2020-21 UConn basketball
A Message From Director of Athletics David Benedict
Our student-athletes and coaches are gearing up for the start of the 2020-21 basketball season, the first back in our BIG EAST home. Even though COVID-19 has made it unique in many ways, our teams are excited to have the opportunity to play the sport they love. And many of you have told us that, despite the challenges brought about by the ongoing pandemic, you are looking forward to supporting the Huskies when they take the floor.
As I have shared with you previously, we are truly appreciative of your patience and understanding while we have navigated the waters of the rapidly evolving conditions over the past several months. Our conference office is diligently working to finalize the men’s and women’s schedules, while ensuring that all schools have appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place.
Related to attendance, we just received initial guidance from state health officials that, except for the families of our student-athletes and coaches, spectators will not be permitted to attend games. We are certainly disappointed for our loyal fans, but given the current trend with the virus, such a decision is understandable. Should conditions change over the course of the season which would allow us to welcome fans again, we have plans prepared to offer our patrons the opportunity to safely enjoy UConn Basketball at Gampel Pavilion. Since we cannot deliver the season ticket packages that you purchased, we will be sharing various options for you to consider related to your investment in our basketball programs. You should expect to receive details in the coming days.
Over the past few weeks, we have had many conversations with season ticket buyers about our current challenges. Annual revenue streams like ticket sales allow us to provide critical scholarship support, but those revenues don’t exist amid the current conditions. Further, ongoing COVID-19 testing to protect the safety and welfare of our student-athletes and staff have presented significant unexpected and unbudgeted expenses. These costs are not frills. They are necessities that reflect our core mission to educate, protect, and provide opportunities for the more than 600 young men and women who represent our university.
In times of need, we all turn to family for help. We are respectfully asking our fans to keep at least 50% of their men’s basketball seat donation with us this year, or $100 if you are a women’s basketball-only buyer, to assist us in supporting our student-athletes. By converting part of your purchase to a philanthropic gift, you will make a significant and positive impact upon the UConn teams for which you cheer. Plus, you will satisfy the annual giving requirement necessary to maintain renewal rights privileges for your “forever seats.” There will also be additional options available from which you can choose, including a full refund.
We are here to assist you with your decision making. Please do not hesitate to contact our staff to discuss the options, so that you can make the best choice.
The last several months have been challenging for everyone, including our dedicated fans like you. We are grateful for your continued commitment to UConn Athletics, our basketball programs, and the outstanding student-athletes who proudly wear the Husky uniform.
2020-21 Season Ticket Holder Options
In order to retain renewal rights on your current UConn Basketball season ticket locations for the 2021-22 season, a minimum contribution equaling 50% of your 2020-21 seat donation, or $100 if you only hold women’s basketball seats, is required. Season ticket holders may request to apply the cost of their 2020-21 purchase to next season or ask for a full refund; however, these selections will not include the benefit of a season ticket renewal for the 2021-22 season. The various options are detailed below.
RETAIN YOUR SEASON TICKET RENEWAL RIGHTS
OPTION 1 – PHILANTHROPIC GIFT
Convert 100% of your 2020-21 season ticket purchase (ticket cost and seat donation) into a philanthropic gift.
Any philanthropic gift made as part of your selection will automatically earn priority points and will not be eligible for a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. If you wish to waive your points, please contact us at 1-877-288-2666.
Benefits Include:
- Retain renewal rights to current season tickets.
- Receive first priority on available tickets at NO COST if/when spectators are permitted to attend games during the 2020-21 season.
- First priority to purchase available postseason tickets for both the 2020-21 and the 2021-22 seasons within donor level.
- 2x the normal Husky Athletic Fund (HAF) priority points (20 points per $100) on everything above and beyond the 50% minimum seat donation.
- Priority access to 2020-21 seat relocation/upgrade process based on HAF priority points.
- Exclusive invitation to an away game for either football, men’s basketball, or women’s basketball during 2021-22 season (subject to health and safety guidelines).
- Maintain or improve current donor level and associated benefits.
- Two complimentary fan cutouts per account. More information to follow.
