Some perspective on ticket prices

We're still waiting for the Bucs to release their general ticket pricing for 2008, but we've already gotten an indication from general manager Bruce Allen there will be at least some increase in price.

The Bucs aren't alone in raising their prices, but consider a few numbers. Did some research the other day on this topic, and it turns out the Bucs in 2007 had the eighth-highest average ticket price in the league, according to an annual study done by a Chicago firm called Team Marketing Report. The $72.44 average was a 6.6 percent increase over 2006.

The trend of increases has continued since 2003, the season following the Bucs' Super Bowl victory. The 2002 average ticket price was $44.41, same as the previous season. That ranked 23rd in the league. But in 2003, the average ticket increased 12.1 percent to $49.78, and things have not been the same since. To get to the current prices, increases have continued at an average annual rate of 7.8 percent.

In 2007, only the Patriots, Bears, Redskins, Giants, Jets, Cowboys and Ravens had higher average prices than Tampa Bay, according to the study. Notice how most of those teams are in considerably pricier markets than this one.

With so many people feeling squeezed by the current economy, it's no wonder the wild card game was slow to sell out. These days, it's becoming quite the financial strain to be an NFL fan.

For the season-ticket holders out there, we'd like to hear from you once you receive your packages from the team. Let us know how you'll personally be affected by the increase this year. Drop a line to sholder@sptimes.com if you've got some input. Include a name and phone number when you write, if possible.

Comments

[Bucco]

All I know is, we were way UNDER the cap last year so we better be spending some money on some big named free agents this year! Offense puts fannies in the seat, but defense wins championships! Just ask the Giants if this is true!

[Bryan and Claire]

We were season ticket holders and we were unable to keep them as we were not only priced out, but the Bucs had to have a payment earlier than most teams do. So we had to forfeit our tickets. We had upper deck seats in section 343 far away from the corporate seats and with the regular, working-class fans. The Bucs would not bend on the deadline for the first payment and mailed us a letter stating the we would no longer be part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2007 season. I have been a fan since day one and that was a very classless act for a fan that had supported this team through 14 straight losing seasons before the team got turned around in 1997. I will always be a fan of the team, but I will always feel a bit bitter towards the business end of this franchise. Despite this, I will watch every game from home and root for my team. Go Bucs!

[Mike]

pretty weak Bryan especially since they couldn't sell out the playoff game to the NON season ticket holders. I am not renewing mine next year because it is getting too expensive and it is ridiculous to pay full price on preseason tickets. Find me one person on the street that pays $200 for two tickets to a preseason game!

[David Jenkins]

I've had the offer to go in on sharing season tickets for a few years, and the price hikes have kept me from doing it. They also kept me from buying playoff tickets. I can't believe that many people around here can afford those seats 8 times a year anyway ...

[DR]

It's sad when a team has a somewhat decent season, 9-7, and only play 6 meaningful games at home. 2 preseason games and 2 late season games that wouldn't have changed the seedings in the playoffs. All 10 home games are full price and that is robbery. The Bucs haven't paid a dime for their stadium yet, and the tax paying fans have been footing the bill.
Every team should put out their best effort every game, regardless of the situation because that is what the fans purchased before the season. Anybody who thinks it is dumb to do that should look at the NY Giants.
Hopefully Specter will address this type of situation with Goodell when they meet next week. It's sad when Congress has to police the sports leagues in this country. What the NFL has done the past few seasons and the direction they are heading is a terrible direction that is not in the best interest of the fans.

[disappointed season ticket holder]

Come on, St. Pete Times! Do a thorough breakdown of the Ray Jay Stadium ticket price escalation from its beginning. Check out the 2008 Buc’s website and how the prices have quietly become the same throughout the lower level sections including the end zone seating and the majority now of the upper level sections. Did you know that if you aren’t paying the club seat prices, you are referred to as “general admission”? What an insult after committing to 10 years of payment for assigned seats in the lower level with seat deposits. Check out the club seat ticket holders. Rumors are they have already been contacted months ago. Only the second class “general admission” season ticket holders are waiting and, as always, will be given very little time to react to the new price hikes and options for our 50% seat deposit refund.
I recall looking from TIA upper parking garage and seeing the new stadium next to the old stadium. Did you know that the highest seating at the old Tampa stadium was lower than the lowest level of the upper section seating at the then new Ray Jay stadium? Talk about nosebleed with a premium price to pay!

[Jeff]

I'm done, I started out at $280-then $360 with the 10 yr. contract, 2007 was $760 to sit in the endzone. I'll buy a high def tv with that money and we'll stay home and watch the game. I bet they dont sell out in 2008 with these prices-that waiting list will evaporate in a hurry. Its not like tampa bay has the 8th highest wage in the US. I make good money-but I wont spend 1600 to sweat my tail off in the end-zone.

[Dave]

I'm with you Jeff. A 30% increase on my 3 seats is pure greed. I too have been a season ticket holder for 15 years and this is a slap in the face.

I'll sit in front of my 55", in my air conditioning, drinking my .85 cent beers and will be just as happy.

We'll see if that waiting list is that long.

[Milk'em Glazer]

I bet that list of 100,000+ shrinks to about 10,000 at the most ... one thing to sign a form when it doesn't cost you a thing ... totally different when you have to put your money where your mouth is

[Mike]

I'm done. I love the Buc's and have been a season ticket holder for 13 years. They have finally priced me out. I refuse to pay $75.00 a game to sweat my @## off and watch subpar talent on the field. I will watch at home unless they do not sell out and the game is not televised which could very well happen. Oh well. Glazers you SUCK!!!

