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UCONN-ATHLETICS 速
NEW! MAKE YOUR GIFT ONLINE BY VISITING S.COM UCONNHUSKIE
University of Connecticut Athletic Development Fund Questions-and-Answers (Q& A) A Guide to Membership in The UConn Club, Inc. (including important procedures and deadline dates)
(860) 486-FUND UConnHuskies.com SUPPORT UCONN STUDENT- ATHLETES TODAY!
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Important Contact Information UConn Athletic Development Fund Office: University of Connecticut Athletic Development Fund (UCADF) 2111 Hillside Road, Unit 3078 Storrs, CT 06269-3078 Phone: (860) 486-FUND / (860) 486-3863 Fax: (860) 486-3251 Website: UConnHuskies.com For Pledge/Donation Payments to UCADF: Checks are made payable to The UConn Foundation, Inc. - UCADF and mailed to: UConn Athletic Development Fund UConn Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 842614 Boston, MA 02284-2614 For Ticket Orders: Checks are made payable to the University of Connecticut and mailed to: UConn Athletics—Ticket Office 2111 Hillside Road, Unit 3078 Storrs, CT 06269-3078 Phone: (860) 486-2724 Toll free: 1-877-AT-UCONN / 1-877-288-2666 Other Numbers: The UConn Foundation, Inc. Athletic Compliance Office Husky Sports Hotline UConn Alumni Office UConn Co-op
(860) 486-5000 (860) 486-1211 (860) 486-5050 (860) 486-2240 (860) 486-3537
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Table of Contents Division of Athletics Mission Statement University of Connecticut Athletic Development Fund (UCADF) The UConn Club, Inc. Your UCADF Pledge Corporate Matching Gifts Earmarking Donor Contributions Tax Information / Your Tax Deductible Contribution State Fund Raising Notice NCAA Rules Compliance Priority Points Membership Levels and Benefits Membership Benefits Chart Football Seating, Tickets & Parking Football – Parking Postseason – Football Frequently Asked Questions – Football Basketball Seating & Tickets Basketball — Parking Postseason Basketball Policies Frequently Asked Questions – Basketball Quick Reference Seating Charts
IMPORTANT DEADLINE!
June 1 One Pledge Deadline Date that affects BASKETBALL, and all other sports, as well as Trips, Receptions, Events and Donor Category. *Priority seating pledge deadline for Football Season tickets is April 30, 2011.
2 3 4 5 8 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 19 20 22 22 23 24 26
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Division of Athletics Mission Statement In conjunction with the mission of the University of Connecticut to serve as a center for research, dedicated to excellence in higher education and fulfillment of its land grant status, the mission of the Division of Athletics is to operate a broad-based program of intercollegiate athletics and recreational and intramural sports opportunities that reflects the ethical philosophy of the University, the interests of the student body, and the desires of its internal and external constituencies. The priority of the Division of Athletics is to give student-athletes the opportunity to excel in academic achievement and athletic accomplishments. In addition, the Division of Athletics fosters among its student-athletes a sense of citizenship, leadership, and social responsibility. The athletic program of the University adheres to the highest standards of integrity and ethics. The Division of Athletics promotes principles of good sportsmanship, honesty, and fiscal responsibility in compliance with university, state, NCAA and conference regulations. The Division of Athletics promotes and supports the University’s comprehensive commitment to diversity and equity. Through its program of intercollegiate athletics, recreational and intramural activities, public service and outreach efforts, the Division of Athletics enhances the student experience and contributes to the quality of life within the campus community, the State, and across the nation. The Division of Athletics and its programs undergo regular and periodic evaluation so that it may remain responsive to the educational and social needs of its student athletes, the outreach efforts of the University, the competitive standards of the athletic conferences with which it is affiliated, and the fiscal demands of rapidly changing environments.
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University of Connecticut Athletic Development Fund (UCADF) Why is the Division of Athletics important to the overall quality of life at the University of Connecticut? Excellence in the fields of academics and athletics should be viewed as mutually beneficial. The concern of the Division of Athletics for nurturing the mental well-being of its student-athletes therefore is in keeping with the University’s reputation for excellence and integrity. Since the Division directs its coaches to be aware that academics is primary, it encourages them to monitor student-athletes’ class attendance and to find effective means to assist them in their academic pursuits. Successfully integrating academics with athletics is the Division’s ultimate objective. Such high standards enrich campus, community and state life and, through added revenues and community support, increase the national visibility of academic programs. Thus, mutually supportive programs of excellence in both academics and athletics benefit the state and its people, as well as the students, alumni, faculty and administrators of the institution. How is the University of Connecticut Division of Athletics funded? UConn’s 24 athletic teams and approximately 650 student-athletes, as well as intramurals and recreation, are funded through a variety of means including gate receipts, television revenues, BIG EAST Conference distributions, corporate partnerships, the fundraising efforts of the Athletic Development Office, and University fees. What benefits does a current donor receive for contributions to the UConn Athletic Development Fund (UCADF)? The greatest benefit of such a philanthropic gift is the satisfaction of providing student-athletes with an opportunity to obtain a quality education and attain a better overall quality of life. Additional benefits may include mailings, newsletters, invitations to UConn Club activities and events, and other amenities earned according to current membership category. (Refer to the Benefits of Annual Giving Chart herein.) Also, donors receive priority points relative to their annual and cumulative giving. The fair market value of benefits made available to a donor as a result of the contribution must be deducted from the gift amount to determine the charitable amount eligible for income tax deduction. Refer to Tax Information section in this book for additional information.
