Dear Observer Editor:
Some important items were raised in the Viewpoint letter dated Aug. 24 ("Athletic Department needs to use honest marketing") regarding the marketing of Athletics at Notre Dame. The Athletic Department would like to make readers of The Observer aware of the information below.
In reference to football tickets, the University has a very long-standing tradition of offering tickets to the student body at a minimum 50 percent discount. The affordability and tradition of football tickets for our student body is critical to the Athletic Department and University as a whole. Student tickets for the 2011 season for the junior class, were $210, plus a discounted $5 service charge, not $250 as stated in the letter. This represents a 52.22 percent discount, including the service charge.
The concerns regarding the Mike Lee boxing tickets are important. Tickets for the event are discounted to $15 for students. Additional fees are assessed for Internet and phone ticket orders. Based on the information provided it does not appear as though the service charge details were adequately communicated in our marketing materials to the student body. Mike Lee boxing tickets purchased in person are $15 for students. Service charges for tickets purchased by students to the fight over the Internet will be refunded. Ticket purchasers should be aware that service charges are assessed for Internet and phone transactions in order to cover the costs of making tickets available through those mediums. Future communications will reflect service charge information more clearly.
The Athletic Department sincerely appreciates the support of our students, alumni, faculty, staff, season ticket holders and fans.
Josh Berlo
Senior Assistant Athletic Director
Department of Athletics
Aug. 28
