UNIVERSITY PARK - Many Penn State fans are frustrated or angry over reports about a substantial hike in season-ticket prices, but they also should know that for years it's been cheaper to attend games at Beaver Stadium than it has been at more than half the other schools in the Big Ten.
And when it comes to Ohio State season tickets, that's a whole other ballgame entirely. The Buckeyes charge fans a minimum donation of $1,500 simply for the right to be able to purchase season tickets.
Fans who want premium seats, meaning those near midfield, must pay a donation of $600 at Iowa, $500 at Michigan, Michigan State and Minnesota and $250 at Wisconsin.
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For years, Penn State season-ticket holders have had to make a minimum donation of only $100 to the Nittany Lion Club. Even Purdue, which charges a $200 minimum, is more expensive.
Penn State is expected to raise minimum donation levels beginning with the 2011 season, according to published reports. The minimum will be $600 per seat between the 40-yard lines and $400 per seat from the goal lines to the 40s.
Fans who don't want to pay the increases may be moved to other parts of the stadium.
The university is expected to release specifics about the new plan as early as next week. Coach Joe Paterno said Tuesday he supports whatever decisions the university makes in order to pay the bills for all of the school's 29 athletic programs.
"How much are we charging compared to other people?" Paterno said. "I think we're probably at the bottom of the list. I saw what Michigan charges, and I saw what Ohio State charges."
JoePa added the athletic programs "don't get a nickel from the university for anything" and are "completely self-supporting."
"They got to do something [to raise money] or we got to cut back sports, and we don't want to do that," Paterno said.
