The Tigers' promotions are ambitious but aren't necessarily designed to benefit season-ticket holdersGETTY IMAGES
Parts of the Tigers' season-ticket base are "grappling with the uncertainties of a rebuild that some say devalues their current ticket packages," as the team rallies to "fill seats amid declining attendance -- including with ambitious promotions like last week's $17.76 lower-bowl ticket deal," according to Levinsky & Kirven of the DETROIT FREE PRESS. The Tigers, who are currently the second-worst team in the AL, have seen attendance drop from sixth in MLB in '13 (38,066 fans per game) to 24th this season (19,049). As a result, the Tigers have been "ambitious in their attempts to keep fans engaged," but the promotions "aren't necessarily designed to benefit season-ticket holders." The Tigers "sold more than 14,000 lower-bowl tickets" during last week's series against the Red Sox, which featured the $17.76 promotion. That series "averaged 26,160 fans, despite inclement weather delaying the first game." The Tigers also ran a "three-day flash sale in June, with $9 seats in the upper bowl and $13 seats in the lower bowl" resulting in "more than 34,000 tickets" sold. In addition to various promotions, the Tigers have "added many giveaways that are only available by purchasing special ticket packages." A season-ticket holder said, "Some of the promotions I get a little jealous of because I can't buy the ticket package and still have my seats." Overall, while some fans "voiced different levels of frustration with the state of the Tigers," most "agreed there is long-term value in their investment" (FREEP.com, 7/14).
