Like the NFL's Carolina Panthers, the Toronto Raptors will
institute a plan to charge season ticket holders a one-time
licensing fee, according to Craig Daniels in this morning's
TORONTO SUN. "Ticket buyers would pay an up-front fee in
addition to the cost of the ticket itself, giving the fan what
amounts to ownership of the seat. The seat could then be bought
and sold for whatever price the market would command." Raptors
VP for Communications Tom Mayenknecht said "exact figures will
be worked out later this week" and that "the plan will keep the
cost of single-game tickets down, will discourage scalping by
big-time operators, and will ensure the stadium is financed
without taxpayer help" (Craig Daniels, TORONTO SUN, 9/14).
GRIZZLIES GROWL AT CONCEPT: "The Grizzlies, who have
commitments for 6,600 season tickets and are expecting 1,244
commitments from the 88 luxury suite holders, have ruled out
having seat licenses," according to this morning's VANCOUVER SUN.
Grizzlies Marketing Dir John Rocha said the club did "some
research on seat licenses and decided against it": "We have club
seats that are bought for a three-year term, but that money is
applied to the ticket and to access to club amenities" (Ken
Bradshaw, VANCOUVER SUN, 9/14).
FANS BEAR HUG GRIZZLIES GEAR: Bradshaw also reports that
"Grizzly goods are flying out the door of retailers at a huge
rate." Larry Donen, Managing Dir of Winning Spirit stores: "We
think that means we have a more universally accepted logo"
(VANCOUVER SUN, 9/14).
