The Trail Blazers held their second "State of the United" event together for season-ticket holders on Wednesday night, and team President & CEO Chris McGowan said that it is “likely similar get-togethers will be held later this year,” according to Allan Brettman of the Portland OREGONIAN. McGowan indicated that there could be “three or four ... held each season.” Subsequent sessions “may focus on one theme, rather than run a gamut of fans' concerns.” Wednesday's event was closed to media, but McGowan said that the “first business-related question was about in-season ticket discounting.” McGowan: "They see us mass-advertising tickets for cheaper than what they're paying, it rubs some people the wrong way. It's something they're right about and we're changing." He acknowledged that it is “possible that with the phase-out of some team-sponsored, in-season ticket discounting plans, the team will make it more attractive for season ticket holders or others to sell their tickets through third-party brokers, like StubHub.” McGowan: "We're not going to do as many mass-advertised discounts. The goal is to be able to look season ticket holders in the eye and say, 'You have the best price.'" Some participants also “questioned the team's plan to raise ticket prices for the 2013-14 season” (Portland OREGONIAN, 3/29).
