Sox Blame Yankees For Ticket Prices

Wolf Hopper · 10-31-2003, 06:45 AM

http://www.sportsbusinessnews.com/in...story_id=30758

Quote:

The Marlins may be world champions, but no one can touch the Red Sox when it comes to ticket prices. That and this report from The Boston Globe's Bob Hohler .

In a rite that has become as regular as fall foliage, the Sox yesterday hiked the average cost of a seat at Fenway Park for the ninth straight year, this time to an all-time high of $44.37. The increase all but guarantees the Sox will reign for a sixth straight year as purveyors of the costliest average ticket in baseball.

The Sox led the majors in 2003 in ticket revenue, even though Fenway is the smallest park in either league.

"Make no mistake, we are looking to increase our revenue, which is essential to compete with the Empire," president Larry Lucchino said in laying out the team's goals in restructuring its pricing system.

IMHO, at some point, Lucchino has to let the "Empire" thing go and stop using it. It makes he look like a paranoid fool who is more worried about what NY is doing than what he should be doing.

satchel · 10-31-2003, 07:33 AM

That was indeed a very dumb comment. Then again, it was also a dumb PR move to announce an increase in ticket prices on the same day you waive your best player. The Sox may have the brains to build an excellent team, but they sometimes seem to have Bud Selig's nose for public relations.

Wolf Hopper · 10-31-2003, 09:46 AM

Larry could have taken the high road with "In order to stay competitive, given our limited seat availability in Fenway, we must raise ticket prices for 2004."

Would have that been so hard?

nyyfanfrombirth · 10-31-2003, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolf Hopper

Larry could have taken the high road with "In order to stay competitive, given our limited seat availability in Fenway, we must raise ticket prices for 2004."

Would have that been so hard?

Of course that would have been the best way, but it seems Larry's a little fixated. A couple of years from now, they'll probably be blaming the fact that they're hamstrung by Manny's contract on the "Empire." -- "Well, the reason why we have no payroll flexibility is because 'The Empire' wouldn't take a bazillion dollar, bazillion year contract off our hands."

Firpo Marberry · 10-31-2003, 10:11 AM

I heard the Pirates dropped ticket prices. Is there an Empire cause-effect there?

The Marlins didn't draw squat for fans and didn't have the highest payroll and they won it all. Just follow the model, Larry.

rcartman28 · 10-31-2003, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolf Hopper

Larry could have taken the high road with "In order to stay competitive, given our limited seat availability in Fenway, we must raise ticket prices for 2004."

Would have that been so hard?

That would have been the politcally correct thing to say. Of course, not said is that they will keep raising them as long as people are willing to keep buying the tickets, no matter what we are charging for them.

JamesI · 10-31-2003, 12:26 PM

Steve, Red Sox fans like the evil empire talk. Granted its silly, but saying that way might make it easier for the Sox fans to accept...

Wolf Hopper · 10-31-2003, 12:33 PM

The Empire talk does fuel emotions, I'm sure. That why I surprised that Bud and Sandy have allowed it to go on for a year now.

SF does not do this with LA. The Cards don't do it with the Cubs. Even in Boston-NY, the front offices never engaged in this stuff, at least in the view of the public - before Larry started it.

hmrsf · 10-31-2003, 06:06 PM

2nd year in a row my tickets did not go up.

Almost all of the seats remained the same and more bleacher seats are going down.

Box seats and premium seats are still going up!

nyy26wc · 11-01-2003, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolf Hopper

Larry could have taken the high road with "In order to stay competitive, given our limited seat availability in Fenway, we must raise ticket prices for 2004."

Would have that been so hard?

Or, he could have been honest.

He could have said, "Ticket prices, just like the prices of every other non regulated price in a capitalist country is determined by what the market will bear. Since the people of Boston have voted with their pocketbook by showing they will be enough tickets at X price, we believe that they will similiarly buy tickets at X + Y price."

Jim Rice · 11-01-2003, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyy26wc

Or, he could have been honest.

He could have said, "Ticket prices, just like the prices of every other non regulated price in a capitalist country is determined by what the market will bear. Since the people of Boston have voted with their pocketbook by showing they will be enough tickets at X price, we believe that they will similiarly buy tickets at X + Y price."

Honesty? From a baseball team owner? Surely you jest...

TimmyB · 11-03-2003, 04:31 PM

They're raising seats I'll never afford anyway, so he can blame it on Darth Vadar for all I care. But, attach the Yankees to it and it sounds better.

(Hypothetical release from Yawkey Way: "Fenway Franks will now cost $7.50 per, in order to remain competetive with the Empire." Fan reaction: BUY MORE HOT DOGS!)

We're sick up here. I know.

SmedIndy · 11-04-2003, 12:55 AM

If the market will bear the increase - no one should complain - but you shouldn't blame a team for it.

sweaver · 11-04-2003, 08:56 AM

It's all about the spin...if they blame it on the Yankees, the fans will pay.

