In Miami, Adam Beasley reported the Dolphins are launching a season-ticket membership program with "discounts and year-round events, based on each individual's lifestyle." This marks the "first big ticketing initiative rolled out" by Dolphins CEO Tom Garfinkel. The team also has "elected to use variable pricing for their 10 home games for the first time this coming season." The membership plans are divided into the "Finatic, Family, Social and Business" categories. All members will get a dedicated customer service rep and local entertainment discounts, while Cadillac plan members also will get "exclusive access like an invitation to draft and tailgate parties, pre-game field passes, a family day at SeaWorld in Orlando and even a yacht party" (MIAMIHERALD.com, 2/5).
GRIN & BEAR IT: The Bears yesterday announced ticket prices for the '14 season, with increases ranging from $2-12. The average increase is 4.1%, with 50% of the seating bowl seeing a $2 increase. Non-club season-ticket prices now range from $81-175, with the average non-club price increase at 4.6%. United Club season tickets now range from $275-550, and the average club-seat increase is 3.2% (Bears).
OHIO PLAYERS: In Cleveland, Glenn Moore reported the Browns have "put up a billboard in Columbus featuring new head coach Mike Pettine with the quote, 'We're going to be the toughest team on the field.'" Moore wrote the Browns "tapping into the Columbus market shouldn't be a surprise to fans." The organization has "discussed holding a minicamp, preseason game or scrimmage in the state capital." Central Ohio "represents an NFL battleground market, one within 185 miles" of the Browns, Bengals, Steelers and Colts (CLEVELAND.com, 2/5).
MILE-HIGH EXPECTATIONS: In Denver, Benjamin Hochman writes the "pressure is on" Broncos Exec VP/Football Operations John Elway, "perhaps more than ever before, to win a world championship." Elway -- "forever haunted by Super Bowl failures, even after Super Bowl redemption -- was embarrassed Sunday." Elway "feeds off the feeling of being unsatisfied." Hochman: "You have to win a Super Bowl with Peyton Manning as your quarterback. You have to find a way. Time is running out" (DENVER POST, 2/6).
