The Packers are "raising ticket prices for the second consecutive year." Season-ticket holders are "being notified that tickets between the 20-yard lines will increase from $83 to $87." Other sideline seats "will go from $73 to $76, and end zone seats will go from $67 to $69." Suite tickets "will also increase to $87." Packers President & CEO Mark Murphy said that payments "would be refunded if a work stoppage happens" (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 2/19).
ON THE RISE: In Oklahoma City, John Rohde reported "roughly one-third" of Thunder season-ticket holders "will experience a slight cost increase for the 2011-12 season." Team officials said that 34% of arena seating "will see an increase of $2 to $5 per game, but prices will remain unchanged in 66 percent" of Oklahoma City Arena. It marks the franchise's "first season-ticket price increase since relocating" from Seattle in '08. Renewal announcements were sent out last week, and fans have the "option of paying for their season tickets in full, in three monthly installments, or six monthly installments" (DAILY OKLAHOMAN, 2/19).
WAITING FOR STARS TO ALIGN: In Dallas, Mike Heika in an online chat wrote he believes Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban "has strong interest" in buying the Stars, but noted Cuban has "said on the radio that the lenders are asking too much and that they 'made their nut' on the Rangers deal and they can afford to be patient with the Stars." Heika: "I think Cuban will be a bidder until the end, but that he doesn't want to overpay." He added of Cuban, "He certainly has the money to run the Stars in a manner in which they would be most competitive (which would be the smart business move if you want to eventually make the most money off of the team), but do you want an owner with more business passion than hockey passion?" (DALLASNEWS.com, 2/20).
NO REASON TO CROSS THE BAY? In Boston, Gary Washburn noted there were "early rumors" that the Warriors' new ownership group planned to move the team "back to San Francisco." But Oakland "has shown surprising support, given the Warriors' struggles," as the team ranks 11th in the NBA in attendance (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/20).
