who's in first?/ticket price economics

by patientoriolesfan on Apr 4, 2008 11:57 PM EDT Comment 13 comments

The Baltimore Orioles have somehow backed into 1st place in the American League East (tied with the Devil Rays)! Everything that could have went our way tonight did and it felt damn good so ride the high while you can birdland (it even felt corny writing birdland).

For discussion, why doesn't the front office keep ticket prices stable for Sux/Spankees games and lower the price of a ticket considerably for all other games? It is flat out jaw dropping to see that in the third game of a new season, there are entire sections of the ballpark that are fanless and even the good seats are sparsley filled. If you reduce prices by 1/2 and are able to get over twice as many fans, don't you win? I understand that this sends the message that the front offices realizes that the franchise is desperate, but lets face it aren't we?

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Tickets

First of all, love the screen name.

I'm really disappointed with the fan output so far this season. I understand the Devil Rays are not the most exciting team out there, but, like us, they are in first place! Ok, back to reality. Honestly, the people that are the in the stands for these games are the non-bandwagon fans because I know no one went to tonight's game to get the beanie hat.

Still, it is disturbing to see the number is so small. I'll be at the game on sunday to watch Bedard face the Big-O Machine.

by PWubbs on Apr 5, 2008 3:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

the beanie hat rules

It is the star of the season so far.

Camden Chat
Bad Left Hook

by SC on Apr 5, 2008 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously

That thing rocks. Anybody know where I can get one?

by Jonny Pops on Apr 5, 2008 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

at the park for now

I'm sure it'll be in the shop soon. Thorne and Palmer are absolutely mad for it, in good and bad ways.

Camden Chat
Bad Left Hook

by SC on Apr 5, 2008 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kevbo was wearing it

in his post game interview. He also seemed to be a big fan.

Formerly known as Javylicious.

by Stacey on Apr 5, 2008 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good point, really...

During this season, you would think it makes sense to reduce the price of tickets... anyhow, the more people who come the more who will likely buy beverages and food.. and beer, right? It might be worth the try. Then again, I'm no good in economics. Perhaps someone with a strong background in that will write back and educate.

by Y Not on Apr 5, 2008 8:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I've never understood this...

How is not better for team with poor attendance like the Orioles to cut the price of tickets to attract more fans?

Sell more tickets at cheaper prices, and even if they only got the same amount of ticket revenue, souvenier and food/beer sales would increase. And it would just make a better experience for fans.

I guess the downside is that then when/if the team rebounds and demand increases again, people bitch if they raise prices.

by BrianS on Apr 5, 2008 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Because if you lower prices when things go bad...

NO ONE will buy them when they're at their original levels?

One of my first lessons at my wrestling tournament was NEVER lower the price of t-shirts - kids and parents learn to wait until the last hour and then buy them when you're desperate. I almost lost my proverbial shirt on t-shirts the first year. After that, I NEVER lowered the prices (and learned to adjust my ordering) and I've sold out every year since.

If you KNOW they will lower prices in August, why go in June?

Although this may not be a perfect analogy, because Peter could get the hometown fan attendance up at non MYF and Pink Hat Nation games, and then gouge the PHN and MFY fans on those games.

"I'd just like to point out that every newspaper in the country has picked us to finish last. The local press seems to think that we'd save everyone the time and trouble if we just went out and shot ourselves." - Major Leauge

by duck on Apr 5, 2008 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does the beanie hat...

...have a Legg Mason logo hidden on the back of it? 'Cos if not, then that baby is sweeet.

by zknower on Apr 5, 2008 9:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure it's not all that hidden.

Personally, I can't wait for Miller Lite Floppy Hat Night. I went to my first one last year, and I can't wait to collect more.

by BrianS on Apr 5, 2008 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That stuff can be removed

Just carefully with some tool made to remove stitches and some tweezers. I've removed Reebok/Nike/etc. logos from hats and shirts. It's just stitching, but you have to be careful.

by drj on Apr 5, 2008 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A seam ripper works pretty well.

Also good for cutting out the liner on the front 2 panels of baseball caps, when necessary. Slower than scissors, but also much less likely to cause huge rips that require actual sewing.

by BrianS on Apr 5, 2008 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who knows the revenue sharing rules?

I thought a large component was based on local revenue, however that is calculated. I would not be surprised to learn that Pete pocketed some money this year via the plan.

As for ticket economics, I like what he Reds did this year for the Red Sox games. If you wanted tickets to that game, you had to purchase tickets to three (or so) other non-premium games. That favors the local die hard fans who would go to other games anyhow, and sticks it to the bandwagoners. The O's couldn't do that for 19 games, but maybe a premium weekend series. It will never happen.

by drj on Apr 5, 2008 5:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs