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 June 30, 2025
| Gopher Score Rank | Minimum Number of Points |
|---|---|
| Top 50 | 78,055.4 |
| Top 100 | 29,472.5 |
| Top 250 | 8,359.5 |
| Top 500 | 3,995.6 |
| Top 1,000 | 1,992.2 |
| Top 2,500 | 911.3 |
| Top 5,000 | 454.0 |
| Top 7,500 | 227.5 |
| Top 10,000 | 96.0 |
| Top 12,500 | 20.0 |
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Gopher Score
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.
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)