The Cubs on Thursday sent out "some significant changes" to season-ticket plans for next season, as they "address the preferences of their season ticket holders while adjusting to the demand for the best seats as part of their anticipated renaissance," according to Mark Gonzales of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Premium-seat holders "will have to pay" an average of 6% more in '15. That increase "will occur in the club, field and lower terrace reserved infield sections." The Cubs said that this "represents the first price increase in four years since the Ricketts family has owned the team." About 80% of season-ticket-holder invoices "will remain the same or dip in price." In a "significant change, the Cubs have provided a website for their season ticket holders, featuring tabs for them to obtain information about their account, the renewal process, payment options, seating and pricing and seat relocation options." The Cubs "released their season ticket invoices one month earlier than they had been, with the final payment due Jan. 13, 2015." They "are offering a new installment plan in which season ticket holders can pay in four-month installments" of 25% due at each payment date (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 9/5). In Chicago, Bruce Miles notes the Cubs began the '14 season "with the third highest average ticket price ($44.16)" in MLB (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 9/5).
YOUTH MOVEMENT: In Chicago, Ed Sherman reports with three young Cubs in RF Jorge Soler, SS Javier Baez and P Kyle Hendricks "leading the way," the team's Wednesday victory over the Brewers "did a 3.20 rating" on Comcast SportsNet Chicago. The rating "was the second highest of the year on CSN for a Cubs game, trailing only the Cubs-White Sox game on May 5, which did a 3.37." This shows that the Cubs' ratings "will soar if they become competitive again" (CHICAGOTRIBUNE.com, 9/4).
