2026-2027 Season Schedule Thread

[Krug92]

Not sure where to post this, but season ticket renewals are due June 16. However, the patriot club will not be publishing new hospitality requirements until late July. Who in their bright mind thought it was a good idea to not have all of this information fleshed out and publicly available before renewals end?

This is a sore topic with me and my seatmates. Also the "Seat Fee" does not apply towards the Patriot Club hospitality this year. Seriously debating not renewing after 27 years.

 

[GMU_Polevaulter]

This is a sore topic with me and my seatmates. Also the "Seat Fee" does not apply towards the Patriot Club hospitality this year. Seriously debating not renewing after 27 years.

Agree, if you are gonna make that kind of change - all the pricing should have been figured out so tickets holders can do the math to see how much more it would cost them to keep what they had in prior years (pat club, seats, seat fee, gold room). I have been rolling with 4 seats for 20 years and dropped it down to 3 for this season given the unknowns.

 

[DRK331]

This isn't about the schedule for the upcoming season, but Mason basketball will have a free event tomorrow. Tony Skinn, Vanessa Blair Lewis, and GMU Athletics Director Marvin Lewis will be there.

Learn more here:

George Mason Athletics Partners with Northwest Federal Credit Union for Inaugural NIL Basketball Signing Day - George Mason University Athletics

he George Mason University men's and women's basketball programs will team up with Northwest Federal Credit Union for an exclusive inaugural Signing Day event on

gomason.com

 

[Where's the party?]

This is a sore topic with me and my seatmates. Also the "Seat Fee" does not apply towards the Patriot Club hospitality this year. Seriously debating not renewing after 27 years.

Yep - I mentioned the same thing previously. Was told what we paid last year for 4 tix and 4 gold room passes, only pays for 4 tix now. In most businesses this is what's known as a price hike. At Mason, its not transparently addressed and their inability to tell us what the gold room costs this year is a joke.

Since they can't get their act together with transparent pricing before the June 16th deadline, it left us with a easy call on dropping two of our four tix we've had for 10+ years. When they finally get a price for the gold room, we will decide if that makes sense or maybe pregaming at a restaurant across the street and a concession beer makes sense.

Can't see how this is helping season ticket sales.

 

[sigmanorm]

Season ticket holder for 20 years, and I am not renewing my tickets this year. The changes they are making are ridiculous. I love Mason hoops and will probably regret my decision, but they expect us to just keep throwing money at an unknown cost. No official communication from the program. I have heard about several changes they planned, and just can't get behind the approach they are taking.
Will still live and die with this team, just from a sports bar or my house...GO MASON!!

 

[mkaufman1]

Season ticket holder for 20 years, and I am not renewing my tickets this year. The changes they are making are ridiculous. I love Mason hoops and will probably regret my decision, but they expect us to just keep throwing money at an unknown cost. No official communication from the program. I have heard about several changes they planned, and just can't get behind the approach they are taking.
Will still live and die with this team, just from a sports bar or my house...GO MASON!!

Dang- they even lost you! No bueno.

 

[tblack33]

I think I’ve posted here before about being supportive of a price hike, however the lack of clarity and communication on what the price hike is, and what changes are being made is very disappointing. I’m holding off on renewing season tickets until I know exactly what I’m paying for. Inexcusable to announce changes, but for some reason delay what the changes are for months after the deadline, all while pushing for renewals. Not sure whose idea this was, but it makes no sense. Just rip the bandaid off and tell us how things are and what they are going to cost.

 

[The Great PATSby]

Season ticket holder for 20 years, and I am not renewing my tickets this year. The changes they are making are ridiculous. I love Mason hoops and will probably regret my decision, but they expect us to just keep throwing money at an unknown cost. No official communication from the program. I have heard about several changes they planned, and just can't get behind the approach they are taking.
Will still live and die with this team, just from a sports bar or my house...GO MASON!!

After Mason raised my seats I had for years went up over 30% last year, I debated not getting season tickets. Especially when I only go to about 75% of the games because of kids activities. I ended up downgrading my seat location. Now I don't care if I miss a game. I'll just give them away to friends. Hit up Matt Kaufman in the ticket office. He'll work with you. He helped me change my seats for next season.

