2010 Season ticket seating and pricing policy: clarification from the A's season ticket office
by OaklandSi on Sep 16, 2009 9:12 AM PDT
47 comments
A couple of days ago I commented that the A's website for 2010 season tickets had omitted several seating areas, including the rather large Plaza Level area. This morning I called the season ticket office to ask, and this is what they told me:
The person who answered the phone call told me that the A's are only offering season ticket plans for the Plaza Level and the other seating areas omitted on this site (I believe that they include the Plaza Outfield and the Reserved area known as Mt Davis, but I may be missing at least one area) to continuing season ticket holders. In the case of the Plaza Level, season ticket holders for 2009 paid $20 per seat. If they wish to purchase season tickets for 2010 in the Plaza Level they will be charged $17 per seat.
The pricing that we see on the A's website is only for NEW season ticket holders. The A's have decided to no longer offer season tickets in the Plaza Level or in other seating areas that were removed from the web page. So anyone interested in becoming a NEW season ticket holder must purchase tickets in the more expensive areas or the bleachers.
I'm curious to know how fans feel about this decision -- does it make economic and public relations sense, and why or why not?
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I think it's a bad move
People should be able to buy season tickets for any section in the park (well, except the all-you-can-eat area, which is more of a specialized place).
Honestly, when people complain that the A’s make bad PR moves, this is the kind of stuff they can point to as evidence. It’s just going to push some fans away that much more and that’s not a good thing.
It’s also going to lead to an ability for people within the organization and/or the news to say things like “Season ticket accounts have dropped by such-and-such percent” and it might not be completely clear why by that point because inevitably some people with season tickets are going to drop out and some will replace them, but people who might have purchased in the omitted sections now won’t be able to and if they don’t want the bleachers they’ll opt instead to just go to individual games instead of buying a more expensive plan.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
by Flashfire on Sep 16, 2009 9:39 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Can we get attendance down to six figures?
Keep the dream alive, Lew!
On the plus side, am I understanding you correctly that existing season ticket holders are actually getting a price cut for next year? That’s a pretty shrewd way to hold onto the base until the new ballpark gets built.
Now that I think about it more, this is a tactical move in advance of San Jose, if I understand the details correctly. Don’t add to the Oakland fanbase, since it may not move to San Jose, and squeeze as much money as possible out of those suckers while we’re still in town. In the meantime, make sure the existing season ticket base is happy enough to stick it out when the move occurs. Maintain, but don’t grow.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Sep 16, 2009 9:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Less cynically
I imagine they find the empty seats in the lower level pretty embarrassing.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Sep 16, 2009 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, the existing season tickets holders get a price break
That is in line with a general MLB directive encouraging all teams to give price breaks on tickets. I’ve seen similar wording for other teams, in fact. If you take a look at the 2010 season tickets webpage, all of the prices listed are lower than they were for 2009.
by OaklandSi on Sep 16, 2009 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good to know.
Sounds more like the idea is to recuperate lost revenue from the existing season ticket base, by playing a bit of a shell game with the available inventory. That’s not a very good strategy for growing the season ticket base, but as I mentioned, that doesn’t seem to be a focus for the A’s in their remaining hours in Oakland.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Sep 16, 2009 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the more optimistic estimates I've seen of a move to San José
don’t really have the A’s moving before 2014….that’s alot of hours…
by OaklandSi on Sep 16, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Certainly not meant in the literal sense.
I do think the team couldn’t care less about bringing more Alameda County ticketholders on board given the impending move.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Sep 16, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
my point is that there are really quite a few years to just crap out on promoting the team
even assuming that the move will happen — which of course is not a given until the groundbreaking for a balpark actually begins.
by OaklandSi on Sep 16, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually saw this tidbit yesterday
City Council Approves Economic Impact Report. This is another step down that pathway.
"Baseball is dull only to dull minds." Red Barber
by BERRYJO on Sep 16, 2009 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't say it made sense.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Sep 16, 2009 10:58 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I was just at the ticket office
And learn this tidbit:
STHs get free parking Tuesdays next season. Except premium games (i.e. Yankees, Red Soxes).
by Kaiser99 on Sep 16, 2009 12:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
really? not half price parking?
that’s what season ticket holders have usually gotten — the opportunity to buy parking passes for half price.