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How can a gift to the UCADF be made anonymously? If a request of confidentiality is made in writing or indicated on the pledge card, the identity of the donor will not be publicly disclosed unless required by state or federal law. Anonymous gifts still receive their respective priority allocations. How does the UCADF relate to The University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc? The UCADF is a group of funds managed and invested by The UConn Foundation, Inc., (“Foundation�). Gifts payable to the UCADF will be deposited by the Foundation for the benefit of Athletics. The UConn Foundation, Inc. is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a taxexempt 501(c) (3) organization, and donations to the Foundation are deductible for federal income tax purposes to the extent allowable by law. Please note that donation checks must be made payable to The UConn Foundation, Inc. - UCADF and cannot include money for tickets or events. Additionally, by law, once a donation is made, it cannot be refunded.
The UConn Club, Inc. What is The UConn Club? It is the booster organization supporting UConn athletics. The UConn Club, Inc. has a 24 member board of directors that represent the entire UConn Club membership. How does it relate to the UCADF? Any donor contributing $50 or more annually to any sport, scholarship, or entity that supports the Division of Athletics is automatically a member of The UConn Club and is eligible to receive member benefits including priority points toward season tickets. How can I become more involved in The UConn Club? For information regarding participation with the various fundraising committees, please contact the Athletic Development Office. The UConn Club has a Board of Directors. In order to become a candidate for The UConn Club Board of Directors, you must be a current donor to UCADF and should submit your name (in writing) to the Nominating Committee of The UConn Club, c/o the UCADF Office.
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When does The UConn Club Board of Directors meet? The Board of Directors meets monthly to plan fundraising events. The Annual Meeting is typically held in the spring, with a 30-day notice to all current UConn Club members. All current UConn Club members are welcome to attend The Annual Meeting.
Your UCADF Pledge What makes a person a current donor? A donor who has made a pledge for the current pledge year, and whose account is in good standing, is considered a current donor. The pledge year is April 1 through March 31. Current donors will have first priority on available season and postseason tickets. Current donors also receive benefits associated with their respective membership category. Being a donor does not, however, guarantee the right to obtain season or postseason tickets. If a person has made past contributions and/or has an accumulated priority point total in his/her account, but has not made a pledge or contribution for the current pledge year, that person is not a current donor and will not have priority on ordering tickets. When do I have to make my pledge to qualify for season tickets, trips, receptions or other donor benefits? The pledge deadline is June 1, however, the priority pledge date for Football Season Tickets is April 30th (refer to page 17 for Football Season Ticket information). When pledges/donations are received after the aforementioned pledge deadline date, every effort will be made to credit your account accordingly. However, if a pledge is received after the pledge deadline, we cannot guarantee that the donor account will be updated at the time of ticket allocation, for trips, receptions or other donor benefits. Late pledges can adversely affect your seating and/or ticket allocation and other donor benefits. May I fax my pledge card? No, we cannot accept faxed pledge cards. The donor must complete the pledge card and mail it to the UCADF Office in the envelope provided. How can I be sure that UCADF has received my pledge card? Within approximately four weeks of receiving a pledge, UCADF will send an acknowledgement letter to the donor. If, after four weeks, you have not received the acknowledgement letter, please contact the UCADF Office at (860) 486-3863 to inquire about your pledge. You may also phone the UConn Athletic Development Fund Office any time to inquire about the status of your pledge.
