Alamance Schools Limit Senior Card Benefits, Raise Game Prices

Alamance Burlington School System officials on December 22 announced that holders of Senior Tar Heel Athletic Cards will no longer receive free admission to sports events at ABSS venues beginning with competitions next month. Varsity competition tickets for sports with ticketed entry will cost $10, and middle school general admission will be $6. Senior Tar Heel Athletic Cards will be accepted for half price only, meaning $5 for high school contests and $3 for middle school events, with valid cards required for the discount.

The system framed the change as a financial necessity for maintaining athletic programs. “We’ve got to do something,” said Todd Davis, athletics director for ABSS. “We’re just taking a hit.” Davis emphasized rising operational costs, noting that a typical varsity football game incurs about $2,000 in expenses before kickoff because of security and official fees. “It adds up,” he said. “Athletics isn’t immune to inflation. We want to honor (those cards) in some way and at the same time we’ve got to take care of our programs.”

The new pricing aligns with a similar structure adopted by conference peer Roxboro Person, although that school continues to offer free admission as part of its senior discount. Postseason ticket prices at the high school level remain subject to standards set by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. At ABSS venues, some sports will continue to have no admission charge, including cross country, golf, and tennis. Admission prices for multi team events such as wrestling tournaments, in season basketball tournaments, or track and field invitationals may vary.

Season passes remain available at many schools, but they are specific to individual schools and valid only at that school’s venues. For middle school postseason contests ABSS will not accept any passes, since these events are considered fundraisers for ABSS Teaching Scholars and for middle school athletic departments. Semifinal tickets will cost $6 and championship competition tickets will be $8, except for football championships which will carry a $10 price.

Local seniors who used Senior Tar Heel Athletic Cards for free admission will see immediate out of pocket costs, and families who attend multiple events may face higher annual spending. School officials say the adjustments are intended to stabilize program budgets and cover unavoidable event expenses while preserving discounted access where possible.