the UC Athletics Ticket Office at CATS-TIX. Subject to change 8 9

7 FOOTBALL PRIORITY SEASON TICKETS NIPPERT STADIUM - SEASON TICKET PRICING _ UCATS Reserved (Tiers 1-5) 1 $290 _ UCATS UC Faculty/Staff 2 $225 _ UCATS C-Club 3 $225 _ Bearcat Cave 4 $195 Bearcat Lair 4 $160 _ Family Plan 5 $160 Adult/$100 Youth _ Youth $145 1 UCATS donation requirement applies based on tier. Includes cushioned chair-back seat. 2 Must be current or retired UC Faculty/Staff to be eligible; UCATS donation requirement applies based on tier. 3 Must be an active C-Club member; UCATS donation requirement applies based on tier; limit 4 seats at reduced ticket rate. 4 $100 UCATS membership required. 5 Customize your family plan based on your family. Age 12 & under are eligible for the youth rate. $100 UCATS membership required. IMPORTANT BOWL POLICY CHANGE In previous years the University of Cincinnati has incorporated a $50.00 bowl credit into season tickets for Bearcats football. Beginning with the 2011 season there will no longer be a required $50.00 bowl credit that is associated with football season tickets. As the Bearcats become bowl eligible we will continue to advance intentto- purchase opportunities travel options pricing structures and information regarding events and activities surrounding any bowl bids that are accepted by the University of Cincinnati. The support of Bearcats fans at bowl games in recent years has given the University of Cincinnati a strong travel reputation and positioned UC as a very attractive candidate among bowl selection committees. BEARCATS FOOTBALL AT PAUL BROWN STADIUM The University of Cincinnati and the Department of Athletics continues to look at maximizing revenue opportunities that will position our programs at a championship level within the competitive BIG EAST Conference. The University s ability to leverage these opportunities is critical for not only Bearcats football but all UC Athletics programs. Playing designated games at Paul Brown Stadium avails the University of Cincinnati to increased revenue opportunities while elevating the quality of our overall fan experience through optional Club Seats chairback seating additional lower bowl seats enhanced tailgating opportunities spacious concourses and additional amenities and restrooms. Last year Bearcat fans came out in record numbers to provide a truly unique home field advantage as over people attended the UC vs. Oklahoma game. In 2011 the Department of Athletics looks to build on this experience as Bearcats football will return to Paul Brown Stadium for marquee matchups with BIG EAST Conference rivals Louisville and West Virginia. PRIORITY SEATING MAP & UCATS TIER REQUIREMENTS SEASON TICKET ALLOCATION PROCESS All season ticket packages include games played at Paul Brown Stadium Seats are allocated based on UCATS giving tier first and then priority points within each tier Additional single-game ticket orders are allocated in priority point order after all season tickets are allocated PBS SEAT IMPROVEMENTS Increasing your giving level to the next tier (above the required minimum for your season tickets) is the best way to improve your Paul Brown Stadium ticket allocation. For example Joe Bearcat s football seats are located in a Tier 5 seating area of Nippert Stadium thus his annual UCATS contribution is $100. By increasing his giving level to the Tier 4 level ($250) Joe has the ability to jump to the next priority level for allocations. His tickets for the Louisville and West Virginia games will be assigned based on his priority point standing among Tier 4 donors in advance of all donors giving at the minimum Tier 5 level based on their Nippert Stadium location. UCATS tier requirement based on a maximum of 8 seats. More than 8 seats requires an additional per seat donation based on the tier giving level. If you have questions pertaining to club seating group sales or other issues related to Paul Brown Stadium please contact a UCATS representative at UCATS

8 12 PROGRAM SPECIFIC GIVING MISSION: To support the University of Cincinnati athletics programs by generating funds necessary to promote a greater interest in each UC sport through their enhancement and development. Sports-specific giving allows UCATS members and former athletes alike to make a designated donation to a particular program(s) of their choosing. Designated giving ensures your donation is used directly by the sport of choice to cover identified needs specific to their program. All programs have specific identified needs and they need your support! Targeted contributions accelerate each sport s pursuit of the CATAPULT ideals of winning a championship as well as earning distinction in the classroom. Through sports-specific giving donors can honor the true intention of their contribution by directly supporting the Bearcats sport(s) of their choice. Any contribution above $50 to a particular sport also makes you a member of UCATS! Any gift of $100 or more may entitle you to additional benefits associated with your designated club and makes you eligible for a subscription to the Bearcats Fan Advantage. With budgets continually under scrutiny the Diamond Club is more vital than ever in our fight to win a BIG EAST Championship and a berth in the NCAA tournament. Our program needs the support of Diamond Club members. Monies raised through the Diamond Club go directly to UC Baseball to help fund our scholarship expense and meet other operational needs that are critical to maintaining our program Coach Brian Cleary C-CLUB The monies raised through the Fast Break Club will be used to aid our recruiting efforts enhance our capital initiatives such as our locker room and team areas and build toward our goal of a future International trip for our student-athletes. The financial contribution of Fast Break Club members helps provide the tools and resources necessary to achieve success. Coach Jamelle Elliott The Crease Club serves as our annual fundraising program with all gifts going directly towards our program s operating budget. It enables