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Does UCADF solicit donations/pledges by phone-a-thon? No. UCADF does not solicit for donations/pledges by phone-a-thon. UCADF Office mails a renewal pledge card with the most up-to-date Q&A booklet, and Donor Information Guide at the beginning of each new pledge year (April 1). When do I have to fulfill my pledge? Payments may be made at any time throughout the pledge year, in any increment. However, all pledges must be fully satisfied by midnight March 31 of the pledge year. Failure to satisfy your donation commitment can prevent you from receiving tickets and/or other donor amenities. Who can make payments on my pledge? UCADF can only accept pledge payments from the donor and/or spouse whose name appears on the donor account. When making a payment toward my pledge, do I need to include anything with my check? Since some donors have similar names, it is important to include your donor account number on your check. You should also indicate which area/sport your payment is to be applied to, i.e., Husky Annual Scholarship Fund, Husky Excellence Fund, or other (sport or fund). Can money orders be used to make payments on my pledge? Yes. However, in order to ensure timely and accurate processing of your payments, please be sure to include your name and donor account number on each remittance. Can credit cards (AMEX, MC and Visa) be used to make payments on my pledge? YES. At this time, UCADF does accept credit cards as a method of payment for pledges. To make your payment please visit www.uconnhuskies.com or call the Athletic Development Office at 860-486-FUND (3863). Does the Division of Athletics accept Gift-in-Kind donations for goods or services provided to UConn Athletics? All Gift-in-Kind must be submitted in writing and pre-approved by the Director of Athletics. Bonus points are not awarded for Gift-in-Kind donations. Can I support the Division of Athletics through marketable securities, trusts, or my estate plan? Yes. There are a variety of ways to contribute to the UCADF through gift planning using appreciated assets, stocks, bonds, insurance policies,
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retirement plan assets, and real estate. Bequests of cash or through a charitable gift annuity. UConn Foundation’s Pooled Income Fund, with the remainder of your gift benefiting the UCADF after your lifetime. Please consult with your tax advisor. Planned gifts are not eligible to earn current priority points. For more information, please call the UCADF Office. Can donor advised funds be used to fulfill pledges? No. IRS regulations prohibit the use of donor advised funds for gifts, which benefit the donor or any specific individual. Therefore, while gifts made from donor advised funds to support UConn Athletics are acceptable, such gifts cannot be used to fulfill individual pledges and are not eligible for priority points or other donor benefits. May I remove a name from my account? Yes, but only upon mutual consent of both parties. When an account is established in the name of a donor and a spouse, we cannot remove one name or the other without a notarized letter, signed by both parties, indicating mutual agreement with such an action. May I change the name on my account? No. Once established, an account name may not be changed. Further, a personal account may not be transferred to another entity, whether it is a corporation, partnership, a limited liability company, or other form. Similarly, an account established in the name of such an entity cannot be transferred to an individual account. May I establish a family account? No. Family accounts are not allowed. Establishing a scholarship in a family name is acceptable. What happens if I do not fulfill my UCADF pledge? A donor who does not fulfill a pledge may not make a pledge for the following year until the unsatisfied pledge is paid in full. If a donation commitment remains unsatisfied, the donor will not be considered a “current” donor and will lose those points associated with the donation and will not be able to order/receive season tickets. Any activation points earned for Football Season Tickets in 2009 will be removed from your account. The UConn Foundation, Inc. reserves the right to pursue all available legal remedies to collect outstanding pledge commitments.
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Corporate Matching Gifts Does the Division of Athletics accept matching gifts? Yes, from bona fide employer(s) of the account holder(s).To determine if your employer matches gifts to Athletics, please contact your company’s human resource department as policies vary from one company to another. For instance, some corporations will only match gifts for certain purposes and may not match a gift to UCADF/Athletics. Please be aware that the employer establishes matching gift guidelines and reserves the right to modify them periodically. Therefore, your company’s matching gift policy may reflect something different now than in past years. The donor is responsible for ensuring that all matching gift funds arrive in a timely fashion. The donor is ultimately responsible for the entire pledge amount, both the personal and the match portions, in the event that the employer fails to pay any or all of the match. Matching gifts cannot be used to pay football seat donations. What is the Division of Athletic's policy with regard to granting priority points for matching gifts? Priority points for matching gifts will be credited to a donor's account only upon receipt of those matching gift monies to the UConn Athletic Development Fund. While we are grateful to donors and their employers for helping UConn enhance the academic and athletic opportunities for our student-athletes, increasingly, companies that match gifts are submitting funds to the University up to 18 months or more after the donor’s gift. The long lag in the receipt of matching gift funds presents many challenges related to our pledge cycle and to established auditing practices. Can I receive credit for a matching gift from a company or individual other than my own or my spouse’s employer? No. Companies that provide matching gift privileges generally have formal corporate matching programs to “match” gifts contributed by their own employees. The UConn Foundation, Inc. for UCADF tracks giving from a donor, his or her spouse and bona fide corporate matching gifts generated as a result of the donor/spouse giving. Gifts from friends or other relatives of a donor and/or spouse are not considered matching gifts to the donor/spouse account of record and will not be accepted.
