Demand for Reds season tickets is "on the rise, causing the team to change what it considers a season-ticket holder," according to Steve Watkins of the CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER. The Reds "reconfigured their ticket plans and now require fans to buy packages of at least 20 games to meet the 'season ticket' criteria." That designation "means several things, not least of which is that season-ticket holders get first crack at Opening Day tickets." Last year, fans "who bought a 10-game plan received an Opening Day seat as part of the package." Season-ticket plans for the '14 season "start at $9 a game, while mini plans begin at $12 a game." Reds Senior Dir of Ticket Sales & Service Mark Schueler "didn’t say how many season-ticket packages the Reds have sold." But he said that those packages "rose last season." Schueler said that some ticket prices "have increased." Some season tickets "rose by 44 cents a seat, with others climbing a dollar or two per ticket." Season packs were "variably priced last year, but the Reds have priced each game in season ticket packages the same this year." They also "lowered pricing" for 11% of Great American Ball Park's seats. Watkins noted the Reds in '13 had "record-breaking attendance" that saw the team draw 2.49 million fans. Schueler said that this year, the Reds are "shooting for 2.6 million, a 4-plus percent increase" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 1/22).
IF THE SCHU FITS: In Cincinnati, John Fay writes it has been "a quiet offseason for the Reds." The club "hasn't made a move since signing" 2B Skip Schumaker in December. That "seemingly doesn't give the club a lot to sell as the Winter Caravan began." Team Owner Bob Castellini said that there is "plenty to market when you look beyond additions to the roster." Castellini thinks the change in manager "will make a difference" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 1/24).
