Podcast Scheduled With Rv Tomorrow

[Harry]

The podcast went great! RV always rolls out the red carpet for us. We covered a lot of topics and I have to say it may be one of the most informative pods we have done to dat (I believe we are at #67 or 68 if you can believe it). Anyway we will likely be breaking it out in three segments. Also, RV was kind enough to give us a a tour of the new stadium, let me just say it will blow you away in person! Also, we will be sharing some information on here in regards to the club level seating that I think a lot of our readers will be interested in. The Club Level seats have become much more affordable for those that are willing to forgo the 50 yardline and move closer to the endzones. The amenities and services that you get with that Club Level designation are impressive and in my opinion will go quickly once the word gets out. Anyway more to come on that. Stay tuned and thanks again for all of the great questions you gave us to give to RV!

GMG!

[KRAM1]

Harry...cannot wait for the pod casts to be posted. However, the club level seating situation has been posted and discussed in case you want to focus on other matters. There was a discussion within the last month regarding the changes to Club Level Seating costs and seat locations. I do not think it would hurt to repeat the info, however, as the word needs to get out to all with interest. Thanks for the Pod casts...can't wait! Really appreciate what you do.

GO MEAN GREEN!

[UNTLifer]

I have no interest in doing that research since it was you who was being critical. I do agree with the last sentence in your post.

North Texas had a baseball team in 1920.

http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth60999/m1/134/?q=athletics

Here is a link that tells when it went away.

http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth61002/m1/167/?q=baseball

SE, I was not trying to be critical, I just think to have a well rounded D1 athletics program, NT needs to add baseball. Outside of UTEP, all the D1 football schools in Texas field a baseball team, as do many of the D1AA (sorry, can't keep FBS/FCS straight).

Looking forward to the podcast. Thanks Harry.

[TheColonyEagle]

All those folks clamering for baseball have to do is to fund the program and baseball will be set to go at UNT. So, whose up next with a six figure donation? It's great to say UNT should do this or that, but it's another thing to find a way to fund it or establish it under current budgets and Title IX regulations, etc. I'd love to see men's soccer return as well as baseball, but, folks, without the funding it just isn't going to happen. UNT has suffered mightily from the lack of support financially and about any other way you can name from its alums and fans. It's just a fact of life that money talks in college athletics. Heck, UNT struggles to get a decent number of season ticket holders for any of its programs much less any level of real financial support from the vast majority of alums and fans.

You want baseball...or soccer....well, get your alum pals to join the Mean Green Club, to buy season football and basketball tickets, to join the Alumni Association and re-connect with their university so maybe they will open their pocketbooks a little and help UNT build a strong and lasting financial footing. The folks who are contributing are doing what they can. If everyone just did what they could it would make a world of positive difference. Complaining about why things don't get done is great, but it never moved anything forward. Neither does the attitude that "I'll wait until I see what I want happening, or when they get rid of that coach or that AD, or that staffer who said something mean to me or ignored me, or that university president, etc, etc.". Excuses are a dime a dozen. It really is way past time for Mean Green fans, alums and supports to "put up or shut up".

I don't think anyone was complaining. The topic was fairly simple: "what would you ask RV in the podcast?" And some would like an update on baseball. We haven't heard anything in a while. I think we will have baseball eventually. We came close a few years ago when the deal with the semi-pro team / stadium fell through.

As for your rant, you could substitute "new football stadium" for "baseball team" and that's the exact same conversation we were having several years ago. "you want a new stadium then do something about it, we're underfunded, the alumni suck, we'll never move forward, we 'll never get funded, blah blah blah." What in the hell is all that construction going on across I35?

[TheColonyEagle]

The podcast went great! RV always rolls out the red carpet for us. We covered a lot of topics and I have to say it may be one of the most informative pods we have done to dat (I believe we are at #67 or 68 if you can believe it). Anyway we will likely be breaking it out in three segments. Also, RV was kind enough to give us a a tour of the new stadium, let me just say it will blow you away in person! Also, we will be sharing some information on here in regards to the club level seating that I think a lot of our readers will be interested in. The Club Level seats have become much more affordable for those that are willing to forgo the 50 yardline and move closer to the endzones. The amenities and services that you get with that Club Level designation are impressive and in my opinion will go quickly once the word gets out. Anyway more to come on that. Stay tuned and thanks again for all of the great questions you gave us to give to RV!

GMG!

Can't wait Harry. Thanks

[Harry]

Harry...cannot wait for the pod casts to be posted. However, the club level seating situation has been posted and discussed in case you want to focus on other matters. There was a discussion within the last month regarding the changes to Club Level Seating costs and seat locations. I do not think it would hurt to repeat the info, however, as the word needs to get out to all with interest. Thanks for the Pod casts...can't wait! Really appreciate what you do.

GO MEAN GREEN!

