A's Attendance and Marketing
by wacchampions on May 11, 2009 4:00 PM PDT
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PrintThe A's attendance problems this season have me extremely concerned as I am sure it does to the A's management as well. I know that winning would translate into higher attendance numbers, but I would have thought that the signing of Giambi and Holliday would have increased ticket sales prior to the season beginning, before we knew that they would not produce.
The Bobblehead giveaway on Saturday is a perfect example of reason to be concerned. It was about 70 degrees and a georgous day at the stadium, coming off of a win on Friday, and a free bobblehead which has typically been a big draw. The bobbleheads were slated to be given to the first 15,000 fans, well that turned out to be just about every fan, as the attendance for the game was only 15,812. I knew we were in trouble when we only had 11,484 for the Giants ST game in April on another Beautiful day in the bay area. Even though they A's are not playing well, it is still enjoyable to go out on a nice day and spend it at the ballpark. Its not like it is even the most expensive thing to do with tickets starting at $9, that is chaeper than a movie! The Friday night $50 pack and Wednesdays $2 Tickets and $1 Hot Dogs, are you kidding me, these promos are almost cheaper than staying home!
I will say that the few fans who do attend the games are great baseball fans, but man I would sure like to see more people out there for our games. It is embarrasssing seeing highlights from our games and just seeing empty seats everywhere. And not that it makes much of a difference, if it makes a difference at all, wouldn't it make the players feel better about playing in front of a crowd?
I did a little research on the other Oakland teams and attendance numbers. The Golden State Warriors for 2008-2009 averaged 18,942 for their home games, this number ranked them 9th in the NBA. The Oakland Raiders averaged 57,850 for their eight home games in 2008 which ranked them 31st in the NFL.
I know that a year or two ago the Raiders advertised in the coliseum during A's games with big banners hanging above the stairways in the outfield. I also have Raider Season tickets and there is never even a mention of the A's at a Raiders game, no ads- no nothing. I have not been to a Warriors game but I am assuming it is the same. It seems to me that we should be advertising to these fans in our market who are already spending money in the Bay Area on sports.
I am also amazed at how many Raider fans and Warrior fans are fans of baseball but not of the A's. Why are we not able to capture all of the fans in the East Bay? It seems to me that we should be able to convert many of these fans to our teams, they already live here and they prove that they spend money on sports. I know that the problem is not financial as Raider and Warrior tickets are not nearly as affordable as A's Tickets. If we could just get a fraction of the Raider and Warrior fans at A's Games that would give us a big boost to our base attendance.
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I know I've said this before
But the A’s need to have tickets available in many more locations. Buying online is all very well – yes, the service charges suck, but it’s still usually cheaper than driving over to the Coliseum – but buying online only gets you the fan who has already formed he intention of going to a particular A’s game. The A’s need to do some guerrilla outreach to give infrequent customers the opportunity to do an impulse purchase. A kiosk at the Cal campus and maybe others (CSU Hayward? Laney?), a stall at a shopping mall, a couple of kids with a sandwich board walking around downtown Oakland. When that many seats are unsold, it’s not like you have to have all the remote locations hooked up to the box office computer system; just print out a few dozen tickets in two or three price ranges, hand them to the marketing interns, and let them go.
by Englishmajor on May 11, 2009 4:16 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Now that is a great idea, you might get some impulse buys....even if it is 4 tickets for one game...Thats 4 more people than you would have had!
There is no A in OFFENSE!!
by wacchampions on May 11, 2009 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions
have some sort of bart discount incentive if you buy a ticket
"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra
Amtrak
The A’s actually have a great deal with the train out of Sacramento. Half off of your train ticket, and 25% off merchandise in the stadium with your train ticket stub. Problem is, nobody knows/knew about it. Not even the train employees or the A’s vendors. Both places had to call “managers” to verify. It’s a super deal.
They should advertise that on the train.
They’re already advertising group discounts for businesses on the windows.
"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra
well played
"You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
-Wayne Gretzky"
-Michael Scott
by scatterbrian on May 13, 2009 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Those machines with the .50 charge per ticket at the team stores aren't all that bad.
It would be even better if they took that .50 charge away, but I assume that goes to the machine makers.
I can't speak as to others
But I’ve not been as much as I’d like this year because of unemployment. I daresay I’m not the only one in this position.
I am going on Wednesday, however – gotta love the $2 tickets!
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on May 11, 2009 5:26 PM PDT reply actions
the psychological effect is bad even without the unemployment
if a person is dropping subscriptions, dues, extra insurance, postponing visits to the dentist, etc., buying a ticket to a sports event just feels wrong. It might be worthy and cheap, but it is going against the personal economic flow.
"if you think that was a clear answer, you weren’t paying close enough attention." Larry Summers on Freddy/Fanny within the current economic crisis
by One won lost won on May 13, 2009 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions
I think the A's problem is that they think
because attendance is down they need to spend less money. It’s the opposite – they need to spend more money to field a team that is successful, which will in turn bring fans to the park, which will in turn make the team back that money.
Just like in order to stimulate the economy the US is spending more money, not less, to create jobs that will require the US to spend less later because the economy will be better.
The A’s are in a terribly negative spiral, fielding a team fewer fans want to see, drawing fewer fans, cutting back because there is less money coming in, causing them to field a team fewer fans want to see…
Spend more money to field a better team and the spiral will spin back the other way. There is no shortcut.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Huh?
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Not sure why it double posted
but that’s an engraved invitation to discuss politics on AN.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
No, it's about the A's and attendance
The example is neither pro nor con any political belief; it’s a factual statement about a current plan, made to help explain a point about the A’s and attendance. Sorry if it came off any other way, but my comment has NOTHING to do with politics.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Spoken like a true politican.
Er..
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
It's not a factual statement
Just like in order to stimulate the economy the US is spending more money, not less, to create jobs that will require the US to spend less later because the economy will be better.
That’s interpretation, not fact. I happen to agree with the interpretation, but that doesn’t make it any less of one.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
"to" before "create" is intended to mean
“in the quest to” – I’m talking about what the model is, not whether it’s a good one. But just forget it. Sorry I brought it up.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
It is a factual statement.
The US is spending money to create jobs. Whether you agree with the economic theory (or the politics) behind it is another thing entirely, but that IS the purpose of (some of) the money the government is spending.
That's not what was written.
It was written that more money is being spent “to stimulate the economy.” Stimulate is the verb being modified by spending. “Some of” is also an gross understatement.
In any case, it is without question representative of “comments that bring politics, or other highly inflammatory non-baseball related topics, onto AN.”
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
Has anyone even mentioned the politics but you?
other than me in response to you?