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Earmarking Donor Contributions Where does my gift make the most impact? Our top priority will always be the education of our student-athletes. To reflect this mission, we have initiated the Husky Annual Scholarship Fund. Your support of this fund directly benefits student-athletes through annual scholarships. For those who wish to help enhance the overall experience for our student-athletes in another way, we have also created the Husky Excellence Fund. Your support of this fund augments operating budgets for our 24 varsity teams and assists our student-athletes as they annually compete for conference and national championships, along with individual honors. These two funds are reflected on your enclosed 2011-12 UConn Athletic Development Fund (UCADF) pledge form. We encourage you to consider directing at least a portion of your annual gift to one or both of our new funds. For those of you who have annually supported our athletic funds, you may continue to do so by indicating your desired fund(s) under "Other" on the pledge form. Can donations be earmarked for specific sports or scholarships? Yes. However, some sports require a minimum contribution to become a member of their specific sport booster club (i.e., Friends of Soccer (men’s / women’s soccer), Dugout Club (baseball), or Tip-Off Club (women’s basketball). May I divide my pledge among various sports accounts? Yes. For example, if you wish to contribute to the “Husky Annual Scholarship Fund” and “Football” (other than football seat donation), on the pledge card, simply check the “Husky Annual Scholarship Fund,” write in “Football” and under “other (please specify)” indicate the allocation to each area. If no allocation is indicated, we will divide the pledge evenly. Once I have submitted my pledge card for the current pledge year, may I change where I have earmarked my funds? In order to change where the donor has directed his/her funds, a donor must detail the requested change, in writing, and mail it to the UCADF Office. Under no circumstances can we accept proposed changes over the phone. All changes must be approved in accordance with the UConn Foundation, Inc. policies. Can anyone establish an endowed athletic scholarship? Yes. An endowed scholarship is a special gift, creating a perpetual financial resource that is used to provide student-athletes with a quality educational and athletic experience. For assistance with establishing an endowed scholarship in your name or a benefactor’s name, please phone the UCADF Office.
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Tax Information / Your Tax Deductible Contribution Are my contributions to UCADF tax deductible? Contributions to the UConn Foundation, Inc. for the UCADF are deductible to the extent permitted by law. You are encouraged to consult your tax advisor. The following issues may affect the deductibility of your gift: A. Waiver of Benefits: In order to deduct 100% of a contribution to the UConn Athletic Development Fund (UCADF) at the UConn Foundation, Inc., the donor must submit in writing a Waiver of Benefits at the time of making a pledge and/or contribution. A Waiver of Benefits precludes the donor from receiving rights to any goods or services in exchange for a contribution. In requesting a Waiver of Benefits, the donor further understands that he or she forfeits priority points and the right to purchase season tickets; once priority points are forfeited, they cannot be credited retroactively to a donor’s account. Only through a Waiver of Benefits is a contribution eligible for 100% tax deduction. B. Season Tickets: Members of The UConn Club and donors to UCADF, or other funds for the benefit of Athletics, are entitled to receive preferred reserved seating locations for any season tickets purchased for football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, men’s basketball, or women’s basketball. In addition, General Admission season tickets are available for women’s soccer. The cost of tickets is not tax deductible. However, Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 170(l) provides that if a taxpayer makes a payment to or for the benefit of a university and, as a result, receives the right to purchase tickets for seating at an athletic event, he or she is eligible to deduct 80% of his or her contributions for federal income tax purposes. In accordance with IRC Section 170(l), all donors who are entitled to purchase tickets with preferred seating and who do not request a waiver of benefits (explained above) are eligible to deduct only 80% of their contributions. C. Additional Benefits: The Internal Revenue Code also describes what other benefits a donor may receive as a result of a contribution. A donor can only deduct the amount of a contribution that is more than the value of the benefits received. Therefore, the 80% portion of your gift is only tax deductible to the extent that it exceeds the value of any additional benefits you receive. Donor pins, newsletters, and other token items do not reduce the amount eligible for deduction for tax purposes; however, other goods or services a donor receives in consideration for donations can further reduce deductibility. Please
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consult your tax advisor. If you receive additional goods or services in exchange for your contribution, an estimate of their fair market value will be provided to you. D. Substantiation Requirements: As required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the UCADF Office or the UConn Foundation will furnish donors with receipts for contributions. Donors should retain their receipts for federal income tax purposes. When do I receive the tax benefit when making a donation? The tax benefit is received in the calendar year in which the donation is actually made. The receipt that the UCADF Office sends to all donors when a payment is paid will indicate the calendar date received for tax purposes. The donor should consult his/her tax advisor for advice.
State Fundraising Notice Your gift will be received by The University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc., a Connecticut non-profit that exists exclusively to benefit UConn. All contributions are used to support the donor’s intention and are subject to certain administrative fees that are used to support Foundation operating expenses as well as other priority needs determined by the School, College or unit receiving the gift. For additional information please visit our website at www.foundation.uconn.edu. Donors to the Foundation have the right to request that their gifts remain anonymous. You may obtain a copy of the Foundation’s financial report, or you may contact us at 2390 Alumni Drive, U-3206, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, or 800-269-9965. The Foundation is exempt from registration as a charitable organization in a number of states and jurisdictions. If the Foundation is required to register and comply with state laws related to charitable contributions, the official registration, documents and financial information can be obtained from that state’s Attorney General, Secretary of State, or other charitable solicitation licensing agency. For additional state contact information, please visit our website. REGISTRATION WITH A STATE AGENCY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THAT STATE.
