photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas fans come to their feet in the north end zone of Allen Fieldhouse as the Jayhawks leave the court following warmups in preparation for tipoff against Alcorn State on Dec. 2, 2009.

Season tickets for nearly 45% of the seats at men’s basketball games at Allen Fieldhouse will cost less under a new pricing model that starts next season.

The change, announced by Kansas Athletics on Tuesday morning, will mark the first time since the 2008-09 season that KU has lowered the price of its season tickets. It comes with an option for fans to secure a season ticket for $475 less than the cheapest package from last season.

For at least the 2020-21 season, the fieldhouse’s seating options will be divided into eight tiers, each one with a different price point. Previously, there were only three tiers.

The cost of the top two seating tiers — the most expensive options — will remain the same as last season: $1,650 for tier 1 and $1,275 for tier 2. Last season, the only other season ticket option cost $975. But under the new model, there are four seating options that are less expensive than that. The least expensive season ticket option, tier 8, will be $500.

To purchase season tickets, fans are also required to make at least a $100 donation to the Williams Education Fund, which raises money for scholarships for student-athletes, according to KU’s website.

In a news release, KU said the new model was developed because “feedback from fans as well as market research has shown that the price and seat location value from the past few seasons have not been aligned.”

KU also said the move was a direct response to the financial hardships brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know many of our fans will be struggling when we emerge from this pandemic,” KU Athletic Director Jeff Long said in the release. “And we needed to create a more affordable experience or we could risk losing the incredible home court advantage that has made Allen Fieldhouse the best college basketball venue for decades.”

photo by: Kansas Athletics

A look at the new season-ticket pricing options for Kansas men’s basketball games at Allen Fieldhouse, which were announced by Kansas Athletics for the 2020-21 season on May 5, 2020.

In addition to offering new prices, the six lower tiers also are priced closer together than in the past. Last season, the smallest gap between tiers was $300, between tiers 2 and 3. With the exception of the gap between tiers 1 and 2, none of the gaps between adjacent tiers in the new model is larger than $150.

“It is unfortunate to see how this pandemic has hit so many, so hard, but hopefully the addition of tiers and lower ticket prices will allow our fans to enjoy Kansas basketball together again soon,” KU coach Bill Self said in the release.

Added Long: “Our priority is to keep Allen Fieldhouse as the best homecourt advantage, and we cannot do that without our fans.”

Williams Fund donations and ticket orders are due by June 30. Those who purchase tickets for the upcoming season will be able to choose their seats on July 13.

2020-21 Season Ticket Pricing

Tier 1 – $1,650 per ticket

Tier 2 – $1,275 per ticket

Tier 3 – $1,125 per ticket

Tier 4 – $1,000 per ticket

Tier 5 – $875 per ticket

Tier 6 – $750 per ticket

Tier 7 – $625 per ticket

Tier 8 – $500 per ticket

2019-20 Season Ticket Pricing

Tier 1 – $1,650 per ticket

Tier 2 – $1,275 per ticket

Tier 3 – $975 per ticket