An Athletic Department proposal to substantially increase surcharges on season football ticket prices passed through the LSU Board of Supervisors on Thursday afternoon. The plan also increases single game tickets by $5. Athletic Director Skip Bertman addressed the Board and detailed plans for the $11.6 million the Athletic Department will gain during the three-year funding plan. Bertman said Tradition Fund surcharges for LSU football season tickets are crucial for sustaining the $70 million Athletic Department budget that is run without state tax-payer dollars or student fees. Fans wanting prime seats in Tiger Stadium will have to shell out nearly double the dollars by 2010, as lower bowl sideline seats within the 20-yard-lines will be upped from the current $500 contribution to a $950 contribution. “It’s tough to get there, but it’s tougher to stay there,” Bertman said of the LSU football program’s success. “We can’t go back.” Bertman characterized the increased prices as “marketplace” within the Southeastern Conference, saying that LSU will still be behind Florida, Alabama and Tennessee football ticket prices in 2010. Louis Lambert of Prairieville was the sole committee member to vote against the proposal. He expressed concerns about “hope for thousands of football families” that may be unable to afford season tickets. Lambert encouraged Bertman to explore other funding options. Committee member Charles Weems of Alexandria said he went to the Athletic Administration building to meet with athletic officials about the plan. “I’m convinced that if we’re going to continue to pursue excellence, we need to do this,” Weems said. Bertman said that of the $11.6 million the Athletic Department will gain from the increase, a significant portion will go toward inflation in travel costs and insurance. The Athletic Department will also give $1.5 million to the Tiger Marching Band for building a new band hall. More than $1 million is allocated for football coach Les Miles’ new salary, which will be increased from $1.8 million to at least $3 million. After winning the BCS National Championship, LSU officials have a 60-day period to ensure Miles becomes one of the top three-paid coaches in college football. Bertman said Miles’ salary has not been finalized because the Athletic Department is analyzing the contracts of Alabama’s Nick Saban, Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops and Florida’s Urban Meyer. Chancellor Sean O’Keefe, who announced his resignation Wednesday, is no longer involved in Miles’ contract discussions. Bertman said Weems and Ray Lamonica, general counsel to the LSU System, are active in the process.
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