Detroit Pro Sports Teams Try To Adapt To Struggling Economy
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Lions Officials May Lower Ticket Prices
For '09 Season Amid Economic Crisis |
The Lions, who are 0-14 this season, "raised some ticket prices for this season, a trend that could be reversed next fall," though Lions VP/Business Operations Bob Raymond said the team has "yet to decide on pricing for next year," according to Krista Jahnke in a series examining the economy's effect on Detroit-area pro sports teams for the DETROIT FREE PRESS. Raymond: "After the season, we need to take a strong look at this economy and our situation, and ask ourselves, 'What is the value of our ticket, of a sponsorship, of our suites?' We need to go out and ask the public, go to the corporate crowd and see what they say." Jahnke noted the Lions, who have had four games blacked out in Detroit this season, have "talked with the league concerning the area's economic troubles and its blackout policy." Raymond said the league has been "as flexible as it can be" regarding Lions blackouts -- the NFL has "allowed the Lions to offer 5% of their tickets -- in the Lions' case, about 2,700 -- at a deep discount to charity, youth or military groups" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 12/14).
TIGERS: The Tigers, who last month introduced variable pricing for the '09 season, have to "deal with raising prices during a recession." But Tigers VP/Communications Ron Colangelo said that the club has not "heard many complaints about their higher prices." Colangelo said the team is doing what it can to be "sensitive and adjust." Jahnke noted the Tigers' first move has been "introducing a more flexible installment paying plan for both ticket holders and corporate sponsors" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 12/14).
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Writer Praises Red Wings Exec For
Bringing New Fan-Friendly Ideas To Team |
RED WINGS: Red Wings Senior VP/Business Affairs Steve Violetta, whom the team hired in December '07, has brought "new ideas to the Wings," including a group sales initiative and a "four-person customer-service team aimed at keeping season-ticket holders happy." Violetta also instituted more promotions, and the Red Wings two weeks ago "gave fans replica Stanley Cup rings, a new treat." Jahnke noted Red Wings season-ticket sales are up 10% from last year, "thanks largely to a program that let fans put a deposit down last spring and then purchase playoff tickets one-by-one" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 12/14).
PISTONS: Palace Sports & Entertainment President & CEO Tom Wilson said that Pistons games are still selling out, but "more and more, fans are staying home anyway." Wilson: "Now people are thinking, 'Ok, I've got to go pay for gas, parking, a couple of beers, a couple slices of pizza.' So they look at those tickets and realize they'll have to throw 30 extra dollars at it. They decide they'd rather just eat the tickets." Wilson "expects he'll also see something else new this season -- a non-sellout" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 12/14).
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