The bad news about the increase in ticket prices was announced on a Friday night over the holidays. Our home team didn't just increase ticket prices for the 2001 season, but sent them skyward- - box seats from $40 to $55; grandstand seats from $28 to $40; bleachers from $14 to $18-$20. The Sox already have the most expensive ticket average in the game at just over $28 and should hold on to that infamous statistic again in 2001. Most likely, the prices rocketed so the team could finance the pursuit of some major free-agent acquisitions. The Sox did win the fierce battle of getting Manny Ramirez- 8 years, $160 million- and are in the pursuit for another starting pitcher, particularly Kevin Appier. But in my opinion, increasing ticket prices is not being loyal to the fans that are probably the most loyal fans in the game.
This granddaddy of all increases comes months after the club staggered to the finish line with just 85 victories. This same team, which Sports Illustrated had predicted had enough talent to overtake the almighty New York Yankees and to win the World Series, instead, finished second to a New York team that lost their last five games of the regular season. Even worse, the Sox went down ugly finger pointing in the clubhouse and ending with a power struggle between Dan Duquette and manager Jimy Williams. This isn't exactly the type of atmosphere and a time a club has a price jump on devoted fans.
It's one thing for NBA and NHL franchises to charge such extraordinary prices. They play half the amount of home games over the course of a season, half the seating capacity and rely heavily on corporate interests to fill their arenas. Baseball, however, always has marketed itself as affordable to middle class families. Now, this group of society would seem to be priced out of Fenway's new pricing structure. Even the college students who usually fill the seats in the bleachers may be watching more games in their dorm rooms.
To close, I just want to illustrate to you how outrageous the prices are now. Say you are a father and you want to take your son to a ballgame. You buy two box seats to the game, which now run at $110; plus the cost of parking, $15-$20; refreshments, $30-$35. So, a day at the ballpark between you and your son will now cost you $165. Pretty expensive; but remember, the relationship between you and your son is priceless.
Until next time, live the Sox spirit and buy those tickets.