Making sure fans can afford to attend games was one of the top concerns for a panel of team presidents that opened the ’16 AXS Sports Facilities & Franchises conference in Minneapolis this morning. “Are we pricing out families from coming to our facilities?” asked Twins President Dave St. Peter. “I wonder if we are, and that’s troubling.” Noting that the Falcons recently made high-profile moves to slash concession prices when they move into the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Packers President & CEO Mark Murphy cautioned that such moves must be considered as part of overall fan costs. “You have to look at what they’re doing in context,” Murphy said. “They’re raising ticket prices and have PSL income going into the new facility.”
T’Wolves and Lynx President Chris Wright said affordability issues must co-exist with the desire of many fans to have better food experiences at sports facilities. “You have to balance all the needs,” he said. “You have price-conscious fans on one side, but also those who are seeking a premium-level experience on the other. For many fans, the food is a central part of the overall fan experience.”