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NCAA Rules Compliance As a representative of athletic interests or a “rep,” how may I find more information about the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules and regulations? The University of Connecticut feels very strongly about adhering to NCAA rules and regulations. The University is responsible for the conduct of any individual or organization affiliated with the Division of Athletics. As a contributor to UCADF, you are designated as a representative of athletic interests or a “rep” by the NCAA and thus are responsible for adhering to NCAA regulations. According to NCAA Bylaw 6.4.2.1, the University of Connecticut must inform any individual or organization that receives benefits or privileges relating to the athletics program that such benefits may be withheld if the individual or organization engaged in conduct that is determined to be a violation of NCAA regulations. The University of Connecticut values your interest and support of the Division of Athletics. Your support and assistance in the area of rules compliance is greatly needed. In order to educate you on NCAA rules and regulations, the University of Connecticut annually distributes an information brochure entitled “University of Connecticut NCAA Guidebook.” This brochure provides you with a brief summary of the most important NCAA regulations as it pertains to representatives’ relationships with prospective and current student-athletes. The Division of Athletics abides by the fundamental rule of thumb that “it is better to be safe than sorry.” Failure to adhere to NCAA rules and regulations may result in severe ramifications for the University of Connecticut. If you ever feel you need more information about NCAA rules and regulations, please feel free to contact Marielle vanGelder, Associate Director of Athletics/Compliance Services, at (860) 486-1211, or email NCAAcompliance@uconn.edu.
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Priority Points What is the minimum annual contribution eligible to receive priority points? A $50 minimum annual contribution made directly to the UCADF qualifies a donor to receive priority points. How are priority points calculated? Annual pledges/donations earn three types of priority points: permanent points, bonus points (for non-football seat donations), and membership points. 1 Point
1 Permanent Point is earned for every $100 pledged/contributed to UCADF. Permanent points accrue and are cumulative.
1 Bonus Point
1 Bonus Point is earned for every $100 pledged/ contributed to UCADF. Bonus points are temporary points for the pledge year only (not cumulative). Bonus points are not awarded for football seat donations.
2 Membership Points
2 Membership Points are earned each pledge year (with a minimum annual donation of $50). Membership points accrue and are cumulative.
At the end of each pledge year (March 31), bonus points are removed from the donor account. Example: A new member making a $5,000 pledge/donation in pledge year, based on the priority point calculation formula: $5,000 50 50 2 102
Pledge/Donation Yields: Permanent points Bonus points (not for football seat donations) Membership points Total priority points earned for pledge year; and 52 points will carry forward into the new pledge year.
What is the policy on transferring points or accounts? Points and/or season tickets may not be transferred from one person to another or from one account to another. Also, the University does not transfer points or tickets by virtue of wills. In the event of the death of an account holder or season ticket holder, the surviving spouse (the definition of spouse is consistent with applicable state law) retains the points provided that the surviving spouse is on the account at the time of death.
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When are priority points allocated and updated each year? Donor account priority points are updated in a timely manner upon receipt of a pledge or outright donation. In order to qualify as a current donor for tickets, trips or receptions, or any other special function, it is important to pledge by the pledge deadline date indicated herein. Donors should remember that bonus points are not cumulative and are removed from the account at the end of each pledge year (March 31). Bonus points are not awarded for football seat donations. How is the priority point system utilized? The Division of Athletics uses the priority point system in an effort to fairly allocate seats to current UConn Club members. The system is designed to acknowledge both consistent annual giving (through retention of permanent points) and current year giving (through bonus points).
Membership Levels and Benefits LEVEL LEGEND CHAMPION ALL AMERICAN MVP GOLDEN HUSKY DIRECTOR COACH ASSISTANT COACH CAPTAIN HUSKY
ANNUAL GIFT AMOUNT $50,000 and above (x5 years) $25,000 and above $10,000 to $24,999 $5,000 to $9,999 $2,500 to $4,999 $1,000 to $2,499 $500 to $999 $250 to $499 $100 to $249 $50 to $99
Note: Except for Legend Donors, trips, receptions, and events for applicable donor categories are for two (2) attendees only per Donor account, regardless of the number of game tickets. Trips, receptions, and events are for the Donor and guest(s) and are not transferable; Donor must accompany guest(s). Trips, receptions, and events cannot be substituted. Legend Donor level requires a 5-year pledge commitment agreement and Legend Donors may have a total of four (4) attendees per account for trips, receptions, and events. For a more complete list of member benefits, please refer to the Benefits of Annual Giving chart on the next page.
HUSKY ($50-$99)
CAPTAIN ($100-$249)
ASST. COACH ($250-$499)
COACH ($500-$999)
DIRECTOR ($1,000- $2,499)
GOLDEN HUSKY ($2,500$4,999)
Benefits of A nnual Giving Membership Benefits Chart MVP ($5,000-$9,999)
ALL AMERICAN ($10,000$24,999) CHAMPION ($25,000$49,999)
Please note: By participating in donor trips and accepting certain gifts you may further reduce the tax deductibility of your gift. A fair market value is: Legend $740.00, Champion $660.00, All American $220.00, MVP $220.00, Golden Husky $45.00, Director $45.00. You are encouraged to consult your tax advisor.
