2008-09 FAQ

How do I become a UCATS member?
Membership requires a minimum contribution of $50 or more. Please refer to UCATS.net or contact the UCATS office at 1-877-55-UCATS 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. One gift qualifies a donor to receive benefits for football and men's basketball.

Will UCATS members be given the right to keep their seats at Fifth Third Arena and Nippert Stadium?
Yes, all UCATS members will be given the right to retain their existing seats if they meet the new minimum donation requirements established for their particular tier.

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?

How can I maintain or upgrade my seat location for football and/or men's basketball?
UCATS members can maintain present season ticket locations by renewing their tickets and donating at the new required tier level. The best way to improve your seats is through the seat improvement process. Seat improvement requests must be completed online at www.UCATS.net. If you request an improvement for football and/or men's basketball we will notify you with a specific date and time we will contact you. This year, if you are willing to pay a higher donation amount to improve your seats please indicate that on your renewal form or call the UCATS office at 1-877-55-UCATS to speak with a representative. In the case you would like to move to a lesser tier (associated with season tickets) we invite you to call a UCATS representative at 1-877-55-UCATS to discuss your seating options.

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.

If I increase my annual donation are my football seats automatically upgraded?
If your annual donation is increased to meet the appropriate tier requirement, you have the opportunity through the seat selection process to move to the corresponding tier in Nippert Stadium, based upon availability. However, you will not be upgraded automatically. 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.

When will the seat improvement process begin for 2008 football season tickets?

What if I cannot be reached at my scheduled telephone appointment time for my seat improvement?
The UC Athletics Ticket Office will try to accommodate you; however, seat availability may be adversely affected. In the event we cannot reach you during your scheduled telephone appointment time, we will contact your selected proxy (if applicable).

When are priority points calculated for use in football and/or men's basketball?
All benefits associated with football seating and parking will be based upon your priority points as of May 30, 2008. All benefits associated with 2008-09 men's basketball seating and parking will be based upon your priority points as of August 29, 2008.

If I join UCATS, how many football season tickets can I purchase?
As a UCATS member you can purchase up to eight (8) season tickets per membership. Additional season tickets may be purchased on a per seat basis.

Why are Priority Points important?
The UCATS Priority Points System is designed to ensure proper consideration for UCATS members who have shown loyalty over the years; been giving of their time; and provide financial contributions for the betterment of our student-athletes. The purpose of the Priority Points System is to appropriately distribute benefits. It provides a framework for seat assignments, including away games, parking, seat improvements and other special events or activities. The Priority Point System will be based upon annual giving (unrestricted to scholarships as well as program specific), consecutive years of donation, cumulative gifts, other athletics and university giving, volunteer opportunities, alumnus, faculty/staff and former UC athlete status.

How can I increase my number of Priority Points?
The best way to boost your priority points is through increasing your annual pledge/contribution to the UCATS. Making full payment of your gift by the April 30, 2008 deadline will maximize your number of priority points in time for all football related benefits.

Can I transfer my tickets to another person?
Our UCATS staff will work on a case-by-case basis to encourage the "surfacing" of known partners and work with current members of record to allow for the transfer of membership/tickets to an individual that may or may not be an immediate family member. This will be a one-time opportunity (2008-09) as we recognize changes in our pricing models may create the desire to transfer memberships. We would still require the designated member to begin his/her own priority points and that he/she contributes the required minimum for the tickets based on the seating location.

As a current season ticket holder can I elect to purchase parking for football and/or men's basketball?
Yes. Season parking passes for the 2008-09 football and men's basketball seasons will be assigned to designated lots on campus. UCATS members and season ticket holders will have the opportunity to request their desired parking locations. A reduced price will be offered for a season pass versus game day pricing. Passes will be allocated based upon the UCATS Priority Points System.

How does my support of UCATS make a difference?
Your contributions to the UCATS are used to offset the annual athletics scholarship needs of Bearcats student-athletes in all 18 varsity sports. Or, if you choose to give to a particular program, those funds go directly to the program and will be used by that program accordingly.

Is my UCATS contribution tax deductible?
Per IRS rules, donors may deduct 80 percent of the contributions to a higher education institution for which the donor is given the opportunity to purchase priority season tickets and receives priority benefits for seating at an athletic event. Members may decline priority season tickets and deduct 100 percent of their contribution. Please consult your tax advisor for further details concerning charitable donations. An official tax receipt will be issued by the UC Foundation.