The Tigers "are going to unprecedented lengths to put
fans in the seats," according to David Barkholz of CRAIN'S
DETROIT BUSINESS. Calling the program either "drastic or
desperate," Barkholz notes that starting this month, the
Tigers will introduce a program that allows non-profit
organizations to keep $4 for every game ticket sold to their
patrons. The $4 return is on $12, $10 and $8 tickets, which
includes "just about all the seats in Tiger Stadium except
box seats and bleachers." Tigers VP/Business Operations
David Glazier said the plan is expected to generate
community goodwill for the team, while "from a practical
standpoint," it means hundreds or thousands of "casual"
baseball fans will be offering tickets to benefit their
schools, clubs and organizations. Barkholz: "The franchise
is feeling a pressuring need to reintroduce baseball to
Detroit." Ticket prices were cut on about 14,500 of Tiger
Stadium's 52,000 seats this season, decreasing the average
ticket price from $11.48 to $10.40. The team is offering
"family valued tickets" for $8, featuring a grandstand
ticket in the outfield, a hot dog or slice of pizza and a
soda. Glazier, on the programs: "If this doesn't work, I
don't know what will" (CRAIN'S DETROIT BUSINESS, 1/27).
