NFL Franchise Notes: Bucs Reduce More Than One-Third Of '13 Season-Ticket Prices

In Tampa, Stephen Holder noted the Buccaneers, in an effort to "stem their years-long attendance woes, have numerous reductions" in their '13 season-ticket pricing. The Bucs said that prices on 35% of seats "will be reduced." The team added that seats that are not reduced "will not increase in price." Season tickets will "start as low as $30 per game for adults and $15 per game for children." The Bucs said that there will "continue to be savings over single-game tickets -- 20 percent on average." The various payment plans used in the past "will again be available." Included are "discounts on parking,concessions and merchandise." The team in '12 has "had just one sellout" (TAMPABAY.com, 12/11). 

DESERT HEAT: In Phoenix, Dan Bickley writes NFL Cardinals President Michael Bidwill has "escaped any shift in public perception" and is "generally well-received, and far more image savvy than his father," team Owner & Chair Bill Bidwill. The younger Bidwill is "passionate and articulate" and he "says the right things." His battles "are fought in private." Winning "seems more important to him." By "putting his team in a new stadium and the franchise on a higher competitive plane, the younger Bidwill has polished up his surname." But with the Cardinals on a nine-game losing streak and "again floundering, the heat is beginning to rise" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 12/12). 

SUPER-CHARGED DEAL: In San Diego, Michael Gehlken reports the Chargers have partnered with Groupon to "offer a package for Sunday's game against the Panthers." A team spokesperson said that this marks the first time the Chargers have "sold tickets through Groupon." The $68-per-person deal "combines one pass for 'endzone-level seating' and a $20 voucher for food and drinks." As many as eight packages "can be purchased in one order," with a Saturday deadline to buy (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 12/12).