The effects of the Orioles’ postseason run last year “could take longer to bloom for the franchise’s luxury suite sales,” according to Jack Lambert of the BALTIMORE BUSINESS JOURNAL. Orioles VP/Ticketing & Fan Services Neil Aloise discussed the “business of selling suites at Oriole Park at Camden Yards,” and described how the team is “increasing suite size and personalizing packages in order to attract more business clients.” Below are excerpts from the Q&A:
Q: Are businesses using suites more for personal entertainment than for attracting clients?
Aloise: I don’t think that dynamic has changed much. I think maybe you’re seeing a little bit more birthday party-type of events, especially on the weekend games. We’ve even had bat and bar mitzvahs in suites. You’re seeing a little bit more of those types of events, whereas maybe you didn’t have that as much, say, 20 years ago.
Q: How has the competition for corporate dollars changed since Oriole Park opened in 1992?
Aloise: When this ballpark opened, these were the only suites within a 500-mile radius. You didn’t have (M&T Bank Stadium). You didn’t have new venues in Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York. Now Memorial Stadium had suites, but they were more like a private box you would see at Pimlico.
Q: How much did the playoff run in 2012 help suite sales?
Aloise: I think it has helped, especially a lot with our season-ticket base and some of the pregame parties and group outings. The suites take just a little bit longer to develop. You might start thinking about it now for the 2014 season. Depending on the level of investment, it can be tough to turn around that type of commitment very quickly (BALTIMORE BUSINESS JOURNAL, 5/17 issue).