I’ve never done that myself since I take BART to the games.
by OaklandSi on Sep 16, 2009 1:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Here's the parking info:
Parking passes for season ticket holders remain $9.00/each.
The free parking Tuesdays if for everyone, premium games (Boston and NY Yankees excluded). I count twelve Tuesday home games, of which three are against either Boston or NYY. So, nine free parking games for all. I’m sure that they’ll advertise this much like double play Wednesdays going forward.
by Dr Pez on Sep 16, 2009 1:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
intersting
during 2009 season ticket holders paid $2 for Plaza Level and below seating. This was not announced anywhere on the website or in their letters to us. So when my season ticket buddy and I chose some Tueaday games for our Fielder’s Choice plan, we were told that we’d have extra $$ in our account, that we had to spend this season on additional games….which we did.
by OaklandSi on Sep 16, 2009 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see
The guy seemed to imply that it was for STH only, as I overheard him on the phone talking to a potential new STH, and when I asked him about it, he asked if I was a STH as well and told me about the free Tuesday parking.
Not sure how often I would take advantage of it, but it’s good to know. A whole 9 chances to park for free. Or at least in the stadium lot instead of the street or Bart lot like I normally do.
He also seemed to hint that there are more changes/perks for next year, but as of yet they haven’t been released. From my conversation with him, I did gather that the STH discounts on merchandise will be 25% next year. Maybe time for a real jersey… (all I have are replicas and giveaways).
by Kaiser99 on Sep 16, 2009 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
25% off would be nice...it's 15% off now
by OaklandSi on Sep 16, 2009 7:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's actually 25% right now....
and has been all summer, according to this
by Where my pitches at? on Sep 18, 2009 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of Parking Passes....
I have two more than I need for the season. So, they don’ t go to waste, who wants ? Anyone going to AN day who can use a parking pass?
t
"We get two outs, and I was sure, and I had a plan, and I shook Tek off," Schilling said. "And I get a big 'What if?' for the rest of my life."
by Imaseasonticketholder on Sep 16, 2009 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
send me your address & I'll get it out in the mail
"We get two outs, and I was sure, and I had a plan, and I shook Tek off," Schilling said. "And I get a big 'What if?' for the rest of my life."
by Imaseasonticketholder on Sep 16, 2009 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you not coming this time?
Hey, Raburn! YOU ever dive into the shallow end of a pool?--noava22
by lynnzgal on Sep 17, 2009 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could use one.
I’m going to bring the BAG to hte tailgate…
They call their best player "Kung Fu Panda" and they complain that people aren’t taking them or the game seriously enough? -Nick
by mikev on Sep 17, 2009 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have an extra parking ticket....
you want?? Send me an email and I can drop it by.
joberryjo@gmail.com
"Baseball is dull only to dull minds." Red Barber
by BERRYJO on Sep 17, 2009 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can get one of those anytime I want by just parking in front of a fire hydrant.
by LoneStranger on Sep 18, 2009 8:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But does THAT ticket get you into the Coli lot for half-price??
I think not!
"Baseball is dull only to dull minds." Red Barber
by BERRYJO on Sep 18, 2009 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When I saw this I took this as the A’s no longer selling season tickets in areas where season ticket demand is currently low.
Incidentally I have an old 1994 A’s season ticket brochure (yes, still); At that time it appears that they only sold season tickets for the first two decks—you couldn’t get season tickets for bleachers or the 3rd deck—so this doesn’t seem to be unprecedented.
by dtnick on Sep 16, 2009 2:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That's how I see it....
They are lowering prices accross the board and offering free parking on tues and people seriously think its a conspiracy??? They could pay all fans $20 a piece to attend a game and some of u would still see it as negative.
all these savings mean i can attend more games and for that I am happy and grateful.
by Where my pitches at? on Sep 16, 2009 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
except that it's not lower in the Plaza Level than in the Plaza level infield
my section is generally pretty well populated, for example…and many of them are season ticket holders who I have seen (and talked to) every season
by OaklandSi on Sep 16, 2009 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Season tickets not worth it...
there are so many ways to get cheap tix… supercuts 2 for 1 – they let me take 5 coupons when I was in there, $40 costco 4 tix deal, and if all else fails stubhub about 3 hours before a game (I think it’s the club selling the tix)
by SheridanH on Sep 16, 2009 8:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I hear you.