 

[GMUgemini]

This is the price of the new era. Everything is going to become more expensive as we chase vcu, Dayton, and SLU’s roster spend.

It is really dumb that they don’t just say what the price of everything is going to be. I can’t imagine they don’t know at this point.

 

[Krug92]

Season ticket holder for 20 years, and I am not renewing my tickets this year. The changes they are making are ridiculous. I love Mason hoops and will probably regret my decision, but they expect us to just keep throwing money at an unknown cost. No official communication from the program. I have heard about several changes they planned, and just can't get behind the approach they are taking.
Will still live and die with this team, just from a sports bar or my house...GO MASON!!

My group of seatmates (10 seats in all) just informed the ticket office that we will not be renewing our seats. We'll either move out of the seat fee zone or buy individual tickets next season. Some of us have been season ticket holders for over 25 years.

 

[Krug92]

This is the price of the new era. Everything is going to become more expensive as we chase vcu, Dayton, and SLU’s roster spend.

It is really dumb that they don’t just say what the price of everything is going to be. I can’t imagine they don’t know at this point.

This is precisely the problem! No one would buy any other product or service under terms this unclear.

 

[Yossarian]

This is precisely the problem! No one would buy any other product or service under terms this unclear.

I did not renew my season tix this year because of this. I’ve had season tix since moving back to the area in 2005.

 

[sigmanorm]

I spoke with Joe Rafanelli (Chief Revenue Officer) for 45 mins today. He is going to work to get things communicated to everyone. Their plan is to release the hospitality plan on July 15. I told him it would be a good move to just tell all season ticket holders that the deadline to lock in their tix should be at that same day. We will see if he listens.

 

[tblack33]

I spoke with Joe Rafanelli (Chief Revenue Officer) for 45 mins today. He is going to work to get things communicated to everyone. Their plan is to release the hospitality plan on July 15. I told him it would be a good move to just tell all season ticket holders that the deadline to lock in their tix should be at that same day. We will see if he listens.

Hope he does. Them having a planned release date a month after season ticket renewals are due tells me whatever decision they needed to make about pricing has been made. Don’t really understand the delay.

 

[TweederGMU]

I think I’ve posted here before about being supportive of a price hike, however the lack of clarity and communication on what the price hike is, and what changes are being made is very disappointing. I’m holding off on renewing season tickets until I know exactly what I’m paying for. Inexcusable to announce changes, but for some reason delay what the changes are for months after the deadline, all while pushing for renewals. Not sure whose idea this was, but it makes no sense. Just rip the bandaid off and tell us how things are and what they are going to cost.

They are tone deaf and continue to not do the simplest things with their prized people: season ticket holders. This ticket and patriot club admin are forcing long timers out.

Didn't renew mine last year. Bought tickets on sites or got tickets from friends for a few games I made it to. Didn't regret it.

The deals they give during the regular season are just too good to pass up now.

 

[Where's the party?]

Holy Crap! I hated giving up our two seats, but had no idea of the Tsunami I was part of. If this thread represents even 20% of the season ticker holder feelings, they are in big trouble and somebody over there needs to be fired. Where is the AD? He should be calling every season ticket holder and apologizing and begging them to stay or come back.

You want to compete with vcu, Dayton and SLU? Friggin start acting like them, and treat your loyal fans better.

 

[sigmanorm]

This is the message I sent Mason

To the George Mason Athletics Department, Patriot Club Leadership, and Ticket Office,

After nearly twenty years as a George Mason Men's Basketball season ticket holder and donor, I have made the difficult decision not to renew my season tickets for the upcoming season.

This decision was not made lightly. Over the years, I have invested thousands of dollars into George Mason Athletics through ticket purchases, Patriot Club contributions, and other support because I believed in the program and wanted to help it succeed. I have remained committed through both the highs and the lows because I viewed myself as more than a customer; I considered myself a loyal supporter and partner of the university. I am still a huge supporter of Coach Skinn, Coach Blair-Lewis, and the other coaches throughout the George Mason athletics programs. My support for Mason athletics goes back to the 80s, when my wife and I were students at Mason. My fraternity won the spirit award almost every game back then. I continued my support of Mason athletics when I was the President of Fairfax National Little League, and I organized a Fairfax Little League day with Mason baseball. I am happy to see that tradition continues. My support includes donations to the Green Machine and Masonettes. Both are great programs and really bring pride to George Mason fans.