It’s like accusing someone of trolling: “How do you know he’s trolling?” “I CAN’T STOP RESPONDING TO HIS POSTS!”
by Nate on May 12, 2009 1:33 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I could draw the analogy further...
and wonder about the ramifications of the Beane-Gingrich relationship, but seriously folks… give Nico a break here— he could have used a historical example that would not have hit the Thought Police’s button, but instead chose to make it more current. Nothing more than that.
Yes, later in the thread.
And who knows why nobody else mentioned it? Perhaps because they think a mod said it, so it has to be OK? I mentioned it because I think it’s important, and if a mod sets an example that it’s OK to make comments that bring politics onto AN, some poor unsuspecting sucker is going to follow that lead.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
Hmm...If you read AN, you probably don't really think
that when I say something everyone just figures it must be ok! The reality is, had you not had the proverbial cow about it, it looks like nothing would have happened other than maybe folks reading the actual point – which was a baseball and marketing point – and considering it.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Oy
I didn’t have a cow about it, I pointed out that it’s the kind of comment that doesn’t belong on AN. You could have easily made your point without referencing politics.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
There wasn't anything inflamatory in Nico's post.
He was stating a fact:
in order to stimulate the economy the US is spending more money, not less, create jobs that will require the US to spend less later because the economy will be better.
And as far as I’ve been reading in the news, that’s exactly what has been happening. He didn’t write it in a way to incite a political argument.
It seems to me that you were seeking an opening to complain, and twisted that post into one. But that’s just my opinion.
Do I agree with what Nico said? Sure. If the team gave away things like, say, hats, then those hats would do more advertising as they traveled the Bay Area. More people wearing hats means more people are being exposed to the team on a day to day basis, and that may bring some new fans to a game to spend their money. Maybe not just once, but hopefully a few times, and maybe they’ll get addicted like we are and make up the cost of the free hats many times over. It’s an investment.
It is an idea similar to the economic stimulus, as Nico was trying to say.
by LoneStranger on May 14, 2009 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions
Where did I say his comment was inflammatory?
His comment was against the rules, not inflammatory. I couldn’t care less if it was inflammatory or not. It wasn’t a statement of fact, either (nor is your interpretation of what’s being reported in the news). There was no reason whatsoever the point needed to be made in such a way that invited political discussion on AN.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
A typical response offered by somebody who knows their wrong, and can't prove otherwise.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
Let me start over.
Nico wasn’t being political at all. He was mentioning an economic method of fixing the economy.
Yes, political leaders can argue over economic plans as they argue over everything else. However, you can have a discussion about the economy without talking about politics.
No one mentioned politics until you did: “that’s an engraved invitation to discuss politics on AN.”
So, from a certain point of view, your post was an “engraved invitation to discuss politics on AN.”
by LoneStranger on May 15, 2009 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions
The rule isn't "being political."
Nor is it “being inflammatory.” It’s making comments that bring politics onto AN.
I pointed it out because I thought it would be helpful. I guess it wasn’t, because nobody wants to hear it.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
Seems to me you're trying to make it more inflammatory...
…by going on about it instead of seeing it’s not touching off a political firestorm.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Responding to somebody = trying to make it more inflammatory.
Got it. Let me know when I’m allowed to speak, then.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
disagree
His point about the spiral and the Athletics is worthy IMO.
His example about the economy is simply to point out that something counter-intuitive may be the solution.
"if you think that was a clear answer, you weren’t paying close enough attention." Larry Summers on Freddy/Fanny within the current economic crisis
by One won lost won on May 13, 2009 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Over the Top
Less of this would be a better thing. Sensitivity, that is.
Sorry. Long Time Reader (me). You (Jeepers) are an awesome contributer to AN. Not a fan of this, though.
by Colorado Fan on May 14, 2009 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions
There's too much of a lag time from the time the money is spent
to the time the fans come back — especially in Oakland, where paying fan-support really sucks until the team not only shows promise but has been delivering it for several consecutive weeks. You need look no further than this blog at the negativity that Athletic fan harbors or the euphoria that a winning trend will bring…it’s way too manic up in here. It’s like a book title, A Thousand Spledid Oaktoons. What an owner to do? Well, roll with the low cost, high upside talent and hope for the best, that’s what. And if that doesn’t work, there’s always revenue-sharing!
And, oh yes, that second paragraph teeters on the political. Not everyone can let a philosphical/ideological statement like that pass without commenting on it. Not everyone is down with stimuloss as a way to prosperity.
by LowcountryJoe on May 11, 2009 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Once again, not a comment on the virtue of the idea
Just a comment on what the idea is.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Sure,...
…with every other paragraph extolling the idea as needed.
by LowcountryJoe on May 12, 2009 2:56 AM PDT up reply actions
They're pushing you away
They’ve tarped the third deck, cut the TV schedule to cable only, they’ve made the radio much less accessible than it has ever been. This management team is absolutely uninterested in attracting any kind of new, local fan base. They’re content to let attendance slump and then say “See? They can’t support us here, let us relocate.”
Their eyes are elsewhere… and it’s obvious to those of us who’ve been local fans for many years.
agree regarding the radio
i feel like i’m trying to pick up a station in kansas…
but i don’t mind the third deck — makes it more cozy if all six people are on the first two decks. (though i did like buying cheap tix up there and accidently finding myself on the lower levels)
and TV is bad for you; there are monsters inside that box.
Hi ho.
We have a winner
Games only on cable.
I have seen exactly zero A’s games this year. It’s horrible! I either have to spend $30 more a month just to watch A’s games (don’t care about what else is on cable & I’d rather watch in the comfort of my own home so I can work on my course work) or go to the game itself (by the time you figure in commuting it’s almost a full day). Ticket prices are not the problem. As a consequence I haven’t cared about the team like I have other years. Usually I’d find a weekend to catch a game but not being able to see the team on TV has made me apathetic. Radio is fine and dandy but it just isn’t the same.
and a very good question
I will admit the market is probably minuscule, but forsaking broadcast is a big mistake in my opinion. There are certain advantages to broadcast TV that cable / satellite will never have. Most obviously is it’s free if you have a TV. That may not sound like much, but in this economy a year of cable (non-economy, because you can’t get CSN with the cheapo economy plan) is at least $350 a year. Secondly those broadcast stations are always first when you’re surfing through channels. What is CSN? 40 or something? Point is a lot of people flicking on the set and beginning to surf through the channels will stumble across the ballgames. Now there are 60-70 other channels to divert attention, and about half of them before you flip through to the ballgame. Lastly, not being on broadcast limits exposure. MLB is really shooting itself in the foot (but hey, they hate the fans anyway) by going for short term profits. The point is to get fans, who become loyal and buy merchandise / tickets and give your more leverage when negotiating broadcast rights, into the team. This is easiest when you can actually follow the games. I can assure you being cable exclusive doesn’t generate any new fans than they would being on broadcast. That’s also the stupidity of MLB.tv. Charging $100 so you can’t even follow the local team – wtf? MLB should be happy people want to follow the games! It’s a big investment to follow a team for a season and that emotional / time investment will pay off in ticket sales and merchandise and more fans.
