#ReinvestInU Campaign Launched to Support Student-Athletes
The University of Utah Department of Athletics announced on Thursday an initiative to address the significant financial challenges presented by the postponement of Fall sports because of the on-going pandemic. The initiative encourages football season ticket holders to consider reinvesting their 2020 payment as a tax-deductible donation to the department. Ticket holders have been presented the option to designate all or part of their payment for donation, or to either apply their payment toward 2021 season tickets or to receive a full refund.
Director of Athletics Mark Harlan, in a letter to season ticket holders sent Thursday, expressed his gratitude for their loyalty and dedication, and outlined the tremendous need to continue providing vital support for student-athletes in the wake of the postponement of Fall sports in 2020.
"During these unprecedented times, many of us within Utah Athletics have reflected on just how fortunate we are to be surrounded by more than 500 dedicated, passionate and hard-working student-athletes as they pursue their dreams and aspirations," Harlan wrote. "But we are also thinking of all of you, our most loyal supporters, who continually invest in our students' academic and athletics success through your ticket purchases and donations. Thank you for always being there for our student-athletes, coaches and staff."
We're in this together, and we're stronger together. ??
In unprecedented times, your support is vital for the success of our student-athletes:https://t.co/UBeJxXhpSj#ReinvestInU | #goutes pic.twitter.com/tRLOlRKS8m— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) August 20, 2020
Harlan credited Utah's student-athletes with performing at record-setting levels academically in the pandemic-altered spring semester, and reinforced the need to continue to provide the high-level of support for all aspects of student-athlete development.
"As our student-athletes continue to do their part, we need to do ours," Harlan continued. "Utah Athletics, like many of our peers, is facing an unprecedented financial challenge as we navigate the impacts of this pandemic. At this time, we anticipate a $55-60 million revenue loss just in this fiscal year alone. We are prepared to weather this storm, in part because of your generosity through the years, along with difficult but necessary cost-saving measures within the department.
"I want to send a quick thank you to all the season ticket holders and donors for the constant support through these unprecedented times. I'm as anxious to get back as you all are to watch, and when that time comes, it will be memorable!"
-Devin Lloyd https://t.co/UBeJxXhpSj pic.twitter.com/hCz3wz7QTc— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) August 20, 2020
Season ticket holders will have until Sept. 4 to decide whether to designate their payment for a donation or to receive a full refund. If they would like their 2020 payment to be applied to 2021 season tickets there is no action required. The Utah Athletics Ticket Office has created a short online survey that season ticket holders may use to manage their account and either designate their donation or request a refund.
"Your donations are essential to sustaining our academic success and preserving our competitive momentum for over 500 student-athletes," Harlan wrote. "Donations, such as the season-ticket cost, are tax-deductible, and those made during this challenging time come with additional incentives, in appreciation for the financial commitment that we are asking of you.
"Thank you for your consideration and, as always, GO UTES!"
Click here to learn more about the season ticket holder reinvestment campaign.
"Your generous donations have provided me the incredible opportunity to play the sport I love, as well as get an education at an amazing university. I am so grateful for all that you do for Utah Women's Soccer and Utah Athletics." -Anna Escobedohttps://t.co/UBeJxXhpSj pic.twitter.com/3ItFj4mUTY
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) August 20, 2020