The cost of attending a Trail Blazers game is "so variable ... that you can't get a straight answer" from team officials on the best value for fans "on a budget," according to Mike Francis of the Portland OREGONIAN. The team, which last year implemented a modified version of dynamic pricing, "has 27 different ticket prices for 41 regular-season games, meaning, for example, the seat for which you pay $12 to see" the Blazers play the Bucks on a Wednesday in December "will cost $98" when the Cavaliers make their only appearance at Moda Center this season in November. The Blazers' ticketing website is "like an airline site" in that "what you see today isn't necessarily what you'll see tomorrow, two weeks from now, or when Kobe Bryant declares he wants to finish his career in Portland later this season." Prices "are calibrated weekly as team officials assess demand, playoff ramifications, star quality and other factors." Trail Blazers VP/Business Analytics & Ticket Operations Vince Ircandia called the pricing process "a blend of art and science." Francis noted the Blazers "have renewed their relationship with Ticketmaster." This season, "for the first time, you can see the tickets for sale for any game, including those offered for resale by ticket holders" (OREGONLIVE.com, 10/29).
