Memphis extends basketball season ticket renewal deadline and outlines options for fans

As the NCAA Division I Council gets set for Wednesday's vote on a start date for men's and women's basketball, the University of Memphis last week extended its season ticket renewal deadlines. 

Originally set for Sept. 15, the new deadline to renew is Oct. 15. The NCAA is reportedly considering a number of options for a start date for the 2020-21 season, including Nov. 21, Nov. 25 and Dec. 4. 

Given the ever-fluid nature of the circumstances surrounding live sports amid a global pandemic, Memphis is maintaining the season and attendance disruption policies for basketball that it set forth for football in the spring, according to an email sent to season ticket holders by Memphis athletic director Laird Veatch and obtained by The Commercial Appeal. 

"Much like football, if social distancing mandates are in effect, we will be required by health officials to reallocate seating," Veatch wrote. "In that scenario, we will do so by TSF giving levels and priority points."

If the Tigers' basketball season is canceled, postponed and/or reduced, ticket holders' options include transferring the full value (including parking) to the Tiger Scholarship Fund as a charitable donation, transferring the value to the Tiger Scholarship Fund as a non-charitable donation toward priority seating balances, use the full value as a credit toward a future ticket purchase, or request a full refund. 

Veatch added season ticket holders "will retain your seats/parking for the following 2021-2022 basketball season," no matter what happens this season. He also confirmed the cancellation of Memphis Madness in the email. 

Women's basketball season ticket holders will follow the same procedure. In addition, due to renovations at Elma Roane Fieldhouse, season tickets will be reallocated – a process that will be handled account by account. 

Stadium's Jeff Goodman reported last week there is a proposal on the table to set the maximum number of regular-season games at 24 or 25, with as many as three additional games as long as they are part of a multi-team event. In addition, the AAC is reportedly considering a 20-game double round-robin scheduling format (up from the traditional 18-game slate). 

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.