pretty well sums it up. In yesterday's string, @VTScoop essentially summed it up as an "experiment" to get butts in the seats for the OOC games. I think that's a fairly succinct analysis. That being said, I also think your second paragraph (which I think you stated the opposite of what you meant) is somewhat true, also. I doubt we'll see much if any increase in attendance because of this experiment (students are gone, mostly only locals attend during the semester break/holidays, etc.). One of the things they are not considering are the corporate seats (which they refer to as "other contractual obligations"). Those seats are largely unused, even during conference games (except for Duke, UNC, UL). I've watched this for years (since 2003). I see nothing in this new membership program to address the corporate seats problem. I've seen no indication if these corporate seats fall under this new membership program. Will those corporate entities also have to claim their seats during the OOC games? Will those corporate entities also have to pay a nominal fee for the OOC games like you and I will? I have no idea. From the AthDept's viewpoint, this is a fairly low risk experiment. Those of us who live locally, and regularly attend all games, including the OOC games, are still going to attend and pay. They know we're a captive audience. We may ***** and moan about this experiment, but we'll still participate. Why, because it's VT BB. And, we're going to attend, no matter what. Us "regulars" always do. I'm not sure this is the solution to the empty seat problem, but we'll have to let it play out to find out. And as far as alienating the fans/donors, there is very little risk, from the AthDept viewpoint. They could care less, but I doubt it. The alienation, from their viewpoint, is just a short-term PR problem. ** Edited by saret at 7/19/2024, 1:35:43 PM