In Boston, Peter Abraham notes in the “wake of the historic September collapse and subsequent fallout," the Red Sox yesterday said that ticket prices will be frozen next season. Red Sox President & CEO Larry Lucchino “even acknowledged the collapse played a role in the decision.” Lucchino: “Over the last several years, many in Red Sox Nation have experienced economic difficulties, and every fan has gone through some trying times -- particularly at the end of the 2011 season -- as the team fell short of our goal of reaching the postseason.” The Red Sox “had the highest non-premium ticket prices in the game last season, with an average price of $53.38” (BOSTON GLOBE, 11/9). In Boston, Thomas Grillo notes this is the “second time in four years the team has held the line on tickets.” Ace Tickets President James Holzman said that the Red Sox “are demonstrating an understanding of the tough times fans face.” Holzman: “I suspect the reason to hold the line on ticket prices is a combination of feeling bad over last season’s performance and being aware of the economy” (BOSTON HERALD, 11/9).
ST. PETE TREAT: The Rays yesterday announced that prices for 90% of their tickets will remain the same or decrease for next season. Overall, more than 1 million single-game tickets will be priced at $25 or less. Lower Box and Outfield seats will increase $1 and $2 for a select number of games. The team will continue to have four categories for single-game ticket pricing: Diamond, Platinum, Gold and Silver. The Rays also announced that weekday games will start at 7:10 p.m. ET, with the exception of 12 games that include Opening Day, several holidays and three dates against the Yankees (Rays). The Rays also announced that there “will be postgame concerts after selected Saturday games and ‘Family Fun Days’ again Sundays.” The team’s average attendance of 18,878 at Tropicana Field “was 29th in the majors” (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 11/9).
PLAN OF ATTACK: Rangers co-Chair Bob Simpson said the team’s $3B TV contract with FS Southwest “steps up in 2015, and we understand as owners that the goal is to try and permanently take the Rangers to this competitive level.” Simpson: “We'll kind of attack that three different ways. We (the owners) will put up capital. We're expecting from 2011-2014 we will probably spend $40 million on capital improvements and $60 million or so on payroll and other needs. We'll fund the deficit of the team from the owner's pockets unlike teams, such as the Dodgers, who have taken money out of the franchise.” He added, “We're going to put $100 million into it over a four-year period to supplement the team. During that time period, we'll also need to increase revenues from fans and get their support to keep this level of play. Then our contract will step up in 2015, and our goal is it will be self-sustaining at a higher level at that time. That's the overall plan we've agreed to” (STAR-TELEGRAM.com, 11/8).
