In Denver, Jason Gruenauer noted some Broncos fans said that the team's new mobile-only ticketing policy "caused long waits at stadium gates and for some to miss part of Sunday's season opener" against the Seahawks. The Broncos "rolled out mobile-only ticketing during the preseason." The team reported "no major issues at that time." A team spokesperson said that delays were "due to security and season ticket holders using mobile ticketing for the first time, since a lot of them don't go to preseason games" (THEDENVERCHANNEL.com, 9/10).
EXTRA CHEDDAR: In Green Bay, Richard Ryman in a front-page piece notes ticket prices for Vikings-Packers at Lambeau Field this Sunday are the "second-priciest of the year," behind the Nov. 4 game against the Patriots at Gillette Stadium. This Sunday's game at 12:00pm CT is a "Gold Package game." The Packers "haven't had a noon, marquee game in several years." Gold Package ticket holders, who "largely are from the Milwaukee area, are awarded tickets to the second and fifth Lambeau Field games each year." Green Bay-based ticket broker Event USA President & CEO Dennis Garrity said that the "higher cost of the Vikings game might also drive up demand -- and prices -- for other games at Lambeau" (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 9/11).
SNAKES ON A PITCH: In Philadelphia, Anna Orso notes the Union "unveiled its first-ever mascot: Phang, a reptilian creature that's a reference to the team's crest, which features a rattlesnake that itself pays homage to the 'Join, or Die' political cartoon attributed to Benjamin Franklin." Philadelphia sports Twitter "reacted swiftly -- and largely negatively." Many were "confused by the snake's punk-rock hairdo and four limbs." Sixteen of the 23 MLS teams now have "mascots of their own" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 9/11).
