Dartblog

The New York Times reports today about the all too predictable sales patterns at the new stadiums of the New York Mets and Yankees: no one is sitting in the front sections.

In a related grievance that I have with the Mets, and one that I know many fans share, is the elimination of inexpensive seats/ increase in ticket prices. With the old Shea Stadium I would frequently go to games knowing that I could get a ticket for $5 or $7. This season I have not even had any success at securing $23 tickets, the least expensive denomination for which there are any significant number of seats.

I certainly understand the economics of the situation, the organization benefits more from increased luxury boxes and premium seating in the new Citi Field—nosebleed tickets are not a huge revenue boost. Although to reframe the old 80-20 rule, I would estimate that at Shea at least 80% of the beer was consumed by the 20% of the fans in the worst seats. Even when the price of a beer might well have been more expensive than the ticket price.

Perhaps what is unseen in all this are the potential unintended consequences of discouraging younger generations (of less wealthy fans) from attending games. If no one is buying expensive seats now, who will be the ones to buy them 20 years down the line when the taste of a beautiful new stadium that screwed the majority of the fan base, is still fresh.

For my part, I will be planning on following the Mets on road trips to Washington, DC and Philadelphia where I will actually be able to afford to go to some games.