Sent my annual end of season email to various people in the athletic department. (I only mention off the field issues)
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Joe Driscoll, and as I do every year, I’m reaching out to share my feedback as a ten year UH Baseball season ticket holder. I want to start by recognizing the outstanding in-stadium staff this season. Jason, Alexis, and the entire promo team were consistently helpful, friendly, and professional. They brought great energy and created a welcoming environment at every game.
Jason, in particular, went above and beyond to make sure fans like me had access to printed stat and roster sheets. That effort was greatly appreciated. Still, I do wish those materials were distributed as they used to be. Having a printed roster or stat sheet is a small detail that makes a big difference for longtime fans.
That said, there are several areas I think could be improved to enhance the fan experience:
Concessions:
Last year’s taco stand was an absolute highlight—three excellent tacos for $6 was easily one of the best stadium food values I’ve seen. This year, options were more limited. Aside from a few food trucks, most offerings were basic stadium fare like hot dogs and popcorn. Nothing stood out, and the pricing felt high—$6 for a single hot dog is just too much. I also miss value nights like $2 hot dogs, which made attending games more affordable and fun.
Coke Zero and Beverage Options:
As an avid Coke Zero drinker, I’ve found the product at UH venues to be consistently underwhelming—but this season at baseball games, it was nearly undrinkable, likely expired.
Also, as much as I love Coke Zero, I’d love to see more diabetic-friendly drink options beyond cola. Sugar-free lemonade, iced tea, or flavored waters would be great alternatives, especially on hot days.
Season Ticket Holder Perks:
I know the Dugout Club offers exclusive benefits for fans who donate at a higher level, and I want to be clear that I’m not asking for those same perks. But as a long-time season ticket holder, I’d appreciate even a small gesture to acknowledge that support.
A modest concession or team shop discount. Maybe a simple appreciation event during the season, would go a long way. Other groups—students, alumni—have had catered events throughout the season, which is great to see. It would be nice to see something similar done at least once a year for those of us who show up game after game.
Parking:
I appreciated having the option to purchase a $100 season parking pass this year. That said, I do miss when parking was free for all fans—something that was available up until 2024. It was a great value and helped make the experience more accessible for families and longtime supporters. I’d love to see complimentary parking restored, at least for season ticket holders.
To end on a high note, I want to give credit for how well-executed Kids Day was. A friend of mine brought his son to a game, and the experience was outstanding. The staff ran great promotions, the bounce house was a hit, and letting the kids run the bases after the game created a lasting memory. It was run very efficiently, and the kids had a blast. That kind of family-friendly programming is exactly what Cougar Baseball needs to grow its fan base and make games more engaging.
Thank you for the time, effort, and care that go into running the program. Now that we’re in the Big 12, I’d love to see the fan experience rise to meet that level. Cougar Baseball used to be the place to be during baseball season. With a little more attention to these details, it absolutely can be again.
If anyone would like to follow up, I’d be happy to discuss further. I can be reached at (555) 555-5555.
Go Coogs,
Joe Driscoll