THE SPORTS BUSINESS DAILY contacted every MLB team regarding
their ticket policy for the '95 season. Most teams have offered
a discount in the case of replacement players being used to start
the season. The A's have offered perhaps the most dramatic offer,
cutting ticket prices up to 78% for every home game in April,
even if a labor deal is reached. As of yesterday, 14 teams have
not released a policy: Angels, Astros, Blue Jays, Cubs, Expos,
Indians, Mariners, Mets, Padres, Royals, Rockies, Tigers, Twins,
and White Sox. Below is a list of those teams that have plans:
ATHLETICS: The A's will cut prices up to 78% for home games
in April, regardless of whether a collective bargaining agreement
is reached. Prices will range from $1 to $6 for MVP seats.
Season-ticket holders will receive an adjusted invoice or rebate
by March 1. If there is no CBA by April 30, ticket holders will
be able to return tickets and receive a rebate if reduced prices
remain in effect.
BRAVES: Season and individual game ticket holders will have
until April 23 to get their money back for games scheduled the
rest of the season. If a ticket holder is unsatisfied prior to
April 23, they may obtain a full refund for any or all unplayed
games. The team will also issue up to a 50% rebate on each full-
price season or individual game ticket for any strike-affected
games which are played.
BREWERS: The Brewers have offered a 50% rebate on all games
played with full replacement squads. All season ticket holders
will be offered their money back with interest by April 30th if
tickets holders are not satisfied.
CARDINALS: The team will cut prices based on a salary
formula. Tickets will be slashed up to 50% if player salaries
total $5M, cut 40% if payroll hits $10-15M, etc.
DODGERS: The Dodgers announced they will reduce their ticket
prices to 1958 levels until a CBA is reached or a representative
number of current major leaguers return to play. Ticket prices
will range from $.75-$3.50, a savings of 60-75% over their '95
ticket prices.
GIANTS: The Giants announced ticket prices will be reduced
by 50% if the season opens with replacements. Tickets will return
to full-price once a CBA is reached or a representative number of
current major-leaguers returns to play. The Giants will offer
half-price rebates for those who already have purchased season
tickets.
MARLINS: The Marlins will charge half-price as long as
replacement players are used, and allow season ticket holders to
receive 100% refunds and still retain their seat.
ORIOLES: The Orioles say they will not play with replacement
players. But if replacements are used, reports are they will
allow fans to turn in tickets for refunds. PHILLIES: Will
reduce box seats by $5, and reserved seats by $3 for first 20
games, regardless of the team's makeup. Discounts after the first
20 games will be reviewed, and season-ticket holders will receive
an adjustment.
PIRATES: The Pirates will offer a full refund on tickets for
any remaining home games to fans who are not satisfied with the
baseball at any time prior to May 19. The guaranteed offer will
remain in effect through May 19 unless a CBA is reached or a
representative number of current major leaguers return to play by
that date. If the team opens with replacements, the club will
announce a ticket rebate pricing plan in late February.
RANGERS: The Rangers will cut ticket prices in half if the
team consists entirely of replacements. In the case of
replacements, tickets will be discounted to a percentage
determined by a formula based on player salaries. Fans will
continue to receive discounts until total player salaries of an
annualized basis reach $30M or a CBA is reached, whichever comes
first. Rangers' season ticket holders will receive refunds or
credits to their accounts at end of each month for any money owed
from the discount policy.
RED SOX: The Red Sox will have a price adjustment and
discount policy for all tickets purchased, including season and
individual tickets. The team will make adjustments up to 50% of
the printed ticket price should the team be made up entirely of
replacement players. If fans desire full refunds, they may obtain
them at a predetermined time prior to the playing of replacement
games. Red Sox GM Dan Duquette said the team in considering
lower prices for all games early in the season, even without
replacements.
REDS: A team spokesperson said the tickets will remain at
$3.50 to $11.50, the same as last year. No changes will be made
despite who plays.
YANKEES: The Yankees will cut ticket prices up to 50%
for all regular season games with replacement players.
