The Orioles "will not raise prices on season-ticket plans and individual game tickets" for the '15 season, according to Eduardo Encina of the Baltimore SUN. The team was "nearly two months behind in sending invoices to season-ticket holders this offseason, prompting speculation that it would raise prices, especially coming off the Orioles' best season in 17 years." The Orioles prior to the '14 season raised prices "on all plans by an average" of about 5%, the "first increase in cost" since '08. The team is "still expected to send statements to season-ticket holders via email by Monday." Last season, that information was "sent out in early November." A club spokesperson said that the delay was at least "partially due to the organization deciding whether to raise ticket prices" for '15. Encina notes the Orioles will "keep their existing variable pricing system -- expanded last season -- for individual game tickets." There are "five different pricing levels for individual games, with high-profile weekend games costing more and a weekday matchup with a less-popular opponent" (Baltimore SUN, 1/28). In Baltimore, Ryan Sharrow wrote the Orioles' decision to freeze ticket prices this season is "another bit of good news for Baltimore sports fans." It comes less than a week after the Ravens said that they will "freeze ticket prices for the second straight season." The Orioles "drew 2.46 million fans to Oriole Park at Camden Yards last season," up 4.5% from '13 (BIZJOURNALS.com, 1/27).
PICKING UP THE PIECES: The SUN's Encina writes fans "still need to hear from" Orioles Exec VP/Baseball Operations Dan Duquette on the contract extension of Blue Jays President & CEO Paul Beeston, especially since it is "well known that he coveted the Blue Jays job." As much as "skeptical Orioles fans can pick Duquette apart for his perceived lack of loyalty, we must remember that the Toronto job would have been a promotion for Duquette." If the Orioles were "going to consider allowing Duquette out of his contract, they were determined to receive what they felt was a suitable compensation package." The sides "were never close on agreeing to that." Duquette now has to "pick up the pieces, claim allegiance to the Orioles and show fans that he’s committed to building a winner" in '15 and beyond. He "shouldn’t wait until Saturday’s FanFest event to do that." Encina: "There’s no better time for that than now" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 1/27).