Unfortunately, the recent changes surrounding the basketball ticket program have left me frustrated, disappointed, and unable to justify continuing my participation.

First, I am extremely concerned by the changes to seat fees and the apparent separation of Patriot Club donations from seat-related giving requirements. For years, supporters have been encouraged to contribute to the Patriot Club as a way of supporting George Mason Athletics. Now, it appears that those contributions no longer count toward maintaining seat privileges, effectively requiring donors to pay for the same level of access, without direct giving to the student athletes. This feels less like rewarding loyal supporters and more like penalizing the student athletes. I understand there were IRS changes that may have caused this shift. I think there were better ways to communicate that message and possibly better ways to continue direct support of the student athletes.

Second, there remains significant uncertainty regarding the costs associated with the Gold Room and parking. As of this letter, there has been insufficient information provided to season ticket holders regarding what these costs will be and how the overall program will function. Asking fans to commit thousands of dollars without clear details is unreasonable.

Third, there continues to be widespread confusion regarding Gold Room access. The information circulating suggests that even donors with four season tickets may only receive two Gold Room memberships based on donation levels, forcing them to purchase additional Gold Room access on a game-by-game basis. If true, this would significantly diminish the value of the season ticket experience and create an unnecessary burden on long-time supporters who attend games with family and friends. Equally troubling is the apparent absence of a season-long Gold Room option for the "extra" ticket holders.

Perhaps most disappointing has been the lack of communication. The Patriot Club, Ticket Office, and Athletics Department have provided very little clarity regarding the overall plan for the upcoming season. Loyal supporters should not have to rely on rumors, speculation, and secondhand information to understand what they are being asked to purchase. Transparency and communication are fundamental to maintaining trust with your fan base, and both have been lacking.

Finally, the timing and magnitude of these changes are difficult to understand given the current state of the program. While last season was certainly enjoyable, the reality is that George Mason finished in 5th place in the Atlantic 10 Conference and was eliminated in its first game of both the A-10 Tournament and the NIT. The program has not yet achieved the level of sustained success that would justify dramatically increasing costs and creating additional barriers for loyal fans. I love Mason basketball and will continue to be a fan.

What makes this particularly painful is that I genuinely want to continue supporting George Mason Basketball. I have invested nearly four decades into the program and have proudly supported the university through countless seasons. Walking away is not something I ever expected to do. However, the combination of rising costs, uncertain benefits, unclear policies, and poor communication has made it impossible for me to make an informed and financially reasonable commitment for the upcoming season. I am sure I will attend some games, but the season ticket changes and lack of communication on the plan for the season, coinciding with the timing of when renewals are required, makes it very hard to justify renewal.

I have spoken with other season ticket holders, and many are really challenged with making the decision to renew with such limited information. I hope the Athletics Department takes seriously the concerns being expressed by long-time supporters. Season ticket holders and donors are not simply revenue sources; they are the foundation of the program's fan base. Once that loyalty is lost, it can be very difficult to regain.

I sincerely hope George Mason reconsiders its approach, improves communication with its supporters, and finds a way to reward, not discourage, the fans who have stood by the program for years.

If any of the information I am hearing is not factual, please let me know, because the only official communication I have received from Mason is that my ticket renewal is due, and what the seat fees associated with my seats will be.

Respectfully,

 

[GMU_Polevaulter]

This is the message I sent Mason

To the George Mason Athletics Department, Patriot Club Leadership, and Ticket Office,

After nearly twenty years as a George Mason Men's Basketball season ticket holder and donor, I have made the difficult decision not to renew my season tickets for the upcoming season.

This decision was not made lightly. Over the years, I have invested thousands of dollars into George Mason Athletics through ticket purchases, Patriot Club contributions, and other support because I believed in the program and wanted to help it succeed. I have remained committed through both the highs and the lows because I viewed myself as more than a customer; I considered myself a loyal supporter and partner of the university. I am still a huge supporter of Coach Skinn, Coach Blair-Lewis, and the other coaches throughout the George Mason athletics programs. My support for Mason athletics goes back to the 80s, when my wife and I were students at Mason. My fraternity won the spirit award almost every game back then. I continued my support of Mason athletics when I was the President of Fairfax National Little League, and I organized a Fairfax Little League day with Mason baseball. I am happy to see that tradition continues. My support includes donations to the Green Machine and Masonettes. Both are great programs and really bring pride to George Mason fans.

