The A's are "pitching a monthly subscription for all 16 of May's home games for $99," according to Ron Leuty of the S.F. BUSINESS TIMES. For the A's, who have "been in the lower third" of MLB attendance for at least the past 10 years, it is "as much a tech play as a ticketing ploy." A's Exec Dir of Ticket Sales & Operations Steve Fanelli said, "It's like Apple Music or a Netflix subscription. We're finding people are willing to pay for a monthly subscription rather than specific dates." After buying the Ballpark Pass at Oaklandathletics.com/ballparkpass, ticket bar codes are delivered through MLB's Ballpark mobile app "hours before a game." Fans access the tickets "through the A's ticketing section of the app and simply scan their devices through the Athletics' Tickets.com-supported system at the gate." Buyers "can purchase up to four passes, and seat locations vary game to game and may include standing-room only locations." But the A's said that lower-level seating "will be available for half of the games." Fanelli: "We're going to try to fit them in and reward those buyers and grow mobile. Inside the app, there are other benefits, so getting onto the app, it's going to help us and them and make the game-day experience more enjoyable." Leuty noted the A's are "one of eight MLB teams this season to pitch Ballpark Pass" -- the Angels, White Sox, Phillies, Pirates, Brewers, Braves and Reds are the others -- and the team "may offer the monthly subscription later in the year as well." When the A's "helped to pilot the campaign in July last year -- for $89 and with some games blacked out -- 200 to 300 passes sold." The franchise is "aiming for a similar amount this month" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 5/2).
FULL PARKING: S.F.-based KTVU-Fox reported the A's "Free Parking Tuesday" promotion "was abruptly cancelled" for tonight's game against the Mariners because the Warriors' playoff game at Oracle Arena next door "now falls on the same night." Parking "usually runs about $20 per vehicle," which is why the A's "Free Parking Tuesday" promotions "have proved to be so popular." The A's said that the decision was not made until last Friday, when they "learned about" the Warriors game (KTVU.com, 5/2).
