The Blue Jays are joining the "march toward digital ticketing," and the team for the first time this year "will not send hard-copy ducats to season-ticket holders," according to Brendan Kennedy of the TORONTO STAR. Ticket holders instead will "receive an ID card which will serve as not only their ticket but can also be used to purchase merchandise and concessions." The team joins the Red Sox, Dodgers, Padres, Rays and Nationals in "providing more mobile ticketing options." Blue Jays Senior VP/Business Operations Stephen Brooks: "We’re trying to get people to go digital." Kennedy noted digitally integrating ticket sales with concessions and merchandise offers "increased marketing opportunities and a new way to sell stuff directly to fans." Some fans "welcome the convenience of digital tickets," but others "lament the loss of the tactile touchstones." Brooks said that the Blue Jays are "looking at ways to offer fans souvenir ticket stubs upon request, perhaps after a game is played." Brooks: "We’re creating some options where if there’s a memorable game for a fan, we can provide a souvenir stock ticket for that particular game" (TORONTO STAR, 1/17).
STEEP PRICE TO PAY: The NATIONAL POST's Scott Stinson wrote if it is true that the "move to replace" Blue Jays President & CEO Paul Beeston is being driven by Rogers Communications Deputy Chair Edward Rogers, that would amount to "ownership hijinks not seen around here" since the era of late Maple Leafs Owner Harold Ballard. Beeston "isn't irreplaceable," but that "hardly justifies the pursuit" of Orioles Exec VP/Baseball Operations Dan Duquette, who "still has four years left on his current deal, which would necessitate" a steep price (NATIONAL POST, 1/18).
