656  Athletic Tickets and Admissions

Approved by President
Effective Date: June 5, 2017
Responsible Division: Business and Finance
Responsible Office:  Business and Finance
Responsible Officer:  Associate Vice President, Business and Finance

I. Purpose

This policy establishes financial control of all Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU or University) athletic events held on the MTSU campus.

The gate receipts from athletic events are an important source of revenue for MTSU's intercollegiate athletic program. The admission charges are necessary to generate funds for program operations not currently supported by state funds and student fees. It is necessary to insure implementation of effective means for the control, distribution, and accounting of tickets and gate receipts.  

II. General Ticket Procedures

The number and prices of season and single game tickets for MTSU athletic events are determined by the Athletic Director and approved annually by the athletic committee for approval by the President. The Athletic Department may develop group and other special promotional packages for admission to athletic events outside of the approved annual pricing structure. These promotions will be documented and approved by the Athletic Director. 

Procedures for securing and distributing tickets will follow sound business procedures, including proper documentation, control, and reconciliation.

Tickets for athletic events are ordered by the Athletic Ticket Office. The certified manifest is checked for accuracy as to number and type of ticket printed. This is done by personnel in the Athletic Ticket Office and Athletic Business Office. All tickets are received and stored in the Athletic Ticket Office

The appropriate athletic revenue account is credited for the approved price of the ticket. All persons (age three [3] and above) admitted to an athletic event, for which there is a charge, must present a valid ticket, a valid student ID card, or appropriate MTSU credential for the event.

The Athletic Department and Administration Services will work together to develop a plan each academic year for enforcing admissions control and security. The University Police Department will work with Administration Services and Athletics Department to implement the plan.

III. Complimentary Tickets

All complimentary tickets issued at the request of the Athletic Director must be approved by the President or designee. A list of proposed complimentary tickets is prepared by the Athletic Director and submitted to the President or designee for approval for each ticketed sport. The list should contain the name of the individual who will receive the tickets, or the specified group of individuals being approved, the account to which the cost of the ticket(s) will be charged, the cost, and the purpose of issuing the ticket. The approved list will be sent to the ticket office in sufficient time for the complimentary tickets to be reserved for the appropriate persons. The complimentary tickets are left in a designated area. The authorized ticket recipients must sign for their tickets when they pick them up. Complimentary tickets may be mailed to the receiving party, without securing written acknowledgement, when mailing is the reasonable and practical distribution method.

Complimentary tickets for student athletes will be distributed in accordance with NCAA and conference policies and procedures.