Patriots Revoke Tickets Of Former Player Fred Smerlas

Patriots Revoke Tickets Of Former Player Over Online Ticket Packages

The Patriots are “revoking nearly 40 season tickets” belonging to former Patriots DT and WEEI-AM commentator Fred Smerlas, “who was selling them as part of tailgate packages costing $625 to $750,” according to Bruce Mohl of the BOSTON GLOBE. The Patriots, who recently sued StubHub for allegedly violating Massachusetts’ antiscalping law, “prohibit season ticket holders from reselling their tickets to third parties except through the team’s own ticket exchange, where sellers are required to charge face value.” According to Smerlas’ Web site, Patriotstailgate.com, he sells a food and beverage tailgate package at Patriots home games for $250, “while a nearly identical plan with parking and a game ticket costs $625.” In effect, Smerlas “charges an extra $375 for a parking space and a game ticket with a face value of $125.” Smerlas was told his tickets “would be revoked next season,” but he said that his tailgate business “will go on.” Smerlas: “I know the Krafts. They’ve always been fair. They’re trying to make sure they control their tickets” (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/3).