People have to WANT to go to the game.
The Giants have been bad longer then the A’s, and while they aren’t selling out every single game anymore, they still have better attendance.
The A’s need a new stadium in a premium location, and in my opinion that means Diridon in San Jose. If Barbara Boxer really wants to be able to take her grandchildren to A’s games in the future, she needs to stop writing open letter to keep the A’s in Oakland, and start writing open letters to remove the South Bay from Giant’s territory; Oakland isn’t an option at this point.
Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.
Diridon isn't "premium" so much as it is "available."
Premium would be the Oakland waterfront, which suffers from the “availability” problem.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
I disagree
Oakland waterfront would look nice, but you aren’t expanding the fan base any, and the city still hasn’t shown any interest in doing anything but cover their arses.
San Jose, in the middle of down town, and right next (eventually) to Bart, HSR, Light Rail, Caltrans, and the Shark Tank with it’s extra parking. Not to mention a city that has actually bought the land and is willing to sell it to the A’s at a discount.
Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.
by Threepwood XX on May 11, 2009 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions
There's plenty of fan base in either location.
Not an issue. If you’re talking about which city has done more to get the A’s, that’s another discussion entirely. I wouldn’t call Diridon “the middle of downtown,” although the eventual and alleged transportation options are very appealing.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
Sell tickets for $2
The A’s will still get money with parking, merchandise, and food/drink + The stadium might be 1/2 at that price..
Or...
Sell tickets for $800,000 and each game you just need one fan…
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Not a bad idea
Just do it as a one-day-only recession special, as soon as school lets out. All unsold seats will be $2. Then run another special in July: regular prices apply for this game but if the A’s lose, all fans will get a coupon for a free ticket to another game later in the season as they exit. Then do something different in August. Each time you increase the chance of attracting the casual fan and converting her or him into One Of Us. Because we’re not the problem — yes, during periods of unemployment, weird schedules, new babies, and sucky performance any one or ten of us may go to fewer games than usual, but our basic inclination — at least the RAFs — is to go to as many games as we possibly can.
What the A’s need to do is work on the people who (quite rightly) look at the A’s as one of thousands of entertainment options available to them in the Bay Area, know that there are eighty-some opportunities to go vs. only one or two or ten of some of the other options, and just never get around to trying it. out.
by Englishmajor on May 11, 2009 9:06 PM PDT up reply actions
People over estimate how much money the A's get from Merchandise & Concessions
Aramark actually owns the right to sell bothe concessions AND merchandise at the coliseum. After MLB’s cut the A’s really don’t make much.
The problem with doing a free day or a $2 day is that it devalues the product and it will piss off people who have already bought tickets at full price.
You can only lower prices so much before you start shooting yourself in the foot. Eventually people start expecting the low prices and then the team finds themselves barley able to afford a $20 million payroll.
by GusanoQuemador on May 12, 2009 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions
What that does is devalue your product.
You really don’t want to keep giving your tickets away just to fill the park. And the problem is not the team, or the marketing — it’s the Stadium itself. It’s not a great baseball atmosphere, with Mt. Davis looming over the place.
The large foul territory keeps people far from the action. The place has outlived its’ usefulness. The Giants may lose, but if there’s a choice for a casual fan — it’s Telco Park, not whatever the A’s home is dubbed these days. (I can’t keep track) The place wasn’t much fun back in the “Swingin’ A’s” days, old-timers will remember, and even then — with a smaller facility, the place hardly sold out for playoff and World Series Games.
I don’t think I’m reinventing the wheel with these comments. But the place is too big, too vast, and the tarps (a tactic tried at Qualcomm Stadium when the Padres were dropping 100 games) just illustrate the bad situation.
Stadium-building in California is a horriffic endeavor, even before the economy’s tailspin. There are many other assorted problems, whether it be funding, environmental, et all. Taxpayer money for stadiums, ballparks, arenas…..it’s drying up, and is under attack.
I don’t believe the A’s are headed anywhere, really. Sacramento is just not a big TV market, and it’s essentially A’s territory already. There are not many other places to go to — Portland, maybe — but the Mariners would scream.
The SD Chargers situation is much worse — as Qualcomm falls apart, there is but one (Chula Vista) stadium location on the table, and no way to fund it, as L-A looms large…..if a football stadium is built in the City Of Industry.
And, as I write this, I’ve just noticed a prior poster has made a similar observation. Oh well.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 13, 2009 2:25 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm with you in that the Coliseum outliving its' usefulness.
I still want MLB to help Lew with a new stadium situation.
"Where's the beef?"
How would you market this team?
Seriously. How would you market them and expect people to come out frequently that don’t already?
One of those lame, generic commercials on TV basically puts Giambi on the pedestal as some god returned, showing highlights of him being carried off the field seven or eight years ago. Not working out too well so far now, is it?
Maybe they should market Bailey. “Come see the latest bullpen stud, Andrew Bailey! Hey, at least you’ve got a good chance to watch him pitch before the A’s wear out his arm!”
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
For starters
they could have taken better advantage of Rickey’s HOF induction year. A hometown star who is recognized by even the most casual and shortest-tenured A’s fans. Wasn’t he supposed to be working with the team in some capacity? Sure, they have a weekend planned for him later this summer, but as is often the case with our former legends, it’s too little, too late.
I'm here to talk about the past.
That's true
But I’d like to avoid having to say something like “Come see Rickey!” just to get people to watch the team play.
The biggest problem is the team itself is very unmarketable right now.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 11, 2009 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah see
I almost went there, just didn’t think it was necessary. I realize that gimmick marketing goes only so far, but Rickey in person sure beats throwback Giambi commercials. I mean, if we’re going to sell nostalgia, let’s do it right.
But yeah, it still goes back to the product on the field. No argument.
I'm here to talk about the past.
You make a valid point…Look the Giants have statues at every corner of the stadium it seems like, recognizing some of their great players. As someone who really doesnt like the Giants I think it is cool to walk by those statues, mainly because I love baseball. The A’s dont have anything of the sort(some of this is because their stadium is just awful), and you almost here no mention of the great players that have played here except seeing the few retired jerseys on the tarps..I am not saying to say Come See Rickey, take a page out of the Giants book-as much as it pains me to say this- because they have successfully achieved this.
Where's the Rickey Bobblehead!
What the hell is a Rickey banner?
I agree for having one of the greatest players ever going into the hall, they sure aren’t doing much.
by fansince1980 on May 11, 2009 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree.
I expected more Rickey stuff this year.
by LoneStranger on May 12, 2009 9:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Doesn't make me want to go see a game.