VIP Parking for Gampel Basketball Games
Invitation to a Practice Session
MBB/WBB Ticket Offer up to eight (8) Contiguous (XL Center Only)
Invitation for two (2) to AD Suite
Ring/Pendent (Inaugural donor year)
Husky Gear Item
Video Board Recognition
Road Game Travel Invitation
Pre-Game Reception Invitation
Wall Calendar
Pocket Calendar
Invitation to Applicable UCC Events
Priority Season & Postseason Tickets
UConnSportsMail (email)
Tax Deduction
Priority Points
MEMBERSHIP LEVEL & BENEFITS
LEGEND ($50,000+)
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Membership Benefits Chart
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SUPPORT OUR STUDENT-ATHLETES!
UCONN-ATHLETICS 速
The following pages will address questions relating to football, basketball and ticket purchasing.
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Football Seating, Tickets & Parking
(Priority Pledge Deadline for Football Season Tickets is April 30th.) What season tickets are available? Football season tickets are sold and available through a multi-year term or a single year, based upon the seat type. During the course of the term, season tickets are sold on remaining inventory and set according to the priority of the point system. For specific questions, please contact the Athletic Ticket Office. How do I purchase football season tickets? Tickets can be purchased on the internet at uconnhuskies.com and clicking on “Online Ticketing Center� and following the prompts or contact the ticket office at (860) 486-2724 or toll free (877) AT-UCONN / (877) 288-2666. How many tickets/seats can I order? There is no limit on the number of football tickets/seats a patron may order (based on availability). However, up to 12 seats/tickets will be seated together based on the priority point system; additional seats will be seated in a secondary location on the priority point system (based on availability after all others are seated on their primary order). How is the seating allocated at Rentschler Field? Donor seating is guided by the priority point system, meeting the priority pledge deadline date of April 30, the ticket ordering deadline and ticket availability. What is a Football Seat Donation? A football seat donation is a contribution to the UCADF that enables patrons to choose their type of seats at Rentschler Field, i.e., Preferred, Chairback, Club (based on availability). A seat donation automatically qualifies a patron as a current donor of The UConn Club for the applicable pledge period. Please refer to the UCADF pledge information for more details. What is my financial responsibility when committing to a seat donation? The donor is responsible for the financial commitment of the annual seat donation and tickets for the duration of the term. Defaulting on the seat donation and/or ticket commitment will adversely affect your account and can prevent a donor from receiving any season tickets to any sport. Are priority points awarded for football seat donations? Priority points are awarded for Club, Chairback and Preferred seat donations. Priority points are calculated as one point for every $100 value of seat donation. Bonus points are not awarded for a seat donation.
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Is the seat donation a charitable contribution? Yes. In accordance with IRC Code 170(l), 80% of the seat donation is eligible for a charitable tax deduction. Patrons making a seat donation will receive a receipt acknowledging the donation. The cost of tickets is not tax deductible. Please consult your professional tax advisor. Can a matching gift be utilized to pay for a seat donation? No. Matching gifts cannot be used to pay for a seat donation. Please consult your tax advisor. Do existing priority point totals apply to the football seating process? Yes. Existing points are utilized when allocating seats. Current donors have priority. Will I be able to be seated with a group of friends? Patrons wishing to sit together in a group may request to do so by submitting all season ticket applications in the same envelope with the “sit-by” request noted on each application. In keeping with the priority point system, patrons will be seated according to the lowest priority point total of any member in the group. What is the ticket policy for people with disabilities? Accessible seating is available for people who use wheelchairs or have other severe mobility impairment. Individuals with other special needs will be accommodated on a space availability basis and seating is not guaranteed. We ask that patrons include a detailed description of special accessible seating needs on or attached to their season ticket application. When will single game tickets be available for sale? Seating at Rentschler Field is initially offered on a season ticket basis. There is no guarantee that single game tickets will be available. Single game tickets will be sold only if availability exists.
Football – Parking Rentschler Field parking is currently managed by LAZ Parking, Ltd. A fee is charged for parking, and season passes may be ordered with your season ticket application. Parking is assigned by patron seat type and current donor priority points. Note: There will be a non-alcoholic parking area available.
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Is parking available for people with disabilities? Yes. If you have a state-issued handicap parking permit, you may park in the handicap spaces in the area to which you have been assigned. There is also a drop-off/pick-up area for those requiring assistance (Gate B). Will there be a disability bus service at Rentschler Field? A shuttle service will be provided in and around the stadium for those with special needs.