KRAM understood that it has been discussed on here but I think it would be helpful to bring this topic up again and again until it sinks in with the average fans that the club level can be an affordable option. The other thing that we need to emphasize is that fans need to be buying season tickets at Fouts this season. RV brought up that there were a lot of things being planned to say goodbye to Fouts in a classy and special way. In particular, the Kansas State game (the last game at Fouts -will contain some surprises which any fan or alum will not want to miss).

There was a common theme to RV's message during our interview and I think all of us should take it to heart. We need to be positive about what we have; not focus on what we don't. I have been following this program since the early 90's and when you look at our University size/student growth and size/stature of its programs, the amazing facilities that we have built in such a short period of time we have every reason to be proud and promote North Texas Athletics as a viable entertainment option. Specifically to football this season, we have one of the best running backs in the country, a veteran offensive line, an improving defense with a lot of new pieces, better special teams you can go on from there... there is no reason that we cannot be optimistic about this season. I know that I along with others are guilty at times for looking at what's wrong or what could happen wrong and not focusing enough on what is good at North Texas. Clearly winning on the field will help our cause but we should have every expectation to win this season.

[UNTFan23]

Looking forward to the podcast. Any idea when it will be posted to the site for streaming?

[LongJim]

If I'm reading this right, then Silver level club seats would work out like this, assuming purchase of 2 seats:

One time donation--$6250 over 5 years.

This is 80% tax deductible, so out of pocket would be $1250.

Plus $500 annual (ongoing) MGC donation.

Plus cost of 2 tickets--$700.

After the gift is paid off, if I understand correctly, the total renewal for these seats would be $1200 per year.

That's a pretty good deal, if my assumptions are correct.

Edited July 28, 2010 by LongJim

[Harry]

If I'm reading this right, then Silver level club seats would work out like this, assuming purchase of 2 seats:

One time donation--$6250 over 5 years.

This is 80% tax deductible, so out of pocket would be $1250.

Plus $500 annual (ongoing) MGC donation.

Plus cost of 2 tickets--$700.

After the gift is paid off, if I understand correctly, the total renewal for these seats would be $1200.

That's a pretty good deal, if my assumptions are correct.

I think you are right and I might add that I keep seeing people ask, how can I help to support the costs of the stadium, to me if we could sell out the Club Level seating it would be an important first step! Remember when we are courting donors and corporate sponsors, they are looking for a program that has loyalty among its fans. The beauty of the Club seating is for the money you are spending, you are getting a great deal. In fact I would bet we will get fans from other bigger programs (like UT/A&M) who live in the area and see it as a better value than sitting in the end zone in Austin or College Station.

[UNT Mean Green]

I think you are right and I might add that I keep seeing people ask, how can I help to support the costs of the stadium, to me if we could sell out the Club Level seating it would be an important first step! Remember when we are courting donors and corporate sponsors, they are looking for a program that has loyalty among its fans. The beauty of the Club seating is for the money you are spending, you are getting a great deal. In fact I would bet we will get fans from other bigger programs (like UT/A&M) who live in the area and see it as a better value than sitting in the end zone in Austin or College Station.

Is it 6,250 for two seats or one?

[houstonmeangreen]

If I'm reading this right, then Silver level club seats would work out like this, assuming purchase of 2 seats:

One time donation--$6250 over 5 years.

This is 80% tax deductible, so out of pocket would be $1250.

Plus $500 annual (ongoing) MGC donation.

Plus cost of 2 tickets--$700.

After the gift is paid off, if I understand correctly, the total renewal for these seats would be $1200 per year.

That's a pretty good deal, if my assumptions are correct.

Your assumptions are not correct! Tax deductible is NOT tax credit...your actual cost would be $6250 x 80% x your marginal tax rate...say 20%...this is the amount you would save on taxes...the rest you pay cash for. so if this gift of 6250 is deductible (and remains so) then try 6250-1000= 5250 out of pocket cash should you pay it in year one. a little more or little less if paid off over several years...providing the deduction is allowed in the future (with Obama socialist govn't in place, don't count on it)

[Harry]

Your assumptions are not correct! Tax deductible is NOT tax credit...your actual cost would be $6250 x 80% x your marginal tax rate...say 20%...this is the amount you would save on taxes...the rest you pay cash for. so if this gift of 6250 is deductible (and remains so) then try 6250-1000= 5250 out of pocket cash should you pay it in year one. a little more or little less if paid off over several years...providing the deduction is allowed in the future (with Obama socialist govn't in place, don't count on it)

Good info Houston as usual, the key point to keep in mind is that you can stretch out these payments over time you aren't required to pay it all up front. This is a good discussion and I appreciate everyone's input!!

[jdennis82]

i would love to have baseball but we can barely get people to turn out for a 20+ win basketball team. an upstart baseball program would be playing to parents.