Rickey played for a lot of clubs, and a long stretch with the Yankees. Oakland Tech, yes, but…I don’t think promoting him will bring out fans.
"if you think that was a clear answer, you weren’t paying close enough attention." Larry Summers on Freddy/Fanny within the current economic crisis
by One won lost won on May 13, 2009 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions
I respectfully disagree.
August 1st and 2nd are Rickey giveaways (Jersey/Banner). I’m sure there is a way we can statistically look at the attendance and determine that Rickey brought out the fans more than normal giveaways of similar type have.
by LoneStranger on May 14, 2009 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Bailey ad..
wouldn’t it be… “You’ve got a good chance to see him as early as the 4th inning!”
Hi ho.
The A's should give away free chalupa's
every time they get shutout Fans are almost guaranteed free food that way
Thank you Al Davis for Michael Crabtree!!!!!
If this goes over well...
think they can get Adam Lambert next? He’d sell more tickets.
Wisconsin's #1 A's fan!
Spend money to make money
Nico’s right the A’s need to invest in this team. One of the big problems for this club is that they don’t have a player to be the face of the franchise. I guess Chavez was supposed to be that player but that ship has sailed.
Fans who go on sites like AN are hardcore and will support the A’s no matter what but to the average fan who has to be more careful with their entertainment dollar in this economy they need something to get them out to the ballpark.
Baseball is just another form of entertainment and the A’s don’t have any movie stars in their prime. Matt Holliday is a terrific player but does anyone think the A’s will sign him?
I guess I fall under the “root for laundry” type of fan because I’m an adult but when I was a kid I was a huge fan of Carney Lansford and I wonder if young A’s fans now can latch on to any players because none of them seem to stay more than a couple of years.
I know I’ll get ripped for this but it’s not healthy when the face of the team is a GM it needs to be a player and right now the A’s don’t have that player.
Why would you think you'de be ripped...
for stating an obvious fact? Bean is the face of the A’s, to deny it is absurd. I also happen to agree, we need a player with star power to draw the casual fans.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
I latched onto Swisher because he wasn't going anywhere. Haren too.
I almost latched onto Carlos Gonzales.
I’m sure another kid will come along that I’ll gravitate toward. Hopefully they have a new stadium built and new revenue coming in so that they can keep him.
by LoneStranger on May 12, 2009 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Missed Opportunities
I am at a game last week and the man behind us gets hit in the nose by a ball that bounces off someone else’s hand. He has a bloody nose and broken glasses. He is okay. A’s personnel come to him and take his name for a drawing for seats to another game. This guy is a season ticket holder —and is sitting in a stadium with 10k fans-and he gets his name in a lottery for tickets. Are the A’s nuts? . Give him 6 tickets to another game. He will bring his friends and spend money.
The A’s need to put bodies in seats. Get creative with marketing and give aways. I like the idea of random $2 nights or tickets to a future game if the A’s lose. It is dismal at the stadium right now. I am a season ticket holder and wonder if I can stomach coming 20 more times this season if things stay the same.
Speaking in regards of the stadium experience...
Who is the person in charge of playing music over the PA? This person has recycled the same music year after year. This VERY minor thing speaks to an overall stagnant attitude regarding the team from a business/entertainment standpoint as of late. Where’s the creative ingenuity? And where is the ability to evolve and put forth new ideas?
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on May 12, 2009 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions
i met a coworker of a friend of this guy who puts the music on
either at the coli or at giant’s, but still… you’re right that the music is piped and repiped. and i’m definitely a fan of never hearing the same song twice in public (just test me by putting on billy jean at a party. again.)
but you know, you gotta think about the dumb groupthink behind such decisions in a corporate setting. it’s always going to boil down to lowest common denominator minus offensive lyrics. and that leaves what, 6 to 9 songs possible? and yes, celebrate is one of them.
oops. i’m about to rant:
don’t get me wrong, i love it that it means the A’s won at home. but, as a song? talk about generic! i bet they play that at half the ball parks. it may even come on the same CD as “charge” organ theme. how bout something “oakland” (at least while we’re here)? there’s plenty to chose from: too short/tower of power/carla bley/del/mc hammer/the coup/tupac/green day/phantom limbs/fleshies. nah? too wild? i see, you still want some of that disco that everyone forgot they hated. OK, how about a little-known oakland act with a little-known catchy tune i once heard on the local radio. i think they were called the pointer sisters, and boy were they excited.
anyway, i’m with you. but at best, we’ll have to go about an hour and a half before first pitch and hope they play the instrumental track to some hip hop track 3 years past its prime.
ps. thank god we don’t have to deal with sweet caroline at home games not played in japan.
don't care if i ever get back.
by AV on May 12, 2009 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Ehh. The A's have been playing it for YEARS.
Not their fault if other teams use it too. But a team essentially claiming a song is pretty stupid anyway, which is why I roll my eyes any time someone complains about a team other than the Red Sox playing Sweet Caroline.
What makes me laugh the most is the Warriors often play Celebrate going into halftime. Why then?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
I heard Humpty Dance on Saturday.
Digital Underground is out of Oakland.
So they got that going for them.
Which is nice.
by LoneStranger on May 12, 2009 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Its kinda rockin
That the A’s use pro wrestling music. Buck comes out to the Triple H music circa 2000, and Giambi comes out to the NWO Wolfpack music. Don’t turn your back on the wolf pack….
"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch
Bring Back The Bash!!!
Oh yea, I'm fully aware of the wrestling music.
It catches me off-guard sometimes. I keep thinking Hall and Nash are coming out to tag team an at-bat.
by LoneStranger on May 15, 2009 6:57 AM PDT up reply actions
A's MArketing 101
This was initially a comment on Blez’ interview with Lew Wolf but seems more appropriate here. Much to my dismay I am not an A’s executive and can’t really say what Lew’s real motives are. My issue with Lew’s ownership group is very straight forward – convince me that you WANT my business as an A’s fan – regardless of where they play.
Some basic marketing – At least some of the problem with low attendance might be that many A’s fans (especially those of us that support the team by showing up at games) feel un-appreciated. Marketing is not about flashy commercials or Bill Veeck style gimmicks. Real marketing is about having a message and making sure that fans (AKA customers) hear it through the actions of your company.
So Lew – how about doing some things to let the fans (sorry – customers) know you want to make A’s games a more enjoyable place to spend our money while the team is still in Oakland. One of the things I love about A’s games is that the 15,000 fans that show up are real baseball fans. But that won’t keep our young players from jumping ship because the team can’t make them a competitive offer after their 5th year with the team. Think of it as an expansion of dot racing (and I really hatedot racing). It has absolutely nothing to do with baseball – but it’s popular – the fans love it and it’s one of the few endearing (to some people) Coliseum traditions.