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- Digital photo of cutouts sent via email
- BIG EAST commemorative ticket to each of the men’s and women’s basketball home openers (printed ticket)
- Opportunity to pick up fan cutout at the end of the season or we will send it to you at the end of the season (will reach out at a later point in the season) at no cost.
OPTION 2 – CONVERT A MINIMUM 50% OF 2020-21 SEAT DONATION, OR $100 IF YOU HOLD WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SEATS ONLY, TO A GIFT AND APPLY THE BALANCE TO THE 2021-22 SEASON
Convert a minimum 50% or 100% of your 2020-21 seat donation, or $100 if you hold women’s basketball seats only, to a philanthropic gift.
AND
Apply the balance of your 2020-21 season ticket payment (ticket cost and any remaining seat donation) to the 2021-22 season.
Any philanthropic gift made as part of your selection will automatically earn priority points and will not be eligible for a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. If you wish to waive your points, please contact us at 1-877-288-2666.
Benefits Include:
- Retain renewal rights to current season tickets.
- Apply credit on your account for your 2021-22 season ticket purchase.
- Receive second priority to purchase available tickets if/when spectators are permitted to attend games during the 2020-21 regular and postseason.
- Receive 2x the normal HAF priority points (20 points per $100) on everything above and beyond the minimum 50% seat donation.
- Second priority to 2020-21 seat relocation/upgrade process based on HAF priority points.
OPTION 3 – CONVERT A MINIMUM 50% OF 2020-21 SEAT DONATION, OR $100 IF YOU HOLD WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SEATS ONLY, TO A GIFT AND RECEIVE THE BALANCE AS A REFUND
Convert a minimum 50% or 100% of your 2020-21 seat donation, or $100 if you hold women’s basketball seats only, to a philanthropic gift.
AND
Receive the balance of your 2020-21 season ticket payment (ticket cost and any remaining seat donation) as a refund.
Any philanthropic gift made as part of your selection will automatically earn priority points and will not be eligible for a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. If you wish to waive your points, please contact us at 1-877-288-2666.
Benefits Include:
- Retain renewal rights to current season tickets.
- Receive third priority to purchase available tickets if/when spectators are permitted to attend games during the 2020-21 regular and postseason.
- Receive 2x the normal HAF priority points (20 points per $100) on everything above and beyond the 50% minimum seat donation.
FORFEIT YOUR SEASON TICKET RENEWAL RIGHTS
OPTION 1 – APPLY THE ENTIRE 2020-21 SEASON TICKET PURCHASE TO THE 2021-22 SEASON
Apply 100% of your 2020-21 season ticket purchase (tickets and seat donation) to the 2021-22 season.
By executing this option:
- You will lose your renewal rights to your current season tickets.
- Based upon your HAF priority point total, you will receive a timeslot to pick your season ticket locations in late July of 2021.
- No priority to purchase tickets if/when spectators are permitted to attend games during the 20-21 season.
OPTION 2 – A FULL REFUND OF 2020-21 SEASON TICKET PURCHASE
Request a full refund of all 2020-21 season ticket purchase (ticket cost and seat donation). Please allow 8 weeks for refunds to be processed to the original form of payment.
By executing this option:
- You will lose your renewal rights to your current season tickets.
- You will be considered a new buyer for the 2021-22 season.
- You will receive a timeslot to pick your season ticket locations in late July of 2021, however, seat selection will be after those who make a contribution to retain renewal rights as detailed above, and also after those who apply their entire 2020-21 purchase to the 2021-22 season.
- No priority to purchase tickets if/when spectators are permitted to attend games during the 20-21 season.
Deadline
december 31, 2020 at 10 a.m.
Season ticket holders who do not respond by the 12/31/20 deadline will automatically be placed in Option 2 within the “Retain Your Season Ticket Renewal Rights” section, in which a minimum of 50% of your 2020-21 season ticket donation will be converted to a philanthropic gift and the balance will be applied to the 2021-22 season.
FAQ
How do I select my option?
Can I still select any option even though I have already paid in full?
If I am on a payment plan, how will my choice affect my payments?
