2009-10 FAQ

How do I become a UCATS member?
Membership requires a minimum contribution of $50. Please refer to our web site at www.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 minimum donation requirements established for their particular tiers in either Nippert Stadium or Fifth Third Arena.

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 meeting the minimum donation required to the tier in which their seats are allocated. 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. To allow for the ability to review the most attractive seating locations in Nippert Stadium and Fifth Third Arena all UCATS members will have the ability to pledge to a desired tier location without a financial obligation at the time of your pledge. This will present the opportunity for UCATS members to participate in the seat improvement process, evaluate seating locations in a desired tier location and make the decision to lock in their pledge at the time of seat selections. Each UCATS member will have the ability to look at opportunities in higher priority tier locations while keeping the option to retain their current seats. To learn more about pledge intentions and how they could be beneficial to you, please feel free to contact a UCATS representative at 1-877-55-UCATS.

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. There is no guarantee that you will be able to keep your existing seats if you choose to renew past the deadline of April, 25 2009.

When will the seat improvement process begin for 2009 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 1, 2009. All benefits associated with 2009-10 men's basketball seating and parking will be based upon your priority points as of August 1, 2009.

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, with the exception of Family Plan (4), Young Professionals (2) and VIP tickets (2-4). 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 25, 2009 deadline will maximize your number of priority points in time for all football related benefits.

Can I transfer my tickets to another person?
UCATS allows for the transfer of season tickets to an immediate family member (son or daughter). Once transferred the new individual must then meet any minimum donation requirements for the transferred seats and will begin their own priority point history.

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 2009-10 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 (Publication 526); if you make a payment to, or for the benefit of, a college or university and, as a result, you receive the rights to buy tickets to an athletic event in the athletic stadium of the college or university, you can deduct 80% of the payment as a charitable contribution.