Some of you die-hards out there many find much of this stupid (yes – I hate the urinal troughs too mostly because it’s really hard to hold my 4-year old daughter backwards while she tries not to pee on you guys), but here are a few more marketing ideas for Lew to get more fans in the seats for the 3-5 years that the A’s will need to stay in Oakland:
- Put pressure on the city to get Aramark out of the Coliseum. The positive press alone from taking on this battle might win you a few more fans (sorry – customers). Aramark serves crappy food, sells single beers that cost more than a six pack, and hires slow, surely and incompetent vendors. If the Aramark monopoly is too powerful, how about lobbying for more than one stand that sells chicken strips so I can get my kids to our seats without having to file a missing person’s report every time we navigate through the crowds at the Heineken stand. What’s not to love about a guy that takes this on as an issue?
- Make the Coliseum more family friendly. I have 4 year old twins (oh man you guys that like the urinal troughs will really hate this) – Stomper Zone is a disaster. Maybe you could move a few of the 50" flat screens from the empty 2nd deck hallways and replace the vintage 1970’s TV’s so us parents can watch the game while we watch our kids. Better yet – how about moving Stomper Zone to one of the outfield plazas where we could get some sun and actually see the game! This may be pushing it but how about some updated play structures and dare I ask – new popping lawnmower push toys.
- How about some outreach to the Latino and Asian communities of the East-Bay. On Cinco de Mayo you sponsored blanket night and a Margarita Bar in the Westside Club – please!
- Try to say at least a few nice things about the people that live in Oakland and Alameda County. Hundreds of thousands of us, work here, raise families here and are still A’s fans. I understand that Oakland may not be a viable home for the A’s given the economics of baseball in the 21st century (although I’m still not convinced of that). You’re a commercial real estate guy and know more than most people that ALL urban areas are in a constant state of change. The realities for a new ball park in _________ (pick a city) are different than they were just a year ago. You’ll do whatever you need to do to find your team a home. No hard feelings about that after all it’s actually Lew Wolf’s A’s not Oakland’s A’s. But for the next few years you’re stuck with us here in Oakland.
- So, last point for A’s Marketing 101 – Some of us actually like spending our money supporting your company (sorry our team – or is it our company, whatever…). There is still time to get more people out to the games if your marketing message is that you want our business. Unless Mayor Dellums cares about the toys you buy for Stomper Zone – you don’t need a city council resolution or an ecological impact statement for that
by sleeper cell on May 12, 2009 5:37 PM PDT reply actions 7 recs
Recommended.
Especially your views on Aramark.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
+100
Totally agree about Aramark. The other day I asked a vendor what was contained in the taco salad, and she acted as though she was doing me a favor by even talking to me. She was indeed slow and surly, and she didn’t even give me the correct info.
Re Latino and Asian celebrations: What did happen to those special days for different cultures? I remember dancers, music, costumes — where did all that go?
I also agree about the recycled music. I always thought it would be a fun idea (and a good fund-raiser for the Community Fund) to allow people to pay money to program the music for a game (or an inning, or whatever). Subject to approval, of course — it’s a family park, after all — but I bet I’m not the only frustrated DJ out there who would just love to choose some of the music.
Anybody else remember when you could do play-by-play for a half-inning (not for broadcast in the park itself) and purchase a tape of yourself doing it? How much fun would THAT be? Another great fund-raiser.
Again, I ask: Where is Andy Dolich (or someone as talented as he) when you need him? The A’s seem to have lost all creativity when it comes to marketing this team.
Oh, and sleeper cell, have you ever thought of taking your daughter into a stall to pee? The image of you holding her up, backwards, over the trough is lovely.
I could go on, but I think you get the idea. Regardless of how much longer the A’s will be in Oakland, they owe it to those of us who put out our money every year to do a better job of making sure we have a positive experience. It’s getting worse, not better.
I rec’d this post, as well. Let’s turn it green!
Losing this team would be a huge failure for this city and an affront to Oakland’s great sports legacy.
by skigurl on May 12, 2009 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Can I suggest to all fans that every time they're treated this way by Aramark
they take time to lodge an official complaint to a superior. Seems like enough complaints might actually have some traction.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on May 12, 2009 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
On top of the inning-plus I've already spent waiting in line?
Doubtful, though in theory you’re right, of course.
Losing this team would be a huge failure for this city and an affront to Oakland’s great sports legacy.
I agree with this post quite a bit...
I am really loving some of the great ideas that everyone has, hopefully someone is listening as we are the ones who are out there. Our ideas should be heard as we know what works and what doesn’t work and what fans like and dislike.
There is no A in OFFENSE!!
by wacchampions on May 12, 2009 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Some solid ideas there
But you hold your daughter over the trough?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
LOL......Now I have this vision in my head...Yikes..
What if she slipped….OMG!!
There is no A in OFFENSE!!
by wacchampions on May 12, 2009 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Best post ever
I totally agree on Aramark, the troughs, the dismal Stomper “Fun” Zone.
The thing with the Beane style of play is it’s boring to causal fans. Station to station, play the percentages, good pitching beats good hitting. Kids and casual fans like to see hits and base running and steals and caught stealing and bunts and close plays where the crowd reacts. Even some of what makes the A’s exciting – blogger turned major leaguer turned record setter – is fun to watch for AN but obscure to the causal fan.
And without the excitement on the field, it’s important to have distractions in the stadium. See family night in an unnamed Southern California city that if I mention I’ll probably get flamed. See all the stuff in the outfield at PacBell Park. See the ability to watch the pitchers at Coors Field.
The sad thing is, even the A’s attempts at distractions aren’t working. I was at a game a couple of weeks ago where Stomper spun the wheel and everyone won a pizza. No crowd reaction.
I just hope the A’s won’t resort to Warriors-style marketing – come to see the opposing team’s famous players; the home team is an afterthought.
by JohnDoe on May 12, 2009 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Stomper spun the wheel
and no one wanted the pizza, because it involved more SECURITY and “Gosh! Let’s make sure those fans were really at the game! Don’t want anyone else getting in on sub-standard pizza!”
Of course there’s no reaction. You think an establishment that charges $7 for a cup of terrible beer, has ANY INTENTION WHATSOEVER of giving away something of VALUE!????
"if you think that was a clear answer, you weren’t paying close enough attention." Larry Summers on Freddy/Fanny within the current economic crisis
by One won lost won on May 13, 2009 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Ziggy
“…Even some of what makes the A’s exciting – blogger turned major leaguer turned record setter – is fun to watch for AN but obscure to the causal fan.”
Speaking of Ziggy: Is he Big-Timing us? It’s not like he’s busy or anything
(Good ’Ole Fashion Needle)
by Colorado Fan on May 14, 2009 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions
Probably so.