[glick1980]

If I'm reading this right, then Silver level club seats would work out like this, assuming purchase of 2 seats:

One time donation--$6250 over 5 years.

This is 80% tax deductible, so out of pocket would be $1250.

Plus $500 annual (ongoing) MGC donation.

Plus cost of 2 tickets--$700.

After the gift is paid off, if I understand correctly, the total renewal for these seats would be $1200 per year.

That's a pretty good deal, if my assumptions are correct.

As far as the one time donation, it is tax deductible, not a tax credit, so you aren't getting that money back, you just are able to reduce your taxable income by $5000, which can mean a $500 to $1750 reduction in the income taxes you will have to pay depending what tax bracket you are in....So you are making a donation of $6250, and that will mean your tax refund/amount you owe will be $500 to $1750 larger/reduced depending on your tax bracket...

[glick1980]

Your assumptions are not correct! Tax deductible is NOT tax credit...your actual cost would be $6250 x 80% x your marginal tax rate...say 20%...this is the amount you would save on taxes...the rest you pay cash for. so if this gift of 6250 is deductible (and remains so) then try 6250-1000= 5250 out of pocket cash should you pay it in year one. a little more or little less if paid off over several years...providing the deduction is allowed in the future (with Obama socialist govn't in place, don't count on it)

I missed this post, this is correct...

[KRAM1]

And remember as well, if your income is at a certain level, the tax deduction you get for charitable donations can be reduced considerably, if you do not itemize deductions the deduction if of no benefit and if your chartiable donations are not at least a min. percentage of your income you get no benefit. Point is, it is a great way to support the stadium and UNT regardless of what possible tax benefit you receive. If you get a bit of a tax break, great and congratulations, if not, you still have a great deal at a great stadium and you are supporting your university all the while.

GO MEAN GREEN!

[KRAM1]

I don't think anyone was complaining. The topic was fairly simple: "what would you ask RV in the podcast?" And some would like an update on baseball. We haven't heard anything in a while. I think we will have baseball eventually. We came close a few years ago when the deal with the semi-pro team / stadium fell through.

As for your rant, you could substitute "new football stadium" for "baseball team" and that's the exact same conversation we were having several years ago. "you want a new stadium then do something about it, we're underfunded, the alumni suck, we'll never move forward, we 'll never get funded, blah blah blah." What in the hell is all that construction going on across I35?

I wasn't complaining either, just pointing out that to add baseball (or any other sport) requires $$$$$ and lots of it. Many folks clamoring for baseball could help a great deal if they pledged $$$$ toward the start of the program. What you call a "rant", I see as pointing out the reality of the situation. Yes, many of us were clamoring for a new stadium and many of us stepped up to put our pocketbooks where our mouths were on the subject. Should those clamoring for baseball not be expected to do the same? As RV once told me when I was jabbing him about bringing men's soccer back..."just provide me with about $300,000 and a sustaining financial; base for the program and we are good to go". Not a direct quote as I have slept a few times since the conversation, but the point was made. Substitute "baseball" for"men's soccer" (but add more $$$ as baseball would cost more including a new stadium) and the answer is the same.

I would imagine the entire Mean green nation would love to see baseball return to UNT. Just come up with the $$$$ and it probably a done deal.

[houstonmeangreen]

Good info Houston as usual, the key point to keep in mind is that you can stretch out these payments over time you aren't required to pay it all up front. This is a good discussion and I appreciate everyone's input!!

Just goes to show what a UNT finance MBA can do 4U....even an old one (79).

[Harry]

I think the RV podcast will be very clear on where we stand on baseball.

[wardly]

Morning, Sunshine.

my point is that our entire athletic department is underfunded, and i see no sense in adding another expensive non-revenue producing sport. it is my understanding that the university of texas at austin funds the minimum number of sports necessary to be at a division 1 level, and throws money at each one. until we have a much larger athletic budget and greater financial support from alumni, we might try to be successful at those sports we already have before making additions.even then, the fan support for our winning mens basketball team,for example, is pathetic. i can't imagine any better support for a mens baseball team than we have for our womens softball team. just my sunny opinion.

[Mean Green 93-98]

Whenever y'all get it posted, I think you are going to get a record number of hits for this podcast.

[KRAM1]

my point is that our entire athletic department is underfunded, and i see no sense in adding another expensive non-revenue producing sport. it is my understanding that the university of texas at austin funds the minimum number of sports necessary to be at a division 1 level, and throws money at each one. until we have a much larger athletic budget and greater financial support from alumni, we might try to be successful at those sports we already have before making additions.even then, the fan support for our winning mens basketball team,for example, is pathetic. i can't imagine any better support for a mens baseball team than we have for our womens softball team. just my sunny opinion.

Wow...what a concept...fiscal responsibility. Agree with the concept. Also agree that the current array of sports being funded are not supported well enough to allow for more non-revenue sports at this time. That could all change with an infusion of good old US Greenbacks.