Unfortunately, the recent changes surrounding the basketball ticket program have left me frustrated, disappointed, and unable to justify continuing my participation.

First, I am extremely concerned by the changes to seat fees and the apparent separation of Patriot Club donations from seat-related giving requirements. For years, supporters have been encouraged to contribute to the Patriot Club as a way of supporting George Mason Athletics. Now, it appears that those contributions no longer count toward maintaining seat privileges, effectively requiring donors to pay for the same level of access, without direct giving to the student athletes. This feels less like rewarding loyal supporters and more like penalizing the student athletes. I understand there were IRS changes that may have caused this shift. I think there were better ways to communicate that message and possibly better ways to continue direct support of the student athletes.

Second, there remains significant uncertainty regarding the costs associated with the Gold Room and parking. As of this letter, there has been insufficient information provided to season ticket holders regarding what these costs will be and how the overall program will function. Asking fans to commit thousands of dollars without clear details is unreasonable.

Third, there continues to be widespread confusion regarding Gold Room access. The information circulating suggests that even donors with four season tickets may only receive two Gold Room memberships based on donation levels, forcing them to purchase additional Gold Room access on a game-by-game basis. If true, this would significantly diminish the value of the season ticket experience and create an unnecessary burden on long-time supporters who attend games with family and friends. Equally troubling is the apparent absence of a season-long Gold Room option for the "extra" ticket holders.

Perhaps most disappointing has been the lack of communication. The Patriot Club, Ticket Office, and Athletics Department have provided very little clarity regarding the overall plan for the upcoming season. Loyal supporters should not have to rely on rumors, speculation, and secondhand information to understand what they are being asked to purchase. Transparency and communication are fundamental to maintaining trust with your fan base, and both have been lacking.

Finally, the timing and magnitude of these changes are difficult to understand given the current state of the program. While last season was certainly enjoyable, the reality is that George Mason finished in 5th place in the Atlantic 10 Conference and was eliminated in its first game of both the A-10 Tournament and the NIT. The program has not yet achieved the level of sustained success that would justify dramatically increasing costs and creating additional barriers for loyal fans. I love Mason basketball and will continue to be a fan.

What makes this particularly painful is that I genuinely want to continue supporting George Mason Basketball. I have invested nearly four decades into the program and have proudly supported the university through countless seasons. Walking away is not something I ever expected to do. However, the combination of rising costs, uncertain benefits, unclear policies, and poor communication has made it impossible for me to make an informed and financially reasonable commitment for the upcoming season. I am sure I will attend some games, but the season ticket changes and lack of communication on the plan for the season, coinciding with the timing of when renewals are required, makes it very hard to justify renewal.

I have spoken with other season ticket holders, and many are really challenged with making the decision to renew with such limited information. I hope the Athletics Department takes seriously the concerns being expressed by long-time supporters. Season ticket holders and donors are not simply revenue sources; they are the foundation of the program's fan base. Once that loyalty is lost, it can be very difficult to regain.

I sincerely hope George Mason reconsiders its approach, improves communication with its supporters, and finds a way to reward, not discourage, the fans who have stood by the program for years.

If any of the information I am hearing is not factual, please let me know, because the only official communication I have received from Mason is that my ticket renewal is due, and what the seat fees associated with my seats will be.

Respectfully,

Very well written, unfortunately for the program, I think many season ticket holders will agree with you on several if not all your key points - regardless of renewal status.

The email they sent saying ticket prices and seat fees are not increasing (technically true) - but with seat fees counting for nothing but the option to buy the seat(as opposed to counting towards Gold Room) and no idea of cost for future Gold Room was a big miscalculation. Appreciate you taking the time to draft and send that on.

 

[Patriot Blue]

Plenty of seats available. It's not like you ever need to worry about a sell out

 

[p8triotfan4life]

I renewed, but I think my gold room days are done. $2k for 2 seats was my max. I can't muster more than that to watch us play D3 and shitty D1 teams. Shameful Mason would attack their season ticket holders like this.