Football Season Ticket Renewal FAQ

What is the Scholarship Seating Requirement (SSR) vs Required Seat Donation (RSD)?
- Last season, we introduced the Required Seat Donation (RSD) for all seating locations. This addition was implemented to enhance the scholarship fund for our student-athletes. To better represent the intent, we have rebranded the Required Seat Donation to the Scholarship Seating Requirement (SSR). This requirement is separate from other annual fund contributions, but will apply to overall Athletic Foundation membership for priority points and member ranking.

How does the addition of the SSR impact my 49er Club Giving Level?
- 49er Club Giving Levels are determined on an annual basis by the total amount of donations (unrestricted annual fund, sport-specific annual fund, Judy W. Rose Let Me Play fund) and/or Scholarship Seating Requirement payments within each fiscal year (July 1 - June 30).

Are Scholarship Seating Requirements tax deductible?
- Due to changes in the tax code that went into effect January 1, 2018, amounts contributed to the 49er Club that result in the right to purchase tickets for seating at athletic events do not qualify as a charitable deduction for income tax purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, Scholarship Seating Requirements and FSL Tier giving requirements. Amounts given to the 49er Club above the applicable required giving level do qualify as a charitable deduction for income tax purposes to the extent the contribution exceeds the value of any benefits received. As always, we encourage you to consult your tax advisor with questions concerning deductions.

Will the Scholarship Seating Requirement increase each year?
- The Scholarship Seating Requirement could increase each year based upon the increase in scholarship needs for our student-athletes.

Do FSL Holders need to make SSR contributions?
- No, FSL Holders do not need to make SSR contributions as they have contribution requirements to maintain their FSL’s.

Why are you discontinuing the Forty-Niner Seat License (FSL) Program?
- The FSL program was implemented to help raise funds to start football. With the upcoming expansion of Jerry Richardson Stadium and the introduction of new premium seating options, the FSL program is no longer needed.

I am a current FSL holder, what happens to me?
- Current FSL Holders in good standing will continue to own their FSLs provided they purchase season tickets and make the minimum required contribution each fiscal year.
- As a reminder, FSL required contributions increased for the 2024 season. As a reminder, FSL contribution requirements increased July 1, 2023. Please refer to 49er Club Membership Guide for amounts and additional information.

Why did my season ticket costs increase?
- Pricing is dictated by the home schedule and expected level of demand for tickets, as well as the scholarship needs for our student-athletes. The anticipated demand for tickets with American and in-state rival ECU making their first trip to Richardson Stadium, along with Tulane and JMU, indicated the need to increase pricing.

I renewed my 2023 season tickets and locked-in my ticket rate. Do I need to do anything?
- All season ticket holders that renewed or enrolled in a payment plan, or purchased new season tickets by February 1, 2023 locked-in their season ticket rate for the 2024 season. No additional action is required prior to renewing your tickets.
- Please note that certain discounted season ticket options were not eligible for lock-in pricing. If you have any questions, contact the 49ers Ticket Office.

Can I purchase the Niner Club presented by Modelo for the upcoming season?
- Season ticket holders can purchase access to the Niner Club during the renewal process and keep your current season ticket location. If you would prefer to release your current season tickets for season tickets in the Niner Club, please contact the Ticket Office.

When will tickets go on-sale for the 2025 Dukes Mayo Bowl against App State?
- We anticipate going on-sale in early 2025. More details will be shared later this year. Season ticket holders and donors will receive priority to purchase tickets based upon their 49er Club Priority Points ranking.

Who can I talk to about questions I have?
- You can contact the Ticket Office at 704-687-4949 or Athletic Foundation at 704-687-4950.