And wisely so. I would hazard a guess that he’s been “requested” to curtail his postings. Like it or not, he has a much higher profile now, and any statement can be taken out of context and used in a manner detrimental to his status.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
Marketing the A's
Right up until the last day when they leave, the A’s should simply express pride in the City of Oakland and the Coliseum as it is now. The Coliseum is a great, affordable, easily accesible, stadium to see major league baseball, with the tradition of the A’s and Raider’s going back to the glory years, to boot. And Oakland is a colorful city with a great baseball history. So they should have Oakland Oaks nights, and a tribute night to the past stars of McClymonds High School, and Negro Leagues giveaways, retro Pacific Coast League nights (Acorns vs Rainiers), Fremont Night, San Leandro Night, Hayward Night, Fleet Week and the Alameda Naval Air Station Night, Paramount Theater ticket giveaways, and night after night of Rickey, Stew, the Eck, Vada, Vida, Reggie, and Rickey Rickey Rickey. It can’t be too hard. It wouldn’t even change the outcome as the lure of bigger money will eventually take them to San Jose. But in the meantime, civic pride goes a long way.
by BordickBrosiusBerroa on May 13, 2009 12:48 AM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Hope you don't mind, BBB
I took the liberty of copying your post to David Rinetti with a request that he forward it to the appropriate person. I just heard back from him that he has forwarded it to the director of sales and marketing (whose name he didn’t provide). Your brief paragraph is so filled with good ideas that I thought it should be called to someone’s attention who might be in a position to implement them. Here’s hoping….
Losing this team would be a huge failure for this city and an affront to Oakland’s great sports legacy.
Thanks.
For a nutburger like me any attention is good.
by BordickBrosiusBerroa on May 13, 2009 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Hire BBB for the A's Marketing Dept
BBB great ideas. Oakland is a great city – with an amazing sports history. The whole East Bay is a great fan base that the A’s need to cultivate. If the A’s try to build the base now, their success in any new stadium in the Bay Area will be all the more successful.
Any ideas on motivating the people of CC County. There are 1.2 M people, lot’s of money and a business base out there that seems to be untapped by the A’s. Alameda County has a population 1.4 M – If we were a single city we’d rank #3 in the country. How it is that we’re considered a "small market team"?
Yes, entering the facility
People scratch their heads and wonder, “How can the Arena and Warriors average such better attendance, in the same bad neighborhood, same logistics, parking lot, geographic problems, etc.”
??
I’ll tell you, the entry and inner environment of the Oakland Arena is soooooo… much better than the Coliseum. Times have changed. People are used to having an upgrade to what they tolerated before. Paying $15-$50 to walk on a messy concrete walkway, and sit in a cramped chair…they’d rather stay home. One’s entrance into any large facility leaves you with a feeling of good or bad, and I have to say, the Coliseum gives off an evil feeling, especially at night. That’s why I go to 90% day games. Daylight offsets the grimy, trashed concrete walkways. Chain link fences at entrances? Very NEGATIVE!! Gosh, with the attendance SO HIGH, people are attempting to SNEAK IN everywhere!! Let’s maximize SECURITY…so that it feels like you’re attempting to break out of prison, just to enter to watch a game.
Just off the top here, I’m thinking the Coliseum needs to hire some cute young women, bubbling with excitement, to take tickets at the entrance. Guys really like it, and the women who are disinterested “OK, I’ll go..not a baseball fan” would also (I’m speculating) feel safer and better for going. The grizzled old guys just don’t cut for me.
Put up some bricks..something! Make the entrances less parking garage, and more baseball.
"if you think that was a clear answer, you weren’t paying close enough attention." Larry Summers on Freddy/Fanny within the current economic crisis
by One won lost won on May 13, 2009 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions
If the Warriors can Sell out games, Why can't the A's???
How much money would it cost to renovate the Infield Seats at the Coliseum?
- Bring Fans Closer to the Field. Isn’t there a lot of room behind the Raiders bench during football games. There has got to be a way of bringing the fans closer to the action. Hire an engineer team to make it happen.
- Upgrade the Seats… make them comfortable
- Renovate the Bathrooms
- Re-Open the Upper Deck – $2 Tickets for an entire season
- Hire Great Employees/Ushers – There are good people who need jobs
It’s not like the A’s are going anywhere for the next 7 years (minimum). Upgrades need to happen.
by Colorado Fan on May 14, 2009 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions
The modifications to the Coliseum configuration are really just a bandaid on what needs to be designed from the ground up.
And the Warriors only need to sell 19,200 tickets to sell out in the Arena, compared to 35,067 for the Coliseum.
I agree, seats should be more comfortable. And also an inch or more wider. Bathrooms could use some work. These are two things that could be changed that would also benefit the Raiders and would be used even after the A’s leave. Cost should be shared.
$2 tickets are more of a way to get people who don’t normally go games to come out and see what the deal is. Hopefully, they have a great time and are buy tickets to future games. You lose money on $2 tickets (hiring more people to manage the attendance increase), but it’s an investment you can recoup later.
The employees do tend to be good people. I’m not sure what you’re getting at there. Like any business, you’re going to get some bad apples, but that is better dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
I also disagree that the A’s will be there for ‘7 years minimum’, but that’s a different argument for a different thread.
by LoneStranger on May 14, 2009 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions
Me
I haven’t been to the Coliseum in 2 years. The people working at the Coliseum are great. However, there is also a way to go above and beyond the call of duty… make people want to come back to the ballpark. Give a blanket to a person who looks cold. Give good fans the opportunity to move up closer to the field after the 6th inning… etc.
I’m not trying to argue w/ regards to "7 years minimum’. I really don’t care, as long as the A’s stay in the Bay Area. However, it will take at least 1-2 more years to reach an agreement with a City. Then another 1-2 years to get it approved by the city. Then another 2-3 years to build new Stadium. Personally, I think that adds up to a minimum of 7 years. You don’t??
by Colorado Fan on May 14, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not sure how you get 7 years minimum
when if you take the minimum of your timeline (1-2, 1-2, 2-3) you get four years. ;)
by LoneStranger on May 14, 2009 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Its a waste
of money to renovate the colliseum…there is nothing there…like the poster above said its a ground up issue…why waste the money to try to make what is essentially a run down football stadium now into a baseball stadium
To attract more fans?
If you put 20MM into improving the baseball experience + making other wise business/marketing decisions… it’s not entirely impossible.
by Colorado Fan on May 14, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions
totally agree
People always think you need $100 million in “fixes”. A lot of little things need improvement.
"Wag More
Bark Less"
bumpersticker sighted in Berkeley, CA
by One won lost won on May 15, 2009 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions
How About De La Salle Night?
