'M' Logo on the wall

Donor
Benefits

Gopher
Score

The Gopher Score Priority Ranking System is used to assign a ranking to each eligible Gopher Score member for processes including:

  • Season Ticket Upgrades
  • Postseason Ticket On-sales
    Bowl Games, Football Conference Championship Game, College Football Playoffs and NCAA Tournaments
  • Single Game Ticket On-Sales
  • Gopher Loyalty Program Selection Order

Gopher Score Formula

The Gopher Score formula balances the importance of philanthropic giving and season ticket loyalty to Gopher Athletics. Golden Gopher Fund members who make an annual gift of $100 or more and/or are current a season ticket holder for any sport is given a score and rank. The point criteria for Gopher Score is listed below:

10 Points Per $100

Current Annual Fund Year Giving to Athletics

(Nov. 1, 2025 - Oct. 31, 2026)

3 Points Per $100

Previous Years Giving to Athletics

(All Gifts Prior to Nov. 1, 2025)

10 Points Per Year & Per Sport

Consecutive Years of Season Ticket Purchase

(Points are no longer included in score if season tickets are dropped.)

1 Point Per $1,000

Planned Giving to Athletics

(e.g. Wills/Trusts, Retirement Assets or Life Insurance)

One-Time 150 Points

Lifetime Giving of $5,000-plus to the University of Minnesota Outside of Athletics

(e.g. Masonic Children's Hospital/Carlson School/Arboretum)

One-Time 50 Points

Gopher Athletics Letter Winner

One-Time 25 Points

University of Minnesota Alumni

(Twin Cities Campus)

Gopher Score Priority Rankings

as of Nov. 1, 2025

Gopher Score Rank Minimum Number of Points
Top 50 60,307.9
Top 100 26,292.4
Top 250 7,513.5
Top 500 3,473.7
Top 1,000 1,735.5
Top 2,500 813.9
Top 5,000 390.9
Top 7,500 177.9
Top 10,000 66.3
Top 12,500 8.8
golfer pushing her golf bag

2025-26 Annual Giving Calendar

November 1

Annual Fund Year Begins

November 21

Fall Sports Postseason Contribution Deadline

December 31

Current Tax Year Contribution Deadline

February 20

Winter Sports Postseason Contribution Deadline

May 1

Parking and Seat Upgrade Contribution Deadline

July 1

Membership Levels Calculated for Gopher Loyalty Program & Fall Sports Season Ticket Holders

September 1

Membership Levels Calculated for Winter Sports Season Ticket Holders

October 31

Annual Fund Year Ends

Donor
Benefits

Support for the Golden Gopher Fund remains critical in Minnesota's ability to provide a best-in-class experience for nearly 600 student-athletes. As a result of member contributions, Gopher Athletics is able to offer enhanced student-athlete support in academics, coaching, athletic training, nutrition, mental health and wellness, and much more - all critical elements to help attract, develop and retain the best talent in the country.

The information below provides details on Golden Gopher Fund membership levels and benefits. These benefits are available to Golden Gopher Fund members who annually contribute $100 or more.

Important Notes

  • Membership levels for Gopher Loyalty Program & fall sports season ticket holders are calculated annually on July 1 for the following academic year.
  • Membership levels for winter sports season ticket holders are calculated annually on September 1.
  • Gopher Loyalty Program benefit selection order will be determined by overall Gopher Score Rank.
  • Number of Gopher Loyalty Program Benefit Selections will be determined by annual giving level.
  • Current Year Gopher Score calculations will be based on gifts made from Nov. 1 - Oct. 31.
Two basketball players running on the court

Gopher | $100

Benefit Available
At This Level

Additional
At this level

Benefit Available
At Higher Levels

*Must be a season ticket holder of that sport; one pass per season ticket up to value listed

~Postseason and Away Game tickets must be purchased by request deadlines

^Renewable each season; Annual Giving minimum must be met for each parking permit purchased - availability limited.

Next Level
Gopher

Open to all renewing members, donors who increase their giving level at least one benefit level higher than the previous year will be a Next Level Gopher. To show our appreciation for your increased support, Next Level Gophers will receive the following benefits:

Level Up Benefits

(receive benefits from one level above your 2026-27 membership level)

Bonus 25 Gopher Loyalty Program Points

Exclusive Member Gift

Upgrade Your Membership

Base package benefits


Gopher Concession Stand Discount

Minimum Member Level: Gopher

Present your mobile membership card prior to ordering at a Gopher Athletics concession stand and receive a discount of $5 on any order of $25 or more!

Exclusions: Discount is not valid on beer and wine sales. Membership card must be presented prior to placing an order.

Movie Night at Huntington Bank Stadium

Minimum Member Level: Gopher

Fans of all ages are invited to relax on the Golden Gophers' home football field and enjoy a movie on the video board alongside fellow fans of the Maroon & Gold.

Kids activities such as balloon artists, face painters, and even Goldy help provide a festive atmosphere to the event.

Gopher Sports Pass

Minimum Member Level: maroon

Present your mobile membership card at any regular season home athletic event throughout the 2025-26 academic year to gain free admittance for two (2) at the following sports:

Baseball

(Siebert Field only)

Cross country

(Men's and Women's)

Gymnastics

Soccer

Swimming & diving

(Men's and Women's)

Track & field

(Men's and Women's)

Women's hockey

wrestling

Recruit for a Day

Minimum Member Level: varsity

An inside look at how Gopher coaches and staff recruit future Gophers! See what it is like to be a recruit and hear directly from the coaching staffs of your favorite teams all while touring some of the best athletic facilities in the nation.

Athletic Director's Tailgate

(Football)

Minimum Member Level: captain

Join University of Minnesota Director of Athletics Mark Coyle prior to a home Gopher Football game for the biggest party of the year! The tailgate features one of the best all you can eat buffets around and also includes appearances by distinguished alumni, the UofM Band, and of course Goldy Gopher!

Gopher Fast Pass at Home Sporting Events

Minimum Member Level: All-American

Skip the lines with exclusive access and convenience! With the Gopher Fast Pass, supporters can enjoy priority entry at designated gates, shorter wait times, and direct access to Huntington Bank Stadium, 3M Arena at Mariucci and Williams Arena on gamedays.