Bucs fans will see costs for new season tickets in non-club sections go up 15%GETTY IMAGES
The recent demand for Buccaneers tickets with the team's imminent signing of QB Tom Brady signals a "smart time to bump prices on season tickets, taking advantage of the sudden surge and trusting that fans will pay a little more for a better chance at winning," according to Greg Auman of THE ATHLETIC. The Brady news caused the price of new season tickets in all non-club sections of Raymond James Stadium to be increased by 15% from the previous cost, which had been "largely unchanged from last season." The difference is an "extra $135 (over 10 games) for the best upper-level seats and about $255 for the best lower-level seats." The costs for club seats "remain the same, and fans renewing their season tickets can do so without any increase." If early responses are any indication, Bucs fans are "excited enough not to mind the bump." The Bucs have been "among the least expensive tickets in the NFL." Statista in a study last year found that the team "ranked 28th out of 32 NFL teams in average ticket cost at $82" (THEATHLETIC.com, 3/18). In N.Y., Ben Shpigel wrote Brady's involvement with the Bucs "could inject credibility and visibility into a team that hasn't made the playoffs" since the '07 season (N.Y. TIMES, 3/19).
CORONAVIRUS DELAY: In Tampa, Rick Stroud wrote due to coronavirus effects, it "could be a while" before there is "confirmation from the Bucs that Brady has even agreed to terms." The NFL and NFLPA have "prevented free agents from traveling to team facilities to meet with team physicians." No contract is executed "until a player passes a physical," so the league is "forced to use independent doctors." Without a clean bill of health, the contract "can't be signed." Stroud: "Could be done in a day, might take several" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 3/19).
THIS IS 40: In New Orleans, Rod Walker wrote the NFC South battles between Brady and Saints QB Drew Brees "have all of a sudden become must-see TV." Walker: "Brees vs. Brady twice a year. It really doesn't get much better than this" (NOLA.com 3/18).
