California Irvine Athletics

How will the changes to the Anteater Athletic Fund giving levels/benefits chart affect me?
Based upon the 2019-20 Anteater Athletic Fund (AAF) giving levels/benefits chart, each donor may be affected differently by the changes to the minimum donation requirements to gain access to certain premium benefits including VIP Hospitality Access, Priority Parking and Men’s Basketball Courtside Seating. The minimum donation requirements to gain access to these exclusive amenities will include the following:
 
VARSITY LEVEL (Previously $500-$999)

• Minimum Donation Requirement for 2019-20: $1,000-$1,499
• Two (2) VIP passes to Women’s Volleyball, Women’s Basketball and Men’s Volleyball Hospitality Suite
• DOES NOT include access passes for Newkirk Pavilion at Anteater Ballpark and Men’s Basketball Hospitality Suite

 
LETTERWINNERS LEVEL (Previously $1,000-$1,499)

• Minimum Donation Requirement for 2019-20: $1,500-$2,499
• Four (4) VIP passes to Women’s Volleyball, Women’s Basketball and Men’s Volleyball Hospitality Suite
• Two (2) VIP passes to Newkirk Pavilion at Anteater Ballpark
• DOES NOT include access passes for Men’s Basketball Hospitality Suite

 
CAPTAIN LEVEL (Previously $2,000 - $2,999)

• Minimum Donation Requirement for 2019-20: $2,500 - $3,499
• Four (4) VIP passes to Women’s Volleyball, Women’s Basketball and Men’s Volleyball Hospitality Suite
• Two (2) VIP passes to Men’s Basketball Hospitality Suite
• Two (2) VIP passes to Newkirk Pavilion at Anteater Ballpark
• One (1) Men’s Basketball Season Parking Pass to Mesa Parking Structure

ALL-AMERICAN LEVEL (Previously $3,000-$3,999)

• Minimum Donation Requirement for 2019-20: $3,500-$4,999
• Two (2) VIP passes to Men’s Basketball Hospitality Suite
• Two (2) VIP passes to Newkirk Pavilion at Anteater Ballpark
• One (1) Men’s Basketball Season Parking Pass to Lot 6A (directly adjacent to MBB Hospitality Suite)

SCHOLAR-ATHLETE LEVEL (Previously $4,000-$4,999)

• Minimum Donation Requirement for 2019-20: $5,000-$9,999
• Four (4) VIP passes to Men’s Basketball Hospitality Suite
• Four (4) VIP passes to Newkirk Pavilion at Anteater Ballpark
• One (1) Men’s Basketball Season Parking Pass to Lot 6A (directly adjacent to MBB Hospitality Suite)

MEN’S BASKETBALL COURTSIDE SEATING (Previously $1,500 per seat)*

• Minimum Donation Requirement for 2019-20: $2,000 per seat

*Courtside Seating has been sold out for the last three seasons. Donors who sat courtside in 2018-19 will be granted priority to renew their seats for the 2019-20 Men’s Basketball season. If you are interested in being added to the waiting list, please contact Chris Walker at 949-824-0901 or walkercb@uci.edu.
 
When will the changes to the minimum donation requirements go into effect?
The minimum donation requirements to gain access to VIP Hospitality, Priority Parking and Men’s Basketball Courtside Seating will go into effect beginning on July 1^st, 2019.
 
Why are these changes being made?
With costs rising across the board for scholarships, travel, facilities, sports medicine, strength & conditioning, and the maintenance of competitive coaching salaries that impact our student-athlete‘s experience as well as ability for our sport programs to be competitive, the need for revenue growth has never been more vital.  UC Irvine Athletics must work to increase its revenue levels, including an increased emphasis on philanthropic support, in order to remain competitive in the Big West Conference and nationally. Additionally, the cost of donor benefits has increased significantly over the last three years.
 
Does my per-seat donation along with my season ticket purchase count towards my gift to the AAF?
No. The per-seat donation along with your season ticket purchase is classified as a restricted gift to the Men’s Basketball program and does not count toward your overall gift to the Anteater Athletic Fund.  
 
Are payment plans available with my donation?
YES. Payment plans are available both monthly and quarterly with your donation to the AAF. Please indicate your intentions on the gift form or contact the AAF directly at 949-824-5550 with your request.
 
How did the athletic department determine the changes to donation requirements to gain access to exclusive benefits (Hospitality, Parking, Courtside seating, etc.)?
The changes to donation requirements at these premium levels were determined after several months of data analysis, research and benchmarking of aspirational programs.
 
How is the revenue from my donation to the Anteater Athletic Fund (AAF) utilized by UC Irvine Athletics?
The Anteater Athletic Fund (AAF) is the general fund that supports UC Irvine Athletics. Tax-deductible donations to the AAF go to support the 350-plus student-athletes through all 18 NCAA Division I sport programs. The revenue from Anteater Athletic Fund donations makes a critical impact on the following areas: