Kentucky Men’s Basketball Ticket Prices Climb

Venturing to Lexington for a Men’s Basketball game at Rupp Arena is going to cost everyone a bit more this coming season, as the University of Kentucky has voted to raise basketball prices.

Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart will go before the University trustees to seek the increases which will result in over $3.5 million dollars from the ‘adjusted’ ticket prices. Barnhart attributes the reason for the increase to higher transportation cost, higher tuition for the in and out of state athletes, the unknown travel expenses to Texas A&M and Missouri, an increase in fuel cost, and increased coaching salaries.  

Barnhart also specifically said that it was NOT due to the decrease in ticket sales for football (despite the Athletic Department budgeting for a $2 million dollar decrease, the potential third straight declining year).

Some highlights of the new budget include:

• $5 more per game for season ticket holders ($35-$40 upper and $40-$45 lower)
• A total cost increase of $55-$60 more per public season ticket (non-K-fund seats) .
• An increase from $35 to $42 ($7) for upper level single game tickets  
• An increase from $40 to $50 ($10) for lower level single game tickets
• Upper level tickets will remain K-Fund free for now.

Those big spenders that include a K-Fund donation in their annual ticket cost  will be required to contribute even more for their current seats.

• $1,500 per seat are moved to $1,900
• $1,000 per seat are moved to $1,250
• $700 per seat are moved to $850
• $400 per seat are moved to $450
• $5,000 per seat will remain at $5,000

But before you go getting upset, remember, while the economy may be in a recession Kentucky basketball is booming. Ticket price increases are the ultimate result of that success and a better product means more demand, and more demand means higher prices.