Detroit Pro Teams Selling Tickets In Tough Economic Times
The Pistons, Lions and Red Wings are all trying to "peddle tickets and fill stadium seats during the worst economic slump in 70 years," according to Tom Walsh of the DETROIT FREE PRESS. The Pistons, who are coming off a losing season last year, "face the region's most daunting sports marketing task." Palace Sports & Entertainment President & CEO Tom Wilson: "We were really worried back in May and June. Things were really bleak. We even discussed internally making a money-back offer, giving people until September to return tickets for a refund, but we got talked out of that one." Walsh notes the team instead "rolled back ticket prices 5% and offered a further 10% discount to early birds who pay in advance for season tickets." Wilson added that the Pistons also have arranged "partnerships among companies to share many" of the Palace at Auburn Hills' 180 suites. Wilson: "We've had matchmaking functions with 40 different companies." Walsh notes most of the 100 lower-level suites at the arena "are leased, but there are a few vacancies for the first time in seven years." Meanwhile, the Lions, coming off a winless season, "have been pitching a 'Super 3-Game Pack' savings of $18, along with single-game tickets of $30 and full-season ticket offer of $230." And "even the dynastic Wings, coming off back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Finals, see choppy ice ahead," as recent ads from the team are advertising tickets "as low as $9 for select games" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 9/1).
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