Postseason – Football As a current UConn Club donor, can I purchase tickets to a Postseason Bowl game? Yes. Current UConn Club donors will have the opportunity to order tickets to all postseason events. Tickets are allocated by current donor category and points within the category, beginning with our highest donor category. Due to time constraints, notification of Bowl events may be through various forms of the media: TV, radio and newspaper, as well as our web site, UConnHuskies.com.
Frequently Asked Questions – Football May I transfer my account/tickets to someone else? No. Once an account is established, it cannot be changed. Please refer to the UCADF Pledge Information section in the beginning of this publication. Do children need tickets? Rentschler Field requires anyone two years of age or older to have a game ticket for admission. Who manages the stadium? The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts manages the stadium. Who manages the parking at Rentschler Field? LAZ Parking Ltd. manages the parking. Is alcohol served inside the stadium? Alcohol is served in the stadium. However, alcohol is not served or allowed in the Family Section of the stadium.
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Basketball Seating & Tickets Why are the venues re-seated each year for basketball? This is done in an effort to allow current UConn Club members the opportunity to improve their seating annually. Our system is based on priority points earned from annual giving and longevity in The UConn Club. Re-seating allows for an equitable distribution of available seats. Do corporate partners use a large percentage of tickets in each building? No. Very few seats are used by our corporate partners; their seating represents approximately 4% of total seats in both Gampel and Hartford. If I am eligible for a seating upgrade, is it possible for me to retain the same seats as the previous season? All donor seat assignments are determined by current membership, meeting the pledge and ordering deadlines, and the priority point system. However, if your point total warrants a seating upgrade, you may elect to remain in your current seats, upon written request, indicated on your season ticket application. Every effort will be made to accommodate the request, but it is not guaranteed. How does the “sit-by” feature work? Season ticket holders wishing to sit together in a group may ask to do so by submitting their season ticket applications in the same envelope, with written requests to the Athletic Ticket Office either on or attached to the ticket application. Patrons requesting a “sit-by” will be seated according to the lowest priority point total of any member in the group. How do I make a special seating request? A current donor may make a special seating request in writing on the appropriate ticket application or by attaching a note to the ticket application; please detail your request and list preferences. We carefully review each request in the context of the priority point system; however, we cannot guarantee the ability to accommodate every request.
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Can payments for tickets and UCADF donations be combined in one check? No. Checks for tickets must be separate from donation checks. Checks for tickets are made payable to the University of Connecticut. Checks for donations are made payable to The UConn Foundation, Inc. - UCADF. Checks / correspondence for tickets cannot be mailed in the same envelope as donations or donor correspondence and vice versa. Failure to follow these procedures will prevent timely processing of your application and/or pledge and will adversely affect your priority points, seat assignment and/or donor category. If I am bringing a small child to the game, does he/she need a ticket for admission? Gampel Pavilion – Yes. XL Center – requires a ticket for any patron two years of age or older. If I order basketball season tickets, does the processing of my order/check mean I will definitely receive season tickets? No. The processing of a ticket order and depositing of a check does not guarantee that an order will be filled. State law requires that checks be deposited on the day they are received; however, we cannot know which orders will be filled until all seats are allocated. If your order is not filled, you will be notified and, per State law, issued a refund check within 45 business days. What is the policy on ticket scalping or selling tickets to a ticket agency? These practices are unacceptable. Ticket scalping and selling tickets to ticket agencies threaten the integrity of our ticket policy and eliminate the opportunity for other donors to attend games. The unlawful resale of tickets to third parties, including by Internet auction or on stadium property, therefore is prohibited. Tickets obtained from sources other than the University of Connecticut or its authorized agents may well be tickets that have been reported lost or stolen, and in such cases, will not be honored. The UConn Division of Athletics reserves the right to refuse to sell future season tickets to any individual or entity that resells tickets to third parties (whether licensed to do so or not).
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Basketball – Parking (On-Campus) What is the parking policy for athletic events? Is there a parking fee? The University of Connecticut Parking and Transportation Services department implemented a campus-wide paid parking system in August 2000 for students, faculty, staff and visitors. This includes parking for athletic events. Parking fees and locations are determined by Parking Services. The North and South Garages both have handicap parking available for persons with State-Issued Handicap Permits. Additionally, Accessible Van Service is available from the North Garage to Gampel Pavilion on game days. Parking information is mailed with basketball season ticket applications. Eligible donors will have the opportunity to order a season parking pass for specific athletic events as part of their season ticket application. Season parking passes are allocated based on current donor membership category, meeting pledge and ordering deadlines, and priority points within each category. Will campus shuttle bus service be available for men’s and women’s basketball games in Storrs? Yes. The normal campus shuttle bus service will be in operation from all peripheral parking areas to and from the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion area. In addition, a handicap accessible bus is available from Lot 9 (across from the North Parking Garage). Additional information on the campus shuttle service is available from the Parking Services web site: www.park.uconn.edu. In addition, a handicap accessible bus is available from between the North Garage and the Math-Science building beginning 2 hours prior to tip-off.