us to supplement our budget and provide our student-athletes the additional resources needed for their success. The funds raised go directly toward annual team travel costs and other operational needs. Thanks to the Crease Club our program has seen major improvements on and off the field over the past three seasons. Coach Lellie Swords ALL former varsity athletics participants are strongly encouraged to reconnect or stay connected to the University and the Athletics Department through their involvement with C-Club. The goal for C-Club is to become one of the strongest former athlete organizations in the country and to make that a reality we need your help! Membership is only $50 and you will receive a personal membership card and keycard for the year which makes you eligible for discounted football tickets (up to four) women s basketball tickets and FREE admission to Olympic sports which include: men s soccer women s soccer volleyball and baseball. Plus there will be a variety of events gatherings and electronic communication throughout the year. New and renewing members of the C-Club should submit payment prior to August to receive your new personalized membership card and keycard prior to the start of the fall competition season. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How do I become a UCATS member? Membership requires a minimum contribution of $50. To join you may contact the UCATS office at UCATS or you may join online using DonorNet at UCATS.net. Does any gift regardless of designation make me a UCATS member? Yes as long as you meet the minimum gift requirement you become an active UCATS member. This includes gifts to the UCATS annual fund for scholarship support and program-specific designated gifts. How does my support of UCATS make a difference? UCATS contributions are used to offset the annual athletics scholarship needs of Bearcats student-athletes in 18 varsity sports. Or if you choose to give to a particular program those funds go entirely to the program of your choice and are used to meet their sport-specific needs. Once I join UCATS how long is my membership valid? UCATS memberships are valid for one year in conjunction with UC Athletics fiscal calendar (July 1 June 30). UCATS memberships are renewable on an annual basis. Each year (approx. March) you will receive a renewal packet to maintain your active status for the next calendar year. Is my UCATS contribution tax deductible? Per IRS rules (Publication 526): if you make a payment to or for the benefit of a college or university and as a result you receive the rights to buy tickets to an athletic event in the athletic stadium of a college or university you may deduct 80% of the payment as a charitable contribution. If you have questions regarding the deductibility of your gift to UCATS you should contact your personal tax advisor. How is UCATS membership associated with football and men s basketball season tickets? UCATS members receive priority seating for football and men s basketball season tickets. The seating charts of Nippert Stadium (pg. 10) and Fifth Third Arena (pg. 9) reflect the minimum tier giving amounts that are required to sit in the priority seating locations of each venue. If I purchase season tickets for football and men s basketball as a UCATS member will I be given the right to keep my same seats at Fifth Third Arena and Nippert Stadium in future years? Yes as a UCATS member you will be given the right to retain your existing seats if you meet the minimum donation requirements associated with those seats. Do I have the opportunity to improve my football and men s basketball season tickets? Yes all UCATS members have the opportunity to participate in an annual seat improvement process. Seat improvement requests can be submitted during online ticket renewals or by submitting an online request form at UCATS.net. Do I need to make a separate gift if I want both football and basketball season tickets? Giving requirements are separate for football and men s basketball. However for individuals that have both football and men s basketball season tickets your gift requirement is the lesser of: the sum of the two tier requirements or a 10% increase on the top of the higher of the two tiers. Case in point if you have Tier 1 football seats your gift requirement is $3000. If you have Tier 1 men s basketball seats the gift requirement is $4200. If you have BOTH football and men s basketball in this case your total gift would be $4620 (highest tier + 10%) to satisfy the total requirement for both sports. What are UCATS Priority Points and why are they important? Priority points reward the loyalty and generosity of UCATS members (see page 6 for complete information) and to provide an equitable system for providing member benefits. Priority points are the basis for allocating or assigning season ticket requests seat improvement requests parking requests away game neutral-site game and postseason game ticket requests in addition to all other benefits. What is the best way to increase my Priority Point standing? Increasing your annual gift amount is the best way to increase your Priority Point standing. Are football games played at Paul Brown Stadium a part of my football season ticket package? Yes all games played at Paul Brown Stadium are included in all Bearcats football season ticket packages. How are season tickets allocated for football games played at Paul Brown Stadium? Consistent with the seat improvement process seats are allocated based on the ticket holder s football tier level and then priority points within each tier beginning with members of the Director s Society and George D. Smith Society. What is the best way to improve my seat location for football games played at Paul Brown Stadium? Remember seats are allocated based on giving tiers first and then priority points within each tier. Increasing your giving level to the next tier (above the required minimum for your season tickets) is the best way to make an immediate impact on your Paul Brown Stadium ticket allocation. 13