Ticket prices climb the slippery slope of progress

The cost of being a college football powerhouse is at least 9-10 percent higher than it was last year.

Boise State jacked ticket prices by as much as 14 percent for next season, continuing the steady rise of past ticket precedent. The average hike of 9-10 percent for 2008 tickets compounds the increases from years prior, meaning that some sections have had to swallow some enormous raises. Family packages have been hit hardest, going up over 40 percent the past two years.

We have no problems with increasing the cost of admission, but we do have problems with the university's excuses for doing so. Here are some of them:

Bleymaier is projecting increases of more than $400,000 in scholarship costs for next school year, $130,000 for employee health insurance, $500,000 for employee raises and $300,000 for the first year of softball. (ed's note: We can think of a quick way to save $300,000.)

...and...

Plus, travel costs are escalating because of fuel, airfare and food prices.

...and...

And success - the Broncos are coming off terrific seasons in football, men's basketball, women's basketball, wrestling and gymnastics - isn't cheap.

...and our personal favorite...

"It takes money to do that," Bleymaier said.

Wow, what a roller coaster of fallacies!

The fact of the matter is that Boise State is raising ticket prices because Boise State can. The university should have come right out and said it instead of trying to sugarcoat things. Ticket prices are going up because Bronco fans will keep paying for them, and it makes business sense to take advantage of a profitable market.

Right, Blue Turf Towel guy?

BSU football season ticket prices jump [Idaho Statesman]