Patriots Owner Robert Kraft said the team has "done a lot of research with our fans" about improving the in-game experience at Gillette Stadium. Kraft said, "We took out 20 rows of seats in the south end zone and we have a club where season-ticket holders can go. They don't want to be tethered to their seats." He added Gillette Stadium was "one of the first" NFL venues wired for Wi-Fi, and the team has "over half of our people ... using it all the time and having an experience that's better than being at home." Kraft also noted after implementing variable pricing for preseason games, the Patriots "actually had a bigger attendance" than in '13 ("Squawk Box," CNBC, 9/5).
PANNING FOR GOLD: In S.F., Joe Garofoli cited Team Marketing Report's annual Fan Cost Index indicating the 49ers' new stadium is the "most expensive place for a family to watch an NFL game." It would cost a family of four $641.50 for four tickets to Levi's Stadium, as well as two beers, four soft drinks, four hot dogs, parking, two programs and two adult-size hats. The league average of $479.45 is up 4.4% from '13 (SFGATE.com, 9/4).
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The Rams have signed concessions and retail partner Delaware North to a multiyear extension that includes an expansion of services at Edward Jones Dome. Under the new deal, DNC will add responsibility for the premium dining services at the dome's 120 suites and three private clubs. The Rams have partnered with DNC since '99 (Rams).
SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT: In L.A., Robin Abcarian reported two former Raiders cheerleaders "have won" a $1.25M settlement from the team after filing a class-action wage-theft suit in January. The plaintiffs claimed the Raiders "broke a raft of state labor laws, including failing to pay minimum wage, withholding wages for months and refusing to reimburse cheerleaders for their business expenses." The settlement is the "second major victory" for the cheerleaders following the Raiders in July offering their cheer squad a "contract that nearly tripled their pay" (LATIMES.com, 9/4).
