Ticket Price Reduction?

The Chiefs actually reduced ticket prices? Not so fast.

True, the Chiefs have lowered some of Arrowhead’s nosebleed and non-premium seat prices, but they are also raising premium seat prices. To me, this is textbook King Carl: A.) Attendance is struggling so make the cheap seats cheaper; B.) Then hit up the season ticket holders with great seats because you know they are going to buy tickets no matter what.

Because of all this the average ticket price will be the same and the Chiefs can say they are not raising ticket prices. Economically speaking, what they are doing is making tickets more affordable for those who can’t afford them, and then hitting up those who can for the difference. They claim that they are rewarding season ticket holders, but I don’t know if they really are, especially the ones who hand out the big bucks for their seats. If I were handing the King a large sum of money for Grade A season tickets, I would definitely be pissed off.

Basically, the Chiefs’ brass still found a way to raise ticket prices for 2008 after the team’s worst season in twenty years. Correct me if I’m wrong, but that’s what this looks like to me. It definitely looks like they are trying to continue selling out without having to lose any dough on their end. Figures.

Here’s an excerpt from the team’s official site:

The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Friday that a significant rescaling of Arrowhead stadium ticket prices will take place for the 2008 season. The new pricing structure includes a decrease in ticket prices for the majority of upper-level seating.

The Chiefs also announced a moderate increase in ticket prices for prime seating location, however, the average overall ticket price for the 2008 season will remain flat. There will be no increase in parking prices.

The most inexpensive seat in the stadium will be $39 per game when purchased as a season ticket, compared to $49 in 2007. The number of seats available in this price category will increase to nearly 5,000 seats, compared to last year’s 1,700 seats. Additionally, season ticket holders in the upper reserve area will notice a ticket decrease to $59 per game.