Saturday, October 17, 2009

Aren't playoff games supposed to sell out?


So I see that the announced attendance for Game 1 of the American League Championship Series was 49,688, almost 3000 people less than the 52,325 capacity of Yankee Stadium.

I don't think it was the cold as that has never stopped fans from coming out in the past. You just bundle up, right?

Apparently most of the empty seats were in the Legends section where seats were going on Ticketmaster before the game for $1406 a piece; and don't forget the $7 "convenience charge".*

Obviously, many fans have simply been priced out of the market. I am all for teams maximizing revenue but when you have thousands of your best seats unsold for a playoff game, your business model seems a bit off. There are only so many rich people around you know; even in New York.

I think they might need like a new stadium or something.

*You know when there is a big dollar "buy it now" card on ebay with the asking price well in excess of it's true value and the seller usually offers free shipping because he is making such a killing on the card? The Yankees don't even do this. Pay us $1406 for the ticket and also pay us $7 to give it to you. Pass.

3 comments:

Collective Troll said...

Crazy stuff. A lot of folks pick on Florida fans, but when the Rays and Marlins have been in the playoffs-sell out every time. Nice job Yankees fans. The playoffs matter...

deal said...

I am not sure the "convenience charge" is only $7. I saw those high priced tix earliar this yr and the CC was a % of the tix cost so the charge was like $54.00 - Meaning the convenience charge alone was more than all but the best seats at the Phillies Stadium.

Contrary Guy said...

Wow, what an incentive to go!

Shoot, here I am stuck in Detroit!