Despite unprecedented investments into new facility developments, mixed-use projects and technology, core issues around fan affordability remain a prominent industry concern, said a group of team presidents on a panel that opened the ’16 AXS Sports Facilities & Franchises Conference in Minneapolis. “Are we pricing out families from coming to our facilities?” wondered Twins President Dave St. Peter. “I wonder if we are, and that’s troubling.” Panelists noted that the Falcons recently made a series of high-profile moves to slash food and beverage prices when they move into the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but Packers President & CEO Mark Murphy cautioned that such moves must be considered as a part of overall fan costs. “You have to look at what they’re doing in context,” Murphy said. “They’re raising ticket prices and have PSL income going into the new facility.” T'Wolves and WNBA Lynx President Chris Wright, who is featured today in THE DAILY's Minding My Business feature, said affordability issues must also co-exist with the desires of many fans to have more premium and unique food experiences at sports facilities. “You have to balance all the needs,” Wright said. “You have price-conscious fans on one side, but also those who are seeking a premium-level experience on the other. For many fans, the food is a central part of the overall fan experience.”
QUICK HITS
* When panelists were asked what their fans were demanding most from the game-day experience, St. Peter quipped, “Better pitching.”
* Sunday night’s debut of the Vikings’ new U.S. Bank Stadium drew rave reviews among the panelists. “It’s a spectacular facility,” said Murphy, whose team played the Vikings. Was it as loud as advertised inside? “Yes,” he said, “but maybe not as loud as the Metrodome was at times.”
* Corporate culture is an increasing focus among many teams, particularly those with younger staff. Wright said 62% of his staff are millennials, and more than half participate in weekly staff basketball games. The organization recently moved into new office space in Minneapolis, and Wright said, “We spent a lot of time looking at Silicon Valley, and how they design spaces.”
* NBA jersey ads continue on a slow road, and the T'Wolves, who have already met with Chinese companies, are pursuing a careful research process, targeting both domestic and international companies. “This is a very different entity, given the [smaller] size of the patch” compared to MLS or WNBA jersey ads, Wright said.
* St. Peter gives MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred a grade of "A" for his first two years on the job. “He’s done a great job, particularly in challenging some sacred cows in our industry,” St. Peter said. “It’s been an adjustment for some owners, but I believe we’ve been too stoic within the game and haven’t looked as much to present the game better, and what he’s done so far has spurred a lot of dialogue.” St. Peter also lamented how Angels CF Mike Trout remains largely unknown despite the historic start to his career. “If Mike Trout walked into this room, how many people would recognize him?” St. Peter said. “That’s a problem for our game.”
* The L.A. sports market is in historic transition with the return of the Rams, a new stadium being built in Inglewood, and the arrival of the LAFC in MLS in ’18. Galaxy President Chris Klein said the team is already looking at further enhancements to StubHub Center. “We know there is a shiny new toy opening soon up the road,” Klein said, referring to LAFC’s forthcoming Banc of California Stadium. “That why we’re going through the process now to upgrade where we can and provide a Disneyland-level experience.”
