As Saturday’s sold-out football game draws near, Cougar fans are finding an abundance of tickets on the secondary market, but at premium prices.
As soon as the Athletic Department announced that the last of the 1,500 available student guest tickets were sold at 10:35 a.m. Monday, the prices on the resale market skyrocketed, with some tickets selling for $200 each by Tuesday afternoon. By 5 p.m. Wednesday, a quick scan of Craigslist revealed that the least expensive tickets were $100 each.’
Some students are making the most of the high demand, reselling their extra tickets for a higher price. On the other side of the fence, buyers face the options of either being left in the parking lot viewing party or dishing out serious money to get inside the stadium.
Kinesiology junior Ron Washington, who has already sold two of his extra passes for $150 each, has a unique perspective on the resale market.
‘I stood in line for five hours,’ Washington said. ‘I’ve been going to UH for two years, paying for tuition and books, and if UH was in my shoes they would do the same thing.’
Since posting his tickets on Craigslist, Washington says he has received approximately 20 calls, with some people balking at the price.
‘The price may seem a little steep, but the way I see it they’re just going to go up the longer they wait,’ Washington said. ‘They can either pay to see it in person or they can watch it on ESPN2.’
Others, he says, have been appalled at the markup and questioned his motives.
‘I’ve had people call and say that (the price) is outrageous, but I’ve paid so much money to UH and with the time put into it, this is what I think they’re worth,’ Washington said.’
Still, some fans are only concerned with authenticity and are willing to pay the premium price for the chance to see one of the most-hyped games in UH history.
‘The two that I sold, the people didn’t ask any questions,’ Washington said. ‘They just looked at them and bought them right away.’
Justin Malone, who graduated in the spring with a master’s in business, understands the concept of supply and demand, but is still surprised about the amount of markup in the market.
‘I’ve had to pay extra for Astros and Rockets tickets, but I never thought that I would have to pay more than $100 for a (UH) ticket,’ Malone said. ‘I guess I graduated a semester too soon and am lucky to have a friend with season tickets.’
UH officials announced a few changes to Saturday’s pre-game procedures, namely for the student section.
Students wanting to sit in the free student section will now be required to obtain a wristband prior to the game. Lines will open 10 a.m. Saturday, and attendants will scan Cougar Card IDs and distribute wristbands to the first 5,500 current students.
‘ Those who receive a wristband will be allowed admittance between 6:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. at Gate 10. Students who receive a wristband but do not enter the stadium by 7:45 p.m. are not guaranteed admission.
Fans who do not make it inside will still be able to watch the game from the stadium’s parking lot.
Jim McIngvale of Gallery Furniture and GoVision have jointly donated a 9′ by 16′ mobile LED screen that will be located in the southwest corner of the stadium near the campus police station. No alcohol will be allowed in the viewing area.’ ‘
If nothing else, the early admission requirements will help set the tone for the Cougars when they hit the field. Head coach Kevin Sumlin looks forward to leading his team on the field in front of what is expected to be the largest crowd in Robertson Stadium’s history.
‘I encourage all students to be in the stadium early to create an exciting game-day atmosphere for our team and fans well before kickoff,’ Sumlin said in a press release. ‘Our students set the tone for the entire crowd, and we want this to be the loudest, most exciting crowd in the history of Robertson Stadium.’