Invite the whole current football team and the coach, ex- DeLa Salle players, give a free hot dog for anyone with a DeLaSalle ID.
by BordickBrosiusBerroa on May 13, 2009 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Hiring Me.
I’m too expensive. So I’ll just do it for free. It’s clear to me in concept that you can market the team by appealing to civic pride, because fans mostly and foremost identify with where they live. I work right near PacBell and as much as it pains me to say it, the stadium and the team are very appealing. But I have no allegiance to San Francisco, or Fog Horns, or Cable Cars, or Fishermans Wharf, so I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing the orange and black. My allegiance is to Oakland, my hometown where I live and it probably would stay that way even if the teams switched sides of the Bay. So out of civic pride, I’d market the A’s for free. Another ideas in keeping with this theme would be statium food from Le Cheval, La Pinata, Everette & Jones, Mexicali Rose, Big Apples, Nations, Saysetha, and Lois the Pie Queen (if they’re still there). I’d drop tons of money at the park for that!
by BordickBrosiusBerroa on May 13, 2009 10:33 PM PDT reply actions
I agree on the food
Why not make it a “deal” to eat at the stadium??? Great food, and fantastic prices! Let’s go!!
Instead, they want to gouge you for a feeble hotdog, and you get to stand a long time in a line for the privilege of overpaying, and eating craaap. Beer: absurd concept. Last time, I poured mine out after sipping half of it, at $7. Never..again. The next game, I told strangers next to me, “I’m saving my beer money for a goood sixpack on the way home.” You could see the light click on…“Why? Am I? drinking? this?”
As I recall, in Europe, you go into the movies, and candy etc is CHEAPER than outside on the street! Why can’t we see the whole experience at a game as a WIN-WIN?? Good food, less bombardment by advertising crappppp, and watching the action on a true green grass field.
"if you think that was a clear answer, you weren’t paying close enough attention." Larry Summers on Freddy/Fanny within the current economic crisis
by One won lost won on May 13, 2009 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't understand why teams are so quick
to allow other for profit entities the opportunity to trash their product. I know it comes down to money, but the Coli dining experience truly sucks. I wonder what Aramark pays the A’s to trash their customers?
Then again, every time I go, those lines are ever present. So I guess it’s working out for them both.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
Other Stadiums
If you travel to other stadiums, you do find more “local” or chain type of food. Aramark still runs the damn things and you should never expect high quality food. But you do get “real” restaurants in a reduced format. As BBB stated there are many local restaurants that might be interested in having mini versions inside the OACC (or maybe not, knowing how the end product might actually taste.) Another tactic is to use former player’s names as the attractions; ex: Reggie’s BBQ, Bando’s Burgers, Green’s Greens, Ray Fosse’s Dibs, etc. And I agree spiffing up the joint might attract more casual fans. Some lights, maybe a little neon, some paint, a few bricks, maybe put the Stomper fun zone in the open by the flag poles. Have the ushers wear less militant clothing. A team and the stadium are joined for mutual benefit, why not capitalize on it?
Enjoy the game
I see what you did there with Fosse's Dibs.
If he’s not paid to talk about Dibs, he should be.
by LoneStranger on May 14, 2009 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions
June
Coming out for my first series against the Twins!
Beware the Chicken Fajita Rollup!
Have you told your parents yet?
And you’re not in the military, are you?
by LoneStranger on May 14, 2009 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Various thoughts from a family fan
My 12 year old: “I want to root for Sweeney but why bother, he’ll be gone in a year or two anyways.” My sons never recuperated from the Swish trade. Their favorite baseball moment of the season to date is Swish pitching. Kinda can’t blame them…baseball is just as much about narrative as it is OPS. I know Chavez was supposed to be that guy, but he hasn’t been for well over 3 years. Time to move on.
Stomper Zone: With ya — my kids are too old for that now, but I remember it being pretty skeezy, doubt it’s been updated at all.
Food: shiteous. It galls me when my Dodger boyfriend goes on and on about Farmer John hotdogs, grilled. I was blown away when we went to Camden Yards and the food was GOOD and the beer was reasonable. It shouldn’t be like this. Kinder’s is the “best” option, and that is a race to the bottom. Service is surly and slow, but I’d be ok with that if the food was tasty. How much would it really cost to get some decent food in there?Oaklanders are total foodies (just like everyone else in the bay) and we might not care about the huge foul territory if we were munching on a Top Dog.
Environs: Totally agree with the comments about how run-down the Coli is. Walking into Camden, or Telco Park or Dodger Stadium — these are all temples to baseball. Why would I want to come and worship in a bunker? Even if they can’t build a new stadium, a little curb-appeal facelift couldn’t hurt.
Promotions: Love some of the ideas mentioned. More community outreach to churches and groups would be useful. I hear that we can sell A’s tickets as a fundraiser. Been thinking about doing that for our church - have a big gathering and raise money for a community project too. But it’s not like marketing reps have been calling us about that, and it be nice to have lotsa parishes all together. They do still hassle me to buy season tickets which I cannot financially commit to. (Did like the Mother’s Day tote bags, tho…)
TV ads: I’ve always looked forward to the new season of ads. This season – sucks. I know not everyone can be a Swish, but last year’s weren’t too bad. This year, aside from the Suzuki/Zambrano “Aloha” ad — can’t remember a damned one. (PS: Love Zooks. Please make him the face of the franchise. Thank you.)
My gut feeling is like the management is treating us like a spouse that is only staying for the sake of the kids. They show up because they have to, not because they want to. They do the bare minimum and almost challenge us to be the ones to leave.
There have been a lot of posts in reference to the Stomper Kids Zone...
I do not have kids so I don’t think that I have ever really ever even been to or seen the Stomper’s Kids Zone. However, i think that most of these ideas seem great and I am not sure why they do not set up the Kid’s zone behind the flag pole in the are that has the fake grass. This is where the Raiders set up the Kids Activities which is why that fake grass is striped. If you are not familiar with this area it is located directly behind the American Flag, you pass it on the right if you enter the coliseum on the second level from the Bart Ramp.
There is no A in OFFENSE!!
by wacchampions on May 14, 2009 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Re: Food
I don’t know how many people realize this, but the A’s have the best food of any stadium in baseball. They have In-N-Out, Whole Foods, Noah’s Bagels, Village Market — all at reasonable prices. This is because you can bring in food from outside the stadium for free, no questions asked.
Whether you BART or drive, it’s not that hard to stop by your favorite deli or restaurant beforehand, pick up a meal, waltz into the stadium, and forgo wasting an inning waiting for six dollar garlic fries.
From a business perspective, I don’t know why the A’s do this. It hurts their concessions revenue, and also allows high school/college kids to sneak in booze in sodas and water bottles (thanks for the memories, A’s!). But it certainly is fan friendly.
Shhhhhh......
Don’t tell them.
