We’re beginning to see teams announce schedules and pricing for the 2011 season, and a trend is emerging: most teams, we think, will try to hold the line on pricing, sticking to 2010 ticket prices whenever possible — or lowering them in some cases.
Take, for example, the Lowell Spinners (short season A; NY-Penn League). The team announced a 2011 LeLacheur Park schedule that begins on June 17 and includes the circuit’s All-Star Game. As part of the announcement, the Spinners also said ticket prices would remain unchanged from 2010.
“We aim to provide the most affordable family entertainment option for families throughout the Merrimack Valley and beyond,” said Spinners Vice President and General Manager Tim Bawmann. “By maintaining our price structure from 2010 and adding value, we ensure families can enjoy the best entertainment the Merrimack Valley has to offer at an affordable price.”
Also announcing no ticket hikes in 2011: the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League). The Atlantic League has a 126-game schedule set for 2011, and the Revolution is picking up two additional home games. In addition to holding the line on ticket prices, the Revolution is adding flex plans to the mix.
In Iowa, GM Shane Tritz announced today that the Sioux City Explorers (independent; American Association) are lowering prices for 2011: season tickets by up to 34 percent and up to 25 percent for single-game ducats.
“As an organization, we are committed to giving back and providing our community with quality family entertainment and action packed professional baseball. We are hopeful that our business and community members with help us achieve our goal of packing the park in 2011, by taking advantage of these new lower ticket prices,” Tritz said. “I have repeatedly been asked what it takes to get back to the days of having 3,000 plus fans per game like it was during the 1993 inaugural season and earlier years. I firmly believe it starts with re-creating that electric atmosphere at the ballpark, while also lowering the ticket prices to assure its affordable for everyone to attend and enjoy an evening of America’s favorite pastime. We are committed to providing this to our fans in 2011 and all we ask in return is to help us the pack the park like it’s 1993.”
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