And I take advantage of those, too. But, I like the idea of knowing where I’m going to be, and who I’m going to be with. I’m pretty happy with my season tix.
Hey, Raburn! YOU ever dive into the shallow end of a pool?--noava22
by lynnzgal on Sep 17, 2009 12:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
me too, I actually enjoy supporting my team with season tickets
I like knowing where I’ll be sitting and being able to see other season ticket holders over the years. I like how various plans are available (since I wouldn’t be able to buy an 81 game package, not only because of price but because I am away from the Bay Area for part of the summer), and that they have a flexible ticket exchange policy. When the A’s are a contending club I get the opportunity to buy postseason tickets before they go on general sale. In any event, it’s good both for the A’s and for me.
by OaklandSi on Sep 17, 2009 7:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sometimes NOT knowing you you're going to be with is more exciting.
Oops — not a game thread.
Carry on.
They call their best player "Kung Fu Panda" and they complain that people aren’t taking them or the game seriously enough? -Nick
by mikev on Sep 17, 2009 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know who I'm sitting with
but then again, I just show up to visit and sometimes stay for half the game. ;)
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Sep 17, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
nowai!? Which half???
They call their best player "Kung Fu Panda" and they complain that people aren’t taking them or the game seriously enough? -Nick
by mikev on Sep 17, 2009 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do people ever stop bitching?
They cut ticket prices and this is the post we get.
by RLangford on Sep 16, 2009 9:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
There's really more to it than just cutting prices and people bitching
Offering a night of free parking is cool but it’s on a day when attendance is probably already going to be pretty low to begin with. It’s not like they’re doing it on a Saturday or Sunday.
Cutting prices is nice, but it’s definitely worth talking about when the club makes it harder for a potentially new customer to buy season tickets unless they either go for the bleachers or one of the more expensive sections because they don’t offer an entire pricing section or two to new people, only existing STH.
Also, the STH pricing was reduced but it says nothing so far about cuts for non-STH.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
by Flashfire on Sep 16, 2009 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The lowering of season ticket prices...
..is a wise move in an attempt to get people to commit (and pay for) their tickets early. Everything from the past few years has indicated that this is what they want to achieve, they want to know how many people are coming to the game in advance. Whether you want to believe the rationale of their staffing argument is debatable. It also doesn’t hurt the team to pocket the money, even if it’s 10% less (in my case, it’s 12.6%) than if they collect it piecemeal as the season goes on.
If they are lowering single game tickets, I’d bet that they are not, then they’ll advertise that when single game seats go on sale.
by Dr Pez on Sep 17, 2009 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think the purpose of OSi's post was to bitch.
I took it as informational, and appreciated it as such.
Hey, Raburn! YOU ever dive into the shallow end of a pool?--noava22
by lynnzgal on Sep 17, 2009 12:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a mixed bag...
I believe this is a “full speed ahead San Jose” move as speculated above by Jeepers. SImply because , rightly or wrongly, I think the A’s are assuming San Jose will happen and that there will be a spike in Season Ticket demand from a new segment of the fan base in order to have rights to Season Tickets in the new stadium. Maybe a little cart before the horse.
Personally, it doesn’t impact me much because a) I haven’t bought season tickets in a few seasons because I just haven’t really needed to and b) when I bought season tickets (I haven’t since 2006) it was in the bleachers because I have a large extended family and when some of them decided to go to games that I happened to have tickets to we could all sit together that way.
Once a shovel hits the ground in Oakland or San Jose, I will have new reason to buy season tickets :)
by jeffro on Sep 17, 2009 8:16 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Personally
I’d just like to make it out to California and see a home A’s game.
Not just athletes, Athletics.
by Wiers103 on Sep 18, 2009 9:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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