Slight correction. I believe donor rank still prevails. A new season ticket holder was only slotted in at the $99 level regardless of the seats they intended to purchase. Unless they bought 12 seats that would give them a donation of less than $500 and place them in Group 8 Varsity with 4 priority points. A renewing ticket holder would get a 5 point longevity bonus for each year, so even if it is their first year renewing, they would slot ahead of any newbies as long as they have a minimum donation of $100.
However, if the newbie makes a nonrefundable donation to the Athletics Opportunity Fund, that Donation will enable them to move up through the levels and their time slot will earlier in the process.
Pretty strong protection for the base, but leaves some wiggle room if a newbie wants to make a significant contribution.