[Carmine]

I'm just about done.
I paid for the ticket, only because I know between the guys I go with, family and friends, I can sell some tickets.

All I know is I used to go to at least 6, 7 games a year, and have not been able to afford to go to more then 3 last year.

But I do like the way Dave and Jeff think, my only difference is I'll be in my ool watching my old 32" drinking those .85 beers and .35 cent hotdogs.

[Tony Welker]

Just something to ponder:

Chris Berman: It's going to be a great day here at Exxon's Tampa Stadium. Where the home of our Tampabay Buccaneers play host to last years superbowl winner and our nations Capital the Washington Suits (the tribes won thier lawsuit for Zillions). What an exiting atmoshere, there are dignitaries and politicians, Hey look here everyone John Kerry our former Senator and heir to the Heinz Corporation has graced us with his pressence.
Kerry: Hi Chris, nice to be here.
Chris: So, I understand you are now almost the highest dollar season ticket holder and love watching the Bucs?
Kerry: Oh Yes Chris and not to mention next year I have the perfect chance to have the best seat in the stadium. All I need is just one more lousy "0" behind my annual earnings and by default I will have it.
Chris: Yes Senator it is amazing how far we've come as a society. I mean just look at the club seats and see all the aspiring millionaires who would do nothing to be where you are.
Kerry: They just have to wait in line.
Chris: Let's not forget all the wealthy business people in the second level. Some of our most prominent Lawyers, Doctors and CEO's are here each and every game. Heck even in the third row we've got three of last years lottery winners and alot of rich ruthless young talent.
Kerry: It's so good to be me.
Chris: Well atleast with all the sellouts our common folk are allowed to watch the games at home!
Kerry: That's why I have 10 lower level tickets to give at corporate and social gatherings and to help with the sellouts. Common folk deserve to watch America's favorite past time once in awhile. Well Chris gotta go the Chardonay must be cold by now.
Chris: Hey thanks Senator and speaking on behalf of the intire franchise Goodluck next year in your pursuit for #1. Ok, on with the game

[bucs fans please step up!]

No way the season ticket waiting list is real. I sit in section 340 and the upper decks are never full anymore (and haveny been sence 2003) It is embarassing when the yankee teams come down and i have to endure their arrogant fans. and the playoff game, please dont make me go there. all these @$$ hole giants fans, and our fans were fighting each other! i hope there are some real Bucs fans left so I dont have to endure rude yankee fans this fall,

[Jimmy V]

When you actually want to spend $$$ for season club seats, they will insist at first that nothing is available. Nothing except these nice East Club, back row, 20-yardline seats.... for the full $300+ club price of course.

Sorry.... but those are the exact same seats I pay up to $100 outside the stadium for crowded games.

[mike beau]

BUY USF SEASON TICKETS! Half the price and none of the whining millionaires!

I cannot believe the negativity in this blog. I am the biggest Buccaneer fan in Canada and i flow over six and a half hours ONE WAY to watch a Bucs game at Rayjay. I spent 250.00 for the ticket alone to watch the game in a great seat and it was worth every penny. You guys should remember how fortunate you are to even have an NFL franchise in your city. GO BUCS

[Matt]

There is no 100,000+ waiting list. I joined less than 3 years ago and just bought my seats up in the nosebleed just last week. I've been sharing season tickets with someone for years and now have my own, which I am so excited about. I understand that many people cannot afford tickets, but there are many things I cannot afford either. I love my BUCS!

[Charles]

Premium price for a discounted team. I will also buy a new TV with my season ticket money this year! Keep my deposit because I think your going to need it!.

[Steve DUImeg]

Anyone want to pick me up and take me to the game?
There's some sticky things going on right now that don't allow me to drive my rig these days.

[Bucs Freak 93]

I am a huge Buccaneers fan and have been since a very young age. Living in Maryland, I've taken a lotta of grief (especially when the Ravens were winning). I'm writing looking for tickets. I would love to attend a game at RayJay, preferably to see the Vikings on November 16th. I need 3. I prefer lower level, but am open to any and all offers.

[Andy]

I bet the tickets sell out anyway. Hooray Stub Hub!

[I LOVE FOOTBALL!]

WELLLLLLLL.I would have been at every home game had we "GOTTEN THE TALENT" {Brett Farve}...but with medeoker players and thieving owners AND A SHEITEY franchise,"LIARS" I will watch from home,and I can get tickets anytime,and I dont have to get raped by the Buc's Franchise to be in the mix of the excitement,I have friends that are scalpers and they give a more reasonable price for a lot better seats.The Bucs are about to price themselves into a 1/2 EMPTY stadium.
Especially if they dont do well,I hope Luke McCowen has an awesome year,and he reamins our starting QB.Too bad #4 didnt come here Luke could have learned a lot.Garcia is pissed so do you think we'll get 110 % from him,?...NOT.... And Griese may do OK,but Chris Simms got lucky a few games he needs to go back to Texas,he will never be 100 % with losing his spleen, his immune system is compromised now. How do I know this? I lost my spleen in 2000 and as much as a sniffle much less a cold sends me to bed for weeks.
Good Luck Buc's and prayers offered as well.

[venkat]

hi,

don't waste money.

=============================

venkat

www.calyxsoftsolutions.com

[Artis]

I dropped my season tickets after 20 years. Tired of getting screwed by the Glazers and RayJay. $100 per seat per game including 2 useless "preseason" stinkers were way too much in this lousy economy. I too used the money to buy a 62" plasma with home theatre sound system. Better view, better snacks, better and colder drinks, no drunks or fights.... Never again Bucs!!!