Franchise Notes

Vikings Will Freeze Ticket Prices For First Time Since '98

The Vikings Thursday said that they will freeze ticket prices for the '09 season for the first time since '98 because of the "current economic climate." Vikings VP/Sales & Marketing and CMO Steve LaCroix: "We felt this was the right time for a lot of reasons to acknowledge the fans' loyalty and passion that they have for us and the current challenges some of our fans are potentially facing economically." The Vikings have sold out 112 straight home games at the Metrodome, and LaCroix called the decision by team owners a "significant gesture." The Jaguars, Saints, Chargers and 49ers also have announced that they will not raise ticket prices for next season (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 12/19).

PLAY AT THE PLATE: In Philadelphia, Paul Vigna reported Phillies VP/Sales & Ticket Operations John Weber Thursday met with fan Brent Blanchard, who earlier this month purchased ads in the Philadelphia Daily News and Inquirer about a ticketing dispute for Game Five of the World Series. The two discussed Blanchard's "situation and potential things the Phillies can do next season to make up for what happened." Blanchard said that he was told the team is "amenable to talking to everyone who had a problem" with tickets. Blanchard: "They did acknowledge that it happened to a couple hundred people. It's nice to know that the team is sympathizing with the fans. And they're acknowledging that it did happen" (PHILLY.com, 12/18).

GUN SHOT: English Premier League club Arsenal investor Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith said of her departure from the team's BOD, "I'm in total shock and very upset about the appalling way I have been treated. The board have no manners whatsoever and my views were ignored on many occasions." In London, Jeremy Wilson reports it is "understood she was opposed to the appointment" of MLS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis as Arsenal's new CEO (London TELEGRAPH, 12/19).