May 2, 2007
Read Previous Columns in the Commodore Notebook Archive
Read Hardball Questions and Answers Part I
Hardball Questions and Answers Part II
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We tried to answer a bunch of questions last week and a few more have popped up since, pardon the pun.
Q: Is Vanderbilt really trying to “buy” a Regional and Super Regional hosting role?
That’s a good question! Urban legend has it that major universities make such large financial bids to the NCAA that they literally push their way to the top of the hosting roles. That was possibly true a few years ago. Schools with large stadiums and bigger fan bases had a bidding advantage. Fortunately, that is not how the system seems to be working these days.
Make no mistake, we want to host BOTH a Regional and Super Regional next month but the biggest key to doing this is not necessarily our financial bid but the team’s performance. Typically the last few years, the top four Southeastern Conference teams have become one of the 16 Regional hosts and last year Ole Miss played its way into hosting by winning the SEC Tournament. We finished sixth and I was told there was simply no way we would have gotten to host if we had offered a zillion dollars to do so. Conversely, a team finishing in the top three or four would seem to be near locks assuming recent policy holds true.
Now, that said, there is a bid process and to say money has no role in the decisions is a bit naïve. That is why getting “The Hawk” sold out quickly is important. The ticket revenue isn’t going into our pockets; it’s the cost of doing NCAA business.
Q: Are you expecting regional and super regional sell outs?
Let’s put it this way: We have tremendous crowds averaging about 300 over capacity lately combined with the No. 1 rated team in the nation and the potential Golden Spikes Award (baseball’s Heisman Trophy) winner. If we don’t fill Hawkins Field by the May 18 deadline for season ticket holders, I am going to be profoundly surprised. Season ticket holders have the priority and they should not delay in ordering. Otherwise they risk disappointment.
Q: I’m not aware of the post-season deadlines
Our ticket office sent a detailed letter and order form to all baseball season ticket holders Monday, May 1. In that letter, it explains the May 18 Regional and Super Regional order deadline.
Q: If I don’t have season tickets, am I left out?
Not necessarily. The best advice is to call our ticket office (615-322-GOLD) today and get on the waiting list. If the demand is strong, we are prepared to consider other seating options.
Q: I’m a Commodore Club member; I thought “Membership Matters”
National Commodore Club membership does matter! Our baseball policy to date has been to give post-season priority to loyal season ticket holders, with NCC members having the next priority. In all likelihood, future years will afford NCC members the top priority, as we do with football and basketball tournament tickets. The annual fund revenues generated by the Commodore Club are critical to our success as they help offset the high cost of our athletic scholarships.
Q: Is this really going to be a big deal?
Time will tell but I’ll say this: In making plans I have met with a number of Nashville media who agree these games will be the biggest sporting event in Middle Tennessee come June 1. For example, 104.5 The Zone is finalizing plans to broadcast from the park that Regional Friday and host George Plaster has some other exciting ideas that will help make the Regional and Super Regional the buzz of Nashville.