If I have season tickets for both venues and/or both men's and women's basketball, can I select a different option for each, respectively?
If I designate at least a portion of my purchase to a philanthropic gift, will it be tax deductible?
If I select an option which includes a refund, when can I expect to receive it?
If I select an option which includes an application of my payment to the 2021-22 season, how will I receive it?
Can fans attend games this year?
Where will my philanthropic gift be used?
When is the deadline to select my option?
How do I select my option?
After reviewing the options, season ticket holders can login to their online UConn Ticket account at UConnTickets.com and select the option that best fits their needs. If you need assistance or have questions, we are happy to help. Please call us at 877-AT-UCONN (288-2666), Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Can I still select any option even though I have already paid in full?
Yes, you can select the option that best fits your needs, any philanthropic gift, applicable credit for next season, or refund will be applied accordingly.
If I am on a payment plan, how will my choice affect my payments?
Customers currently on the bill plan and that have yet to place a request were not charged on 10/30 or 11/30. For customers that select Option 1 or Option 2 within the “Retain Your Season Ticket Renewal Rights” section, payments will resume on 12/30. For customers that select Option 1 within the “Forfeit Your Season Ticket Renewal Rights” section, payments will resume on 12/30. The charge will consist of the October, November and December payments. Bill plans will end on their normally scheduled dates.
If I have season tickets for both venues and/or both men's and women's basketball, can I select a different option for each, respectively?
No, the option you select will apply to your total season ticket purchase for both venues and both teams.
If I designate at least a portion of my purchase to a philanthropic gift, will it be tax deductible?
Any philanthropic gift made as part of your selection will automatically earn priority points and will not be eligible for a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. If you wish to waive your points, please contact us at 1-877-288-2666.
If I select an option which includes a refund, when can I expect to receive it?
Please allow up to eight (8) weeks for the refund to be processed to the original form of payment.
If I select an option which includes an application of my payment to the 2021-22 season, how will I receive it?
Any credit for the 2021-22 season will be automatically placed on your account and applied to your 2021-22 UConn basketball season ticket purchase.
Can fans attend games this year?
Based on initial guidance state public health officials, spectators are not permitted attend our home games, except for families of the student-athletes and coaches. This directive from the state may be modified during the season should conditions warrant.
Where will my philanthropic gift be used?
UConn Athletics has established the Fight on Fund to provide a direct, immediate avenue to support our student-athletes and coaches and to help UConn Athletics strategically navigate the uncertain road ahead.
Donations made to the Fight on Fund will go toward academic support, sports medicine, scholarship support, nutrition, COVID testing, and mental health services, as well as help bridge the gap in operational resources.
By converting 100% of your seat donation and/or 100% ticket cost to the Fight on Fund, you will also receive 2x the normal priority points (20 points per $100) on everything above and beyond the 50% minimum seat donation.
When is the deadline to select my option?
December 31, 2020.
Season ticket holders who do not respond by the 12/31/20 deadline will automatically be placed in Option 2 within the “Retain Your Season Ticket Renewal Rights” section, in which a minimum of 50% of your 2020-21 season ticket purchase will be converted to a philanthropic gift and the balance will be applied to the 2021-22 season.
While we have taken significant steps to reduce expenses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Division of Athletics remains committed to its core mission of supporting the education of our 600+ student-athletes. This year’s scholarship bill will exceed $14 million. Additionally, there have been substantial costs related to COVID-19 testing and monitoring, in order to keep our student-athletes safe and well. To illustrate, we are projecting ongoing COVID-19 testing to exceed $1.5 million over this academic year. Unfortunately, some of our normal revenue streams such as ticket sales and sponsorship, have been greatly reduced. As such, we are asking our loyal supporters to consider converting at least a portion of their season ticket purchase into a philanthropic gift which will directly benefit the young men and women who wear the UConn uniform.
We wanted to provide our patrons with a number of options from which to choose, including converting their purchase to a 100% philanthropic gift, or a portion of their purchase to a philanthropic gift. Each of the options includes certain benefits. We encourage season ticket holders to review the various options in order to select one that best suits their personal needs. Our staff is available to discuss the options with you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.