At the Blues FanFest on Saturday, they handed out coupons for the next night's pre-season opener, a 5:00 Sunday night game against the Atlanta Thrashers. With the coupon, Lower-bowl seats were only $20.00... upper-bowl seats were free. Great deal!
Except....
What about the season-ticket holders, who are forced to pay upwards of $100 for the same ticket as part of their package? Something ain't right...
So, if I were in charge of an NHL team (one that didn't draw well for pre-season, that is), here's what I'd do:
- Pre-season games would be $20 for lower-bowl seats, $10 for upper-bowl seats
- Season-ticket holders would have the option to purchase them ahead of time, or to opt-out.
- Give fans a break on concession prices. My large Mountain Dew cost me $5.75 Sunday night. For a pre-season game. Good thing I ate before I showed up.
In addition, some teams hold a weekday afternoon game and host school kids as part of a "hockey field trip", which is also a fantastic idea.
My large pop was 6 bucks at the mariners game *Shakes head*
I partially agree BF44 but the rationale from above (which also has some merit) is that FSTH's already get several breaks, are already committed, and can presumably afford the extra $$ for pre-season tilts. Also, of course, there is the attempt to encourage and give an opportunity to those who might not otherwise attend a pre-season game or any hockey game at all. Pre-season games are an OK time to try that marketing approach. Personally, I like pre-season because you get game situation looks at younger players and an early fix to the summer-long lack of hockey withdrawals. As always, there are tradeoffs.
At least it's not like the NFL that charges full price for 4 preseason games (that would equal 20 preseason hockey games) and forces STH to purchase all 4 games. Not to mention, none of the regulars play other than a quarter here and there. That is a ripoff, my friends.
Great Ideas........to bad the owners aren't going to throw $$$$$$$$$ away though. It would be a great jester
Interesting ideas, BF