Tennessee fans won’t like paying more for season tickets in football. But they won’t mind so much if that results in championships.
That was the majority opinion from my literary contributors on UT’s ticket-price hike.
Also, a couple of Oklahoma fans weighed in on Saturday’s matchup against the Vols in Norman. UT fans will be encouraged by what they wrote.
Joe writes: Well said, John. Less emotion and more reality. In today’s sports business. It not personal, it’s just business.
My response: Fans still can savor the experience. If Tennessee gets to be as good as I think it will in all sports, there will be plenty to savor.
But if you can’t afford to buy a ticket to a championship game, you can watch on television. And attend the parade later.
Virgil writes: I have often disagreed with you over the years, often more about style than substance. Today, you get my vote.
You laid out the facts of where we stand … 2025 and forward, as well as could be done. I have had a hard time adjusting and have tired of Dr. Danny’s “enhanced fan experience” rhetoric for the last four years. Yet, he told us he was going to win, he has told us to pay up, he has used every means at his disposal to monetize UT heritage, and the program is prospering.
You spelled it out and yes, it is a different day. Some of them/us may have had enough, but the waiting list is impressive. Younger fans are not even tuned in to all the “old ways” and heritage stuff; they like the show … and winning. Not a lot to argue about that.
Frank, straight-forward and on the mark of where we are. Good review.
My response: I’m shocked anyone would disagree with me, but I’ll work through that eventually. That’s a very level-headed response to a hike in ticket prices.
Mike writes: Among the ticket price rip-offs announced this week is an increase in student tickets to $25 per game. When I was a UT student (way back when …), the student activities fee included tickets to all sporting events at no extra charge. I went to every home football and basketball game and did not have to pay one cent more than the regular activities fee.
The good old days ….
My response: They can raise the prices, but they can’t take away your memories. And, as of this writing, there’s no capital gains tax on memories.
Richard writes: Tennessee looks like a real contender for playoffs and a shot at the title. Oklahoma’s not-ready-for-prime-time offense is too lethargic.
Can we cancel the game?
My response: Never mind that the Vols have been soaring, and the Sooners offense isn’t as potent as usual. Tennessee fans probably won’t count Oklahoma out until the last second ticks off. They haven’t forgotten that comeback Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield directed at Neyland Stadium nine years ago.
Unfortunately for the Vols, they couldn’t cancel that second half – or so many other things from the Butch Jones era.
David writes: Good analysis. I had the Sooners optimistically going 9-3 with a must win over UT. We are getting marginally better each week, but that won’t cut it against the Vols.
Our RBs aren’t explosive, rarely win one-on-one at 2nd level. Team still making fundamental mistakes. Our defense does look very good but without an offense possessing the ball UT will have too many opportunities.
Consensus around here is the Vols have what it takes to contend for Natty.
My response: I hope Tennessee fans appreciate that compliment. Oklahoma fans know what a national championship contender looks like.
Geoff writes: If it gets too personal, one tends to stop thinking and acting rationally. Remember how Fulmer couldn’t get Spurrier and Florida out of his head? The players and Heupel just need to go in there and take care of business, then celebrate.
ADAMS: Reader wonders if Josh Heupel can avoid losing to teams he is supposed to beat
My response: Once Heupel assumes his play-calling role, all that return-to-Oklahoma emotion will dissipate. The players likely will lock in at first hit. Wonder if the Vols will call it a “business trip” afterward?
Bob writes: I find it ironic that we discontinued the UK-UT beer barrel trophy for the game winner after the unfortunate fatal drunk-driving accident involving students transporting the beer barrel years ago given that we now openly sell alcohol (for a huge revenue boost) at the UT home football games.
Just saying: when money talks, morality walks.
Love your columns and articles.
My response: Sorry I had to cut a portion of your literary effort due to space constraints. I left in your last five words, because I thought they were especially poignant.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.
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