The Rams this year will "make available about 70,000 tickets for home games, about 10,000 fewer than last season," in order to "improve the fan experience" at L.A. Coliseum, according to Gary Klein of the L.A. TIMES. Rams VP/Consumer Sales & Marketing Jake Bye said, “Around 70,000 is that real optimal operating capacity to where you can deliver a great football experience but also deliver a great fan experience." Bye said that feedback from fans, and information gained in conversations with USC -- which operates the Coliseum -- should "result in improvements in parking, entrance and movement about the stadium and concessions." Bye noted that the team "has the 'flexibility to go beyond' its plan on a 'case-by-case basis' such as a playoff push or when the Rams are playing a popular opponent." Klein notes the Coliseum’s capacity will be "reduced this season by the addition of two video boards at the peristyle end of the stadium." The venue is "due to undergo a major renovation at the end of the season." The Rams last season said that they had "sold 70,000 season tickets." Bye and other Rams officials would "not disclose how many season-ticket holders did not renew." He said, "There was some normal attrition to be expected after the performance of the team on the field, which certainly wasn't what we expected" (L.A. TIMES, 6/27). ESPN.com's Alden Gonzalez noted the 94-year-old Coliseum "can't adequately sustain crowds much larger than about 70,000." Exceeding that number can "often turn into a logistical nightmare, especially at the full capacity of 90,000." Bye: "If you sell it to full capacity, which we did twice last year, with that comes trade-off to your fan experience" (ESPN.com, 6/26).
MORE FAN-FRIENDLY TICKET PLANS: In L.A., Vincent Bonsignore reports the Rams have made changes to their "ticket sales approach to reflect their fans’ desire for more flexibility." A season-ticket payment plan is available in which fans "can pay half at the point of purchase and the remainder in July." The team also is "setting aside blocks of tickets to individual games to accommodate fans wishing to attend games in large groups." Additionally, there will be "some subtle changes" to the game-day experience, including fans being allowed to "bring in seat cushions provided they have no metal, pockets or compartments." There will be an "increased point-of-sale ... by activating what was previously a private tailgate space and opening it to all fans" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 6/27).
