Click Here To Give Online
PANTHER CLUB FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: When will the enhancements for the donor-based seating programs go into place?
A: The 2005-06 fiscal year was the first year the enhancements were implemented. This included the 2005 football season and the 2005-06 men's basketball season. Since benefits for seating are determined based on the previous year, gifts that set benefit/giving levels for the 2005-06 season were due in the Panther Club office no later than June 30, 2005. Similarly, gifts that will determine benefit levels for 2006-07 are due in the Panther Club office no later than June 30, 2006 - though we strongly encourage all gifts be made no later that June 20.
Q: Why was donor-based seating implemented in football and men's basketball?
A: Although we currently have donor-based seating in place at both football and men's basketball venues, we needed to enhance these programs to help us raise necessary funding for our student-athletes to address scholarship and facility needs.
Q: Why do you have per seat gift requirements for football but you are reseating the arena for men's basketball?
A: The sheer magnitude of the venues played a significant role in that decision. Essentially, in basketball, should current donors in specified sections (Club, Loge, Front row VIP Floor seats) continue to meet the gift requirements, we will only have 8,500 seats to reassign annually. If we did the same thing in football, we would have to reassign nearly 40,000 seats, annually.
Q: How are students impacted by your donor-based seating plans?
A: Student seating will not be impacted by the donor-based seating program at Heinz Field or the Petersen Events Center. Students will continue to receive the same allotment of season tickets at the determined season-ticket cost for that year.
Q: How are faculty and staff impacted by your donor-based seating plans?
A: As in the past, faculty and staff are required to make a contribution commensurate to the designated giving level in specified sections to purchase season tickets in those areas each fiscal year (July 1-June30). However, they also continue to receive discounts on season tickets, and, recently had their priority points impacted by receiving an additional 5 points (total of 10) for their service to the University.
Q: How will you assign parking for football and men's basketball?
A: Parking will be evaluated each year at each venue. However, it is anticipated that the combination of a donor's annual gift level and priority points total will factor into that allocation for either sport.
Q: I contribute to the Panther Club every year. Do I need to do anything differently this year to make sure my priority points are active?
A: Yes. When reviewing you pledge card, please make sure that you are earmarking your money toward the Panther Club Athletic Scholarship Fund. Gifts toward endowed scholarships, restricted accounts, or other capital projects are appreciated and count toward you priority point total. However, you are not an active Panther Club member receiving benefits unless you give a minimum of $100 to the Panther Club Athletic Scholarship Fund between July 1 and June 30 of the current academic year. Currently, as a courtesy to former letter winners and band members, gifts from these groups are considered to be annual gifts. In addition, be certain that you are at the appropriate giving level to receive desired benefits.
Q: If I do not contribute to the Panther Club Athletic Scholarship Fund, how will that hurt my priority points?
A: You will retain points related to the athletic gifts you have provided to the University, as well as points you received for being a former letter winner/alum/employee or season ticket holder. However, you will lose any points associated with "consecutive" years of membership. This includes any previously awarded points for membership. You will, once again, start to accumulate these points when you rejoin the Panther Club, but previous points awarded in the category will be lost. Therefore, it is always to your advantage to maintain active membership in the Panther Club.
Q: Do I need to make separate gifts to receive football and basketball benefits?
A: No. A donor's gift level makes them eligible for benefits for both sports. However, your giving level and priority points total will factor into the quality and quantity of benefits.
