I will agree that the OP is correct in the fact that it has not been as easy to sell tickets as it has in the past (3-5 years). This can be for a multitude of reasons that have already been stated.
As a season ticket holder, I tend to take a more economical approach. If demand is down and supply is up, I back off the price accordingly. I look at any tickets I sell as lowering the overall cost of my family to attend a few games. With young kids, their activities, mid week night later tip games, and some geography in between us and Ames, I figure if we can make half the games, that is pretty good, and we can sell the rest. Other than one non conference game this year (which was a first), I have been able to do that.
This year there have been quite a few weekend games (less Big Monday, conference late tip games), which I would say is good for attendance, but also indicative more of where the program is (semi-rebuilding mode). This could help explain the marginal fans - take it or leave it, on the fence folks.
I will generally flat out disagree that season ticket holders recoup their initial investment, or are making a killing on tickets (save for maybe the non-donation required seats). Trust me, it isn't even close to a break even proposition when you figure the yearly donation into the equation. The market is what the market is. You are going to pay more for the UI, KU, UT (to some extent) home games. Other conference games will probably be more than face, but that bar isn't very high (~$12 in the corners / ends, $25 upper deck, donation required sections, $37 and up in the lower level). As you may expect as you get further away from the court (rows) and further away from the center court (sections), the prices will vary accordingly. Conference games will definitely be more than face (the amount over will vary depending on who we are playing). Non-conference, will typically be below, and in some cases, way below, face.
The thing this year that drove me nuts more than anything this season on CF, is the lack of courtesy of response, and in some cases arrogance, by folks that are interested (or at least make you think they are interested) in my tickets that I put up for sale. If you are interested, say so, if you aren't, say that as well. Don't express an interest and we reach a price, and then fall off the planet, never to respond again. Also don't act that you are doing someone a favor by giving a low ball offer to take the tickets off or your hands - like you are the only person that is interested in the tickets. I am generally willing to negotiate on price within reason. If you aren't cool, for whatever reason, with electronic payment / transfer, say so. In a lot of cases, with enough notice, meeting in person can work. I even had one gentleman drive to me ~3 hours to pick up tickets.
BTW, I probably will have about half the slate of games available next season as well if you are interested in advance purchase!