Postseason Basketball Policies Postseason ticket allocations to current members are by donor category, then by points within that category. *In the event that the Huskies are selected to participate in another postseason event, it may not be possible to adhere to this procedure. Every effort will be made to ensure that current UConn Club members have priority ordering privileges to ensure the best possible seats. What is the Men’s BIG EAST Tournament ticket policy? The BIG EAST Conference determines the seat allocations that each school receives. Therefore, it is difficult to predetermine the number of seats that are offered to each donor membership category. Applications are mailed from the Athletic Ticket Office to qualifying current UConn Club donors.
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What is the Women’s BIG EAST Tournament ticket policy? The BIG EAST Conference determines the seat allocations that each school receives. Therefore, it is difficult to predetermine the number of seats that is offered to each donor membership category. Current UConn Club donors will have the opportunity to order tickets. Tickets will be allocated based on membership category and priority points within each category. Applications are mailed from the Athletic Ticket Office to qualifying current UConn Club donors. What is the Men’s and Women’s NCAA Tournament ticket policy? Due to NCAA ticket policies for the first and second rounds, ticket availability is extremely limited. Usually more tickets become available for the later rounds. Seat availability is determined by many factors. Tickets will be allocated to current donors based on membership category and priority points within each category. An informational flyer is mailed to all current UConn Club donors immediately prior to postseason play explaining the process of ordering tickets. The flyer will provide donors with a dedicated phone number with specific call-in dates and times, based on current donor category, to order tickets. Tickets are allocated until inventory is depleted.
Frequently Asked Questions – Basketball What is the season ticket policy for people with disabilities? Accessible seating is available for people who use wheelchairs or have other severe mobility impairments. Individuals with other special needs will be accommodated on a space-availability basis, and seating is not guaranteed. Seating in the accessible areas will be based upon priority point totals of current donors. We ask that patrons include a detailed description of special accessible seating needs on or attached to their season ticket application. Do you provide services for the hearing impaired? Yes. An assistive hearing system, Gentner, has been installed in the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion and is available upon request. In order to utilize this system, please ask a member of the Event Staff and they will assist you.
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Quick Reference „ Annual Athletics pledge year is April 1 through March 31. „ Help support UConn student-athletes with the Husky Annual Scholarship Fund and the Husky Excellence Fund. „ Matching gift priority points will be credited to the donor’s account, in the appropriate pledge year, when the payment is received by the UConn Athletic Development Fund. „ Current donors to the University of Connecticut Athletic Development Fund (UCADF) will have first priority on available season and postseason tickets. Being a donor does not guarantee the right to obtain season and postseason tickets. However, a privilege of being a current donor allows one to be considered for season tickets before sale to the general public. „ Reassignment of seat locations for basketball, men’s ice hockey and soccer will take place annually. „ Seat assignments for regular season play are determined by meeting pledge and ordering dates and then priority point total. „ Seat assignments for postseason play will be determined by meeting the pledge and ordering deadline dates, current donor membership category and then by points within the donor category, beginning with the highest donor category. „ Patrons wishing to sit together will be seated according to the lowest priority point total of any member of the group. “Sit-by” requests must be made on each ticket application, and all applications must be mailed in the same envelope. „ On-campus parking is determined by University Parking Services. There is a parking fee charged for athletic events on campus. Donors may order a season parking pass, as offered, with their season ticket application. On-campus parking is assigned by current membership, donor category and then by points within the donor category, beginning with the highest donor category. „ Football parking at Rentschler Field is managed by LAZ Parking Ltd. A fee is charged for parking, and season passes may be ordered with your season ticket application. Parking is assigned by patron seat type, length of term and priority points.
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„ Any account with no activity for three consecutive years is considered dormant and may be removed from the active system. The donor has the responsibility and burden of proof, regarding his/her point total, when last active. „ Donation payments and ticket payments cannot be combined into one check or mailed in the same envelope; they must be separate. Combining ticket orders/correspondence with donor correspondence pledges/payments will cause a delay and thus adversely affect your seating and/or donor category. „ Checks for pledges/donations are made payable to The UConn Foundation, Inc. - UCADF. They should include your donor account number on the check. Donation Checks are mailed to: UConn Athletic Development Fund UConn Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 842614 Boston, MA 02284-2614 Checks for Tickets are made payable to the University of Connecticut. Ticket checks are mailed to: UConn Athletics/TICKET OFFICE 2111 Hillside Road, Unit 3078 Storrs, CT 06269-3078
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Seating Charts The Harry A. Gampel Pavilion
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The XL Center
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Football Stadium – Rentschler Field
TE GA
GA TE
A
B
GA TE
D
TE GA
C
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Thank you for your support of our student-athletes and UConn Athletics.
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UCONN-ATHLETICS 速
University of Connecticut Athletic Development Fund Office 2111 Hillside Road, Unit 3078 Storrs, CT 06269-3078 (860) 486-FUND / (860) 486-3863
UConnHuskies.com
March 2010