Orange Bowl Priority Seating Policy
Dear Hurricane Fan,
Over the last 20 seasons the Hurricane Football program has reached the highest heights. We have played in 9 National Championship games, and have won five! The past three years have been unequaled, including our superb win in the 2002 Rose Bowl.
We all share a sense of pride in the program, in the coaches and in the athletes. They too have a sense of pride in the way you and thousands of other Hurricane fans have supported them. Building on a smaller base of support in the 1997 season, we have almost doubled our attendance in the last five years. You know last season at the Orange Bowl was something special. Thanks to you the Orange Bowl Stadium is again the winning edge.
Over the last decade we have been faced by considerable challenges. In the years ahead these challenges will not only continue, but will substantially increase. For example, our annual athletic department budget has grown from $15 million in 1993 to $35 million this year. This sum will have to grow in the years ahead in order for our program to remain competitive. By competitive we mean we must keep the full number of scholarships allowed by the NCAA, we must continually seek, hire and retain the finest staff, we must continually improve our facilities, and much more. We must have the resources that allow us to compete at the highest levels so that all of our sports can compete for National Championships.
As we focus on our campaign for excellence we must, out of necessity, expand our revenues. Since 1984 we have asked each new season ticket holder to be a member of the Hurricane Club. Their seating assignment was based on their level of donation. Many of you, who had tickets before 1984, have been donors to the Hurricane Club over this period, and we would like to thank you for that. Now, however, we have come to the point where we must now apply a priority seating system to additional sections in the Orange Bowl and to everyone who has seats in those sections. Last year we applied the priority seating system to Sections S and T. This year we must apply the system to Sections R, U, V, W and 27 through 30 on the south side and Sections D, E, F. G, H and J on the north side. Over 50% of the people in these sections are already members of the Hurricane Club at the required levels.
I have enclosed a chart of the Orange Bowl showing these sections and the donation level required. While it is necessary for us to make this change, I want to point out that under this plan only 16 of 40 sections now have a priority charge. Should you decide to move your seats, we will be happy to arrange a change.
In your season ticket renewal mailing which you will receive in February, please carefully pay attention to and meet the published deadlines. It is important to us that you are given the first opportunity to renew your current tickets, or to upgrade. However, in order to do so you must meet the deadlines and the Hurricane Club donation level for the section of your tickets.
If you have any questions, please call our staff. You can reach them at 305-284-6699 any weekday from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Please note the additional benefits available to you by your membership include priority to order single game and away tickets, parking, and post season / bowl game tickets.
Again, I want you to know how much we need and appreciate your support. The ‘Canes have accomplished much, but would not have done so without special additional support.
Go ‘Canes!
Cordially,
PAUL T. DEE
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Orange Bowl Priority Seating Diagram
Orange Bowl Priority Seating Diagram in PDF Format
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