Sharks COO John Tortora said that season-ticket sales for this season are "about the same as they were" last year when the team was coming off a trip to the Stanley Cup Final, according to Curtis Pashelka of the San Jose MERCURY NEWS. He also said that "roughly 12,000 season tickets or their equivalents have been sold for this year, as new sales were added" and about 90% of existing season-ticket holders "renewed for this season." The Sharks' average attendance last season was 17,508, or 99.7% of capacity. Tortora also said that "more fans are basing their decision to purchase or renew season tickets on the experience they are having at games -- a point of emphasis for the team -- rather than just wins and losses." He also did "not see an adverse reaction from fans" after former C Patrick Marleau "decided not to return" to the team. Prices for season tickets, on average, went up about 4% for this season with the "biggest increases coming for most of the seats in the first three rows of the lower bowl." The price increase "forced some ticket holders to other parts of the arena." Still, Tortora said that the 450 tickets that include access to the new lounge along the first three rows are "mostly sold." Pashelka also noted some Sharks season-ticket holders have been "vocal with their displeasure regarding the disappearance of paper tickets." In response, the Sharks "sent season ticket holders a package that includes a membership card which can be used as a ticket to enter the arena for all home games" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 9/25).
