In N.Y., Rich Calder notes tickets to the Nets' Nov. 1 season-opener against the Knicks at Barclays Center "are commanding an average of $800.87 a pop on StubHub and other secondary-market sites." TiqIQ Dir of Data & Communication Chris Matcovich said that the sold-out game is the "hottest ducat for a Big Apple sporting event since the Yankees won the 2009 World Series." The $800.87 average game-day price is "already up" 18.59% from $675.31 on Oct. 1, and is "six times higher than what an average Nets ticket runs at face value, $132" (N.Y. POST, 10/23).
GOING TO GRACELAND: In Memphis, Calkins & Veazey cite sources as saying that prospective Grizzlies Owner Robert Pera's bid to purchase the team is "on the agenda for consideration" by the NBA BOG at its meetings tomorrow and Thursday in N.Y. If the board approves the deal, "only one hurdle would remain before the completion of the first ownership transfer in the Grizzlies' 11 years in Memphis: Pera's group would then have to close the deal with current owner Michael Heisley." Pera in June agreed to buy the team from Heisley for "what is believed to be" $350M (MEMPHIS COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 10/23).
TICKET TO RIDE: In DC, Thomas Heath notes Wizards season-ticket holders this year "have been issued card-like passes instead of tickets." Tickets to every Wizards home game "have been loaded onto the cards, which include the holder's name, account number and the fan's loyalty level." The move "saves lots of money on shipping costs and is the direction many teams, and retailers, are heading." It also is "designed to motivate fans to spend more in the arena." Wizards season-ticket holders "now number around 8,500" (WASHINGTON POST, 10/22).
CAROLINA IN MY MIND: In Charlotte, Rick Bonnell writes the Bobcats are "reaching out regionally to better market their product," and have "improved their television reach throughout the Carolinas." The Bobcats tonight host the Heat in a preseason game at PNC Arena in Raleigh. The team also played a preseason game in North Charleston, S.C., and held training camp in Asheville, N.C. The Bobcats said that ticket sales for tonight's game "have been strong enough that a sellout is possible." Bobcats President Fred Whitfield and Exec VP and Chief Marketing & Sales Officer Pete Guelli last week said that the Bobcats "would consider moving a regular-season game outside Charlotte each season if that had marketing impact" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 10/23).