I have to admit that you’re right. I go to 4-5 games a week, and I eat dinner at the ballpark maybe once a week. The rest of the time, I bring something in. But it would be nice if there were healthier choices for those days I don’t have time or inclination to stop somewhere first.
Losing this team would be a huge failure for this city and an affront to Oakland’s great sports legacy.
i'm so with you
i always stop in fruitvale before a game. the bag checkers at the gate just sniff and approve.
don't care if i ever get back.
by AV on May 14, 2009 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions
A big part of the problem...
Is people know the A’s are leaving Oakland no matter what, whether 10,000 of us come to the games or 30,000. Old Lew has already stated this, so a lot of the more casual fans have stopped caring about the A’s.
Casual Fans
Jeffro – I think what you have stated is exactly right. The A’s have the ability to do what no other institution or business, and certainly no government, can do which is to be the identifying face of the East Bay. Most fans take pride in the A’s because they represent us here in Oakland and the East Bay, not because they’re the MLB Athletics Incorporated. In fact, if the A’s and Giants switched sides of the bay, the vast majority of fans would take pride in the Oakland Giants over the San Francisco A’s, because most fans would identify with the team that takes the hometown’s name on it’s jersey. When they leave for San Jose, well we see then what that means. I would bet the majority of fans would be from the South Bay and the causual East Bay fan would cease to care about baseball, sort of like is happening now. I’ll say it again, in the meantime the A’s simply need to express civic pride in where they are right up and until they leave for greener pastures.
by BordickBrosiusBerroa on May 15, 2009 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions
I completely disagree
Casual fans give half a hoot about the city the team plays in, with the noted caveat of the city being a world renowned city or the largest metropolitan city in the area. Oakland is neither.
I live in the East Bay and don’t know anyone who “takes pride in the A’s and Oakland” because of Oakland being some regional metropolis. That is what San Francisco is.
Casual fans want to go to an event. The coliseum is a hindrance to casual fans more than anything else. Expressing civic pride in Oakland does nothing for anyone but the 8% of fans who come from Oakland.
hey how often are the $2 wednesdays seats sold out?
i’ve always wanted to go on wednesday nights but was always afraid i will go all the way to oakland and the tickets will be sold out. ive thought of buying online but the service charge is too much. do i have a good chance on getting a ticket on the same day before the game on wednesday? how much earleir do i need to arrive to ensure i get a ticket for my wife and i?
The Not-So-Casual Fan
I showed up about a half-hour before the game yesterday.
I bought a bleacher ticket because I wanted to sit there instead, but the people ahead of me got $2 tickets. It seemed like there were plenty to go ’round.
So at least this year, they aren’t selling as fast, or there are more available.
by LoneStranger on May 14, 2009 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions
If I owned this club,
and were perusing this post,
I would seriously consider all of the above suggestions that would cost me little to no money, and reject out of hand any suggestions that would cost me any serious money.
REVISED- The magical goblins that live in the Reverend Billy Lard's shower just told him that actually, Crosby's not gonna improve this year and he'll be released by June... Sorry, kids...
by Gaijin_Suketto on May 15, 2009 12:57 AM PDT reply actions
A Few Points
I have not really seen yet:
The warriors have two advantages: the first is the time of year. Fall-Winter-spring there are less competing interests for the dollars of the populace. Baseball starts right at tax time, moves through vacation time, and ends at almost holiday season time. Not a big deal in areas with higher population density and/or lower costs of living.
second W’s advantage is that whether the team is winning or losing, the economics of the NBA suggest that they are spending the money to put a world class product on the court every season. They usually don’t spend that money wisely but they spend it. As such you will always be seeing some of the best in the world anytime you come out to a game.
The A’s run out minor league/unproven/over the hill players every year and whine about the unfair economics of baseball, while charging average MLB prices for tix. Get rid of service charges for tix, do a by one get one free on season tix, open the third deck and price at 2$ per a pervious poster, and put on a world class show every night. The bay area consumer is discriminating and educated and we will not pay for a sub par show.
The Warriors suck but they put on a great show.
Also: The Heyday of the Coliseum food was when it reflected the world class east bay culinary community as some of you have alluded to. This is when you could get Jade Villa chinese, Mexicali Rose comida mexicana, Everett & Jones Barbeque, a fish sandwich, some cinnamon rolls and slice of bean pie from Your (defunct) Black Muslim Bakery.
All in all the current ownership does not give a damn about the community and it shows in the product they put out there. Things will not change in oakland until this changes.
disagree with the great show
I wouldn’t pay $50 to watch from 100 yards away from the court. At least on TV, you get replays.
The Coliseum Authority (and this is who has to change things) cannot seem to understand that MORE TOTAL ATTENDANCE equals MORE TOTAL REVENUE. $15 per car parking? There’s a “let’s stay home” thing right there. High priced, terrible beer? Let’s stay home, be warm, drink some decent brew.
How is this? They give out ONE FREE TICKET in a drawing. How about ….five hundred? That alone, would inspire some people who “never win anything” to go to the game, just on the chance of getting a free ticket! Just think about it. 2000 people show up that otherwise would stay home, for the chance to “Win” something! 500 tickets given away attracts 2000 paying customers?
"Wag More
Bark Less"
bumpersticker sighted in Berkeley, CA
by One won lost won on May 15, 2009 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree
that I would not pay 50 bucks to land planes from the “club 200” level either. i had season tix to the dubs for 10 years and then have them up in frustration.
my only point is that clearly 19,000 people will pay for that 41 times a year. I can guess they are not going because of all the championship banners hanging from the arena rafters. it is a place to see and be seen, its hip, nice looking people, and great athletes on the floor. The dubs pricing reflects what (enough of) the customers will pay based on attendance.
The part I don't understand with the A's
is that they should really lower the tickets to get people in the seats.
I know it’s a status thing, being able to say that your tickets cost so much so you must be worth that much. But really, wouldn’t more asses in the seats make more money on concessions and merchandise? It also lets people know who are watching on TV that it’s a hip and fun place to be at.
The argument could be that lower tickets == less money made at the gate, but try to go for quantity to make up the difference. More fans will be made. It’s an investment.
“This year, the A’s are turning back the clock! All tickets are priced like it was 1999!”
by LoneStranger on May 15, 2009 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Lowering ticket prices
doesn’t really urge more people into the house. If the A’s were challenging for the division lead, you can damn well be sure this tactic would work. Winning + low prices = good combo.
Lower the prices, do nothing else — revenue is….well, it’s lower.
If you market the hell out of the sizzle, rather than the steak, maybe you’d come out ahead, but that’s not usually the case, unfortunately.
Just lowering the prices does not mean fans storm the gates. Maybe a family decides to come twice rather than once, especially in a fading economy.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 16, 2009 6:53 PM PDT reply actions
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