The Bengals' season-ticket sales "have climbed by more than 4,000" from last season, as the club has "sweetened the pot for season ticket sales, offering one of four unique fan experiences, including a town hall meeting with coach Marvin Lewis and a behind-the-scenes stadium tour," according to Steve Watkins of the CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER. Last year ended in "stunning fashion" with a loss to the Steelers in the playoffs, closing the season a "sour note." But Bengals Dir of Ticket Sales & Service Duane Haring said, "We had a significant increase right after the season ended." Haring said that the team "nearly doubled the ticket sales department, adding about 10 new positions to a staff that now numbers 22." Watkins noted the team added "group sales people to handle batches of 15 people or more," and added inside sales roles, with staffers "reaching out to fans and handling their questions." The Bengals also "created a season ticket member services department." Each season-ticket holder has a "dedicated account manager," and the department provides a newsletter for season-ticket holders "before each home game." The team also has "created a season ticket member headquarters at Paul Brown Stadium on game days to answer questions and provide a chance to meet their account manager." Haring said that the Bengals "have added 6,500 new season-ticket holders this season." Some "dropped off, but the net increase still tops 4,000" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 9/13).
