By the CU Independent sports staff on September 13, 2012
In the second mailbag of the semester, the CUI sports staff answers questions about how to obtain tickets for CU men’s basketball, the latest varsity sport to win a national championship and the funding process for CU’s club sports programs.
(CU Independent Graphic Illustration/Josh Shettler)
1) Is it possible to buy CU men’s basketball tickets if I haven’t already purchased the football and basketball season ticket package?
Yes, although there is currently a waitlist for the 2012-13 basketball season. The football and basketball combined student ticket package was $175, but it is also no longer available because basketball season tickets have sold out. What you still can do is add yourself to the waitlist for basketball season tickets — if enough people choose not to keep their season tickets or if more become available, you will be in line, and a season pass just for basketball is $100. Another option is to buy individual tickets for basketball games. The prices range from about $5 to $30 per game. For a regular game, the price is typically around $5, but if the Buffs are playing a rival team, the ticket price range tends to go up. You can sometimes get tickets at the door, but here’s a word of advice: purchase individual tickets a few days in advance for big games to ensure that you’ll be able to get in.
2) Which CU varsity sports team was the last to win a national championship?
The University of Colorado ski team won CU’s most recent varsity national championship in the spring of 2011. It was the team’s sixth title since becoming co-ed in 1983. Ten of Colorado’s 12 skiers here garnered an All-American honor, including eight first-team performers, three of whom earned the nod twice for top-five finishes in both of their events. The ski team had not won a championship for five years. However, with this big win to grow on, the Buffs may have another great season this year.
3) How are CU’s club sports teams funded?
The university provides very limited funding to its club sports teams. One funding program specifically aimed at club sports is the National Travel account. Through this program, teams that travel to national championships are eligible for a certain amount of funding to help with team expenses if they fulfill duties as part of an Optional Fee Campaign. Teams sending five athletes or more are eligible for up to $1,000 total for funding, and if a club sport is just sending individuals to national competition, up to four are eligible for no more than $125 worth of funding. Teams that do not plan to participate in national competition can also receive funding for equipment through the National Travel account. Most club sports teams, however, generate most of their funding through a combination of student-run fundraisers, student-organized sponsorships with companies and personal payment by athletes. Without the benefit of Division I scholarships, the CU club sports teams do everything they can to fund their own travel — so if you can, make sure to donate to club sports when you register for classes next semester!
Have something to ask the CUI sports staff? Tweet @CUISports with your question, and it will appear in next week’s mailbag!
Contact CU Independent Sports Editors Caryn Maconi and Ryan Sterner at Caryn.maconi@colorado.edu and Ryan.sterner@colorado.edu.