Every story needs a villain. For most of MLB, especially in Boston, that's the Yankees.

hmrsf · 11-04-2003, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimmyB

They're raising seats I'll never afford anyway, so he can blame it on Darth Vadar for all I care.

Ticket prices remain the same does not sell papers.

Luxury seating price increase does not sell papers.

Bleacher seats prices drop does not sell papers.

Mention the word Yankee and price increase and sky caves in. Forget about the facts, you just sold a lot of papers.

10-31-2003, 07:33 AM	#2
satchel NetShrine All-Century Team Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 2,601	That was indeed a very dumb comment. Then again, it was also a dumb PR move to announce an increase in ticket prices on the same day you waive your best player. The Sox may have the brains to build an excellent team, but they sometimes seem to have Bud Selig's nose for public relations. __________________ Rare mold, old vomit - An anagram rejected by Tom Riddle

10-31-2003, 09:46 AM	#3
Wolf Hopper NetShrine Creator & Curator Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NetShrine WHQ Posts: 6,191	Larry could have taken the high road with "In order to stay competitive, given our limited seat availability in Fenway, we must raise ticket prices for 2004." Would have that been so hard? __________________ Steve, Forum Administrator POSTING TIP FOR THE DAY: When composing a post, think about what you would say if the intended recipient was an individual who was actually sitting just two feet in front of you, in person, rather than just some far away and anonymous audience who only can identify you as text on a PC screen - - and then write your post in that manner. It makes for remarkable and sincere discourse.

10-31-2003, 10:11 AM	#5
Firpo Marberry All-NetShrine Team Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Earth Posts: 327	I heard the Pirates dropped ticket prices. Is there an Empire cause-effect there? The Marlins didn't draw squat for fans and didn't have the highest payroll and they won it all. Just follow the model, Larry. __________________ "They're all nobodies until you have to pitch to them."

10-31-2003, 12:33 PM	#8
Wolf Hopper NetShrine Creator & Curator Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NetShrine WHQ Posts: 6,191	The Empire talk does fuel emotions, I'm sure. That why I surprised that Bud and Sandy have allowed it to go on for a year now. SF does not do this with LA. The Cards don't do it with the Cubs. Even in Boston-NY, the front offices never engaged in this stuff, at least in the view of the public - before Larry started it. __________________ Steve, Forum Administrator POSTING TIP FOR THE DAY: When composing a post, think about what you would say if the intended recipient was an individual who was actually sitting just two feet in front of you, in person, rather than just some far away and anonymous audience who only can identify you as text on a PC screen - - and then write your post in that manner. It makes for remarkable and sincere discourse.

10-31-2003, 06:06 PM	#9
hmrsf forum mom Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: relocation Posts: 4,298	2nd year in a row my tickets did not go up. Almost all of the seats remained the same and more bleacher seats are going down. Box seats and premium seats are still going up! __________________ NDF who shares good karma! Get a coaster! My cup is not only 1/2 full it is brimming! We don't need no stinking Arods!

10-31-2003, 12:26 PM	#7
JamesI Netshrine Vacuum Cleaner Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Potsdam, N.Y. Posts: 3,723	Steve, Red Sox fans like the evil empire talk. Granted its silly, but saying that way might make it easier for the Sox fans to accept...

11-03-2003, 04:31 PM	#12
TimmyB NetShrine's Magic 8-Ball Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Where the cops speak slow and the air is nice Posts: 2,591	They're raising seats I'll never afford anyway, so he can blame it on Darth Vadar for all I care. But, attach the Yankees to it and it sounds better. (Hypothetical release from Yawkey Way: "Fenway Franks will now cost $7.50 per, in order to remain competetive with the Empire." Fan reaction: BUY MORE HOT DOGS!) We're sick up here. I know.

11-04-2003, 12:55 AM	#13
SmedIndy NetShrine's Historian Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Zionsville, IN Posts: 10,569	If the market will bear the increase - no one should complain - but you shouldn't blame a team for it.

11-04-2003, 08:56 AM	#14
sweaver Netshrine Cleanup Hitter Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: The Mountain State Posts: 8,883	It's all about the spin...if they blame it on the Yankees, the fans will pay. Every story needs a villain. For most of MLB, especially in Boston, that's the Yankees.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Yankees, Twins, A's clinch	nyy26wc	Around The Majors Reports	1	09-24-2003 12:23 PM
Yankees Looking To Add Zeal?	Max Power	2002 Active Player News, Analysis, & Commentary Archives	13	12-30-2002 01:51 AM
The Yankees spending habits	wyvern37	2002 Hot Baseball Chatter Archives	20	08-30-2002 07:25 PM
Yankees infield	VNV Nation	2002 Baseball History Archives	28	06-25-2002 10:29 AM
ALCS Thoughts, Predictions, etc.	NetShrine	2001 Hot Baseball Chatter Archives	49	10-22-2001 07:38 AM