University of Houston Athletics
Ask the AD
6/29/2001 12:00:00 AM | General
There is some concern that UT fans will purchase so many Trifecta tickets, and not use the Rice and TCU tickets, leaving a potential actual attendance shortfall for those other two games. Since our goal is to average 28,000 per game in actual attendance, it's easy see that this could be a potential problem without a contingency plan. What is your plan to make sure we have a full house for Rice and TCU? (Michael Smith)
Mike, I'm a little amused by your question because it reflects the fundamental problem we face at the University of Houston. How about if the plan is that the University of Houston fans, friends, alumni, faculty and staff purchase tickets and come to our games as is the case at most other institutions. If the Cougar contingent steps up and supports our program, we won't have a problem. In the meantime, we are receptive to anyone, anywhere that'll buy a ticket to attend our home games with the expectation that they'll enjoy the competition, the environment, and the stadium and hopefully become a repeat visitor to our campus.
I have produced and created a College Football sports guide, which is updated continuously, it is on CD-ROM. I partnered with former ESPN sportswriter to create this. Best of all it's free, just pay 6.95 S&H. The current printed sports guide is 24.95 and becomes obsolete. Do you have any ideas on how I may get the word out to college football fans? (Starla Green)
Fans Only has become the website provider for the vast majority of Division 1A universities across the nation. I suggest that you contact them and secure advertising space on the website. In addition, most universities have a wide array of marketing opportunities available on their campus. Call the marketing and promotions director at various institutions and inquire what type of exposure they may afford you through mailers, advertising, game day exposure or possibly free samples to fans as they enter the stadium or arena.
As an active past president of the H-Association, I really appreciate all the support that you have and continue to give to the H-Association. Because of your great support, our continued growth in membership and the expanded H-Association facilities, I believe that our association is stronger than ever before. The Kohlmaier/Billy Ray Brown family so appreciates all that you have done for our school and its athletic program. (Joe Kohlmaier)
Thanks Joe. I appreciate your loyalty and please know that anything and everything I can do in support of our letter winners will be done. Bringing former athletes home to U of H is clearly one of my objectives. Although it appears at times that it is a slow process, I believe the pieces are being put into place that will allow us to catapult this program significantly forward in the short term. Keep the faith...we're gaining.
I do not understand your reasoning to not move the Texas game to the Astrodome. In the very short run it gives U of H exposure on campus. In the long run you cut yourself and the University short. Texas will not want to reschedule a football event with the University of Houston anytime soon. The other thing you might want to think about is the Texas Alumni that live in the city of Houston that have supported U of H and are possibly U of H Alumni as well. You are doing yourself, the University of Houston, University of Texas and Great City of Houston a disservice! (Robert Young)
When we made the decision to move football back on our university campus, there were many important factors that came into play. First of all, the stadium can be expanded to just under 40,000 seats to accommodate larger crowds. Secondly, corporations have bought into season long sponsorships, in stadium signage has been established, scoreboard advertising fixed, luxury box holders have leased their suites, millions of dollars have been put into stadium renovation, and tailgating, pre and post game, has become part of the fiber of the event. The traditions we've begun with regard to on campus game day pageantry are important also. Students conveniently walking from the dormitories to the football stadium are appreciated and season ticket holders, who have sat in their seats, on good days and bad supporting the team, are all factors that need to be addressed with respect. The Rice, Texas and TCU games reflect an opportunity for our community to come together on our college campus and enjoy what college football represents in the "bigger picture". From tailgating, bands and fireworks to alumni visiting classrooms, reminiscing with faculty members on campus, or prospective students getting their first chance to see U of H, we've had a vision at our university that culminates in many respects with this great opportunity to showcase the enthusiasm and fun that will revolve around these contests. To pull the rug out from underneath all the variables we've put into place through Robertson Stadium and John O'Quinn field would be a great disservice to those faithful and loyal Cougars who have stayed with the program through both ups and downs. Why bail out on them to accommodate those who only come to the game to support our opponent and not the home team. We accommodated the Texas constituency by guaranteeing 10,000 seats through their alumni organization. In addition, as of this date there are still thousands of tickets left to be purchased for any of our games at home this fall, including Texas. Therefore, those who complain about the Texas game being held in Robertson are probably the same people who haven't picked up the telephone yet, called the ticket office and simply placed their order. Our intention is to prioritize our commitment to Cougars who are interested in the University of Houston football program. In the long run, our future does not rest on a Texas game occasionally played in Houston but rather in a much bigger picture that correlates with a broad fan base that buys into a home field advantage, a facility they can be proud of, and a program where decisions reflect that which is in its own constituencies best interest. I'd be very surprised if the administration at the University of Texas (on behalf of the Longhorns) would look at it any differently than we do.
Thanks for your Texas game decision. It sure is nice when Texas plays in town and nobody gets to see it. You are correct though, this will make all the difference in the world to UH football. I can feel the change already. Perceptions are changing for the better. You are almost there...now quick, screw somebody else's fans and it will be complete! (Bryce Powell)
The ticket office number is (713) 743-4444. I've got an idea...pick up the phone, buy a ticket like anyone else in the State of Texas can do today and feel better about life.
I'm a graduate of the University of Houston and I am thinking about going back for the masters program. I am very active in Ice Hockey, both beaching and playing and was wondering if there are any teams that are sponsored by the university. If there are, what are the requirements for participation? (David Kaufman)
Unfortunately we do not offer Ice Hockey at the University of Houston. Hockey is more a regional sport offered in the northern states at the collegiate level. If you pull up our web page at UHCougars.com, you can find a full listing of activities and sports sponsored by the University of Houston. Requirements are you must be a fully matriculated student, meeting the eligibility requirements of the NCAA. Kevin Fite who is our Compliance Coordinator would be able to answer your questions more specifically. His e-mail address is kfite@uh.edu. Please don't hesitate to contact him directly.
When will I be able to purchase football tickets for next season on-line? (Cliff Billingsley)
If you call up UHCougars.com, there's a specific link to tickets. You should be able to purchase whatever tickets you'd like for the upcoming season through that site. If your question refers to "next football season" as in 2002, that won't be the case until some time in December.
When are the renovations on Robertson Stadium scheduled to be completed? (Brandon Cunningham)
Phase I of Robertson Stadium is on the verge of being completed. We will have all the restroom and concession areas in, finalizing that phase by September 1st. Phase II pertains to expanded upper deck seating. We will not begin this exercise until the demand for tickets dictates the need. Finally, the end zone building is under conceptual design at this time and am working on putting the pieces together in hopes that we can launch that project in a more formal way in the short term.
