Thoughts on the Giants' new ticket pricing
by Grant on Mar 5, 2010 10:01 AM PST
186 comments
Everyone’s up in arms about the Giants’ new dynamic pricing system. Well, maybe not everyone. This guy from SF Weekly is pretty hacked off. There was a little thread here too. I’ve gotten a couple of e-mails. Maybe "up in arms" isn’t the right phrase.
Most people around here, though, haven’t made a peep. Maybe that’s because you’re all here for the cat pictures, and not only are you nerds incapable of throwing a baseball, but you’ve never even been to a baseball game. Fair enough. But here’s the yin and yang of the new pricing scheme:
Scenario A:Joe Six-Pack wants to take his kid -- Ethan Six-Pack, or some crap -- to a game, but funds are a little tight. They’ll have to pick the perfect game because they aren’t going to get out to the yard more than once or twice. Ethan is in tee-ball, but he’s already starting to model his windup after Tim Lincecum, grow his hair out, and refuse to put a towel on. But when Joe Six-Pack goes to buy some tickets, he finds out that supply and demand is causing prices to jump up for Lincecum starts. Discouraged, Joe settles for a Zito start against the Pirates. Ethan loses respect for his old man and ends up a heroin addict who harvests baby manatees for an ill-conceived "veal of the sea" scheme. Then Ethan hits rock bottom and starts rooting for the Dodgers, all because he watched Zito instead of Lincecum.
Scenario B:
A nerd who runs a Giants-themed blog -- Marichal Missives, or some crap -- wants to go to a game. He wants to watch his team most of all, but because he’s a baseball nerd, he also wants to watch Andrew McCutchen, Justin Upton, Kyle Blanks, Joey Votto, Ryan Braun, Hunter Pence, Ryan Zimmerman, and Hanley Ramirez. So he’s just thrilled that tickets for those games are subsidized by Yaz-come-lately, bent-bill-on-an-adorably-dirty-cap, "Sweet Caroline"-screeching goofballs with gullets full of chowder and a hole in their soul where the humility used to be. Thanks, guys! Buy some field club seats -- at $150 each, you can’t afford not to!
So as a father who is not only broke but cheap, I empathize with Scenario A. As a baseball nerd, I’m thrilled about being able to go to a Giants/Orioles Wednesday day game for $5. That’s almost like, hey, free Wieters. So I’m fine with the new pricing scheme. And if it makes more money for the Giants to spend on overpriced mediocrity, it’d be a crime not to go for the extra revenue. It seems like the argument against the scheme is that families can’t afford the games that everyone wants to go to. Yeah, but some things in life are luxuries. Tell Ethan to quit his whining and start mowing some lawns.
This post was not sponsored by the Giants’ advertising, sales, or public relations departments. But if anyone with the power to do so wants to throw a luxury suite my way for a July game against the Marlins, I’ll be flattered and appreciative. And you should see the propaganda I’ll turn out after that!
2 recs |
186 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
First, I’m don’t live in the Bay Area so this doesn’t effect me.
Second, is this any different than what stubhub or any ticket reseller does? Or is it any different than gas prices going up when more people want to drive more? I would completely embrace this system if I lived near by.
My career path, have you seen it?
Totally. Even when buying tickets from sfgiants.com, a Saturday Dodgers game has been more expensive than a Tuesday Pirates game for several seasons now. This is just a more dramatic and precise version of what they were already doing.
Jonathan Sanchez: Often maddening to watch, but capable of perfection on a moment's notice---just like his adoptive father.
Exactly, the Giants just want a little bug bigger piece of the pie!
My career path, have you seen it?
by say hey nation on Mar 5, 2010 10:13 AM PST up reply actions
"All this magic ain't cheap, you know."
I still believe in Bowkermania.
by rightcenterfielder on Mar 5, 2010 10:20 AM PST up reply actions
The magic is inside Tim’s Snuggie. He better have some pants on, though.
Tommy Joseph is the Dingerzball Wizard
by SoFa King Mike on Mar 5, 2010 10:26 AM PST up reply actions
The Giants want a piece of the pie that scalpers are getting...
What’s wrong with that? I’d rather give the team my money than some reseller that lives in LA or NY
Adios Senor Pelota!
I agree on both points. First, I don’t live near San Francisco right now. Second, better games cost more, and that’s not surprising. If the Giants overshoot and have trouble filling the seats for Lincecum’s starts, they’ll scale back the prices. I really see little reason for people to be upset. Of course, Mr. Eskenazi seems to use the word “evil” a bit too freely.
Eagerly anticipating adding to my Giants family.
by giantsfansince1981 on Mar 5, 2010 10:15 AM PST up reply actions
I don’t live in the Bay Area either. I expect to get raped when I buy tickets to see the Dodgers. I am also very particular about where I sit. I could just go to sfgiants.com and buy the mediocre veiw reserved tickets for $30, but I really don’t want to sit there. I’d rather pay $80 bucks for the $30 Bleacher Seats in Section 139 Row 1.
So I bite the bullet and pay the “service charges” and “handling fees” to buy the seats I want . Hats off to the entrpenurial bastard purchased who a season ticket package only to resell them on a scalping err..Ticket broker site. He was smart enough to save the money for this ponzi scheme to invest in those seats.
We used to go down to the Phone three to four times a year for games. Now we might make it once a year. Last year I bought season tickets for the 3A club here in town. Two tickets, split between two couples cost $824 per couple. I get to see 36 games from the First Base side for less than I spent on the four trips to the Bay when you include gas, food and hotels.
Matt Downs MLB , Now with More STATZ goodness !Matt Downs Fangraphs The Juan Uribe of 2011 !
Our group just purchased those seats, well maybe not row 4, not sure which rows we have. Sec 139 -75 tickets @ $35 for the Sunday Dodgers game in July. Of course the obligatory tailgating before the game.
Crazy Crab despised in the 20th century and beloved in the 21st century. Hey it only took over 20 years, so don't give up hope.
Picture
Agreed. “Panda! Get your panda here! Ice-cold panda!”
"Man, you just can't beat a good bowl of gumbo." ~ William Nuschler Clark
Why is that creepy?
Eagerly anticipating adding to my Giants family.
by giantsfansince1981 on Mar 5, 2010 10:15 AM PST up reply actions
Yeah
I think you can get panda pops with the little gumball eyes at those little ice cream carts.
Status: Feels so broke up. Wants to go home. || Still boycotting Johnsonville and Giants souvenirs or ballpark foods for repossessing my K Wall in right field.
Geez, I’ll wait until Zito is out of a Giants uni, and have kids then.
Dodgers fans be damned.
Tommy Joseph is the Dingerzball Wizard
A) You and anyone else who supports this plan has baby manatee blood on your hands. I hope you can all sleep at night.
B) My arguement against this plan is as valid and sophisticated as: Im a traditionalist and Im used to every game being the same price. I also note that stadiums are generally empty on Wednesday against crappy teams and full on Saturdays against great teams. I also note that I end up paying a scalper premium prices because the single-tier priced tickets against good teams go way too damn fast.
C) Im a non-local, so really what do I care.
Plotting the ultimate demise of Gore51 (never met him, I dunno he could be swell) so as to adopt Kyle Nicholson.
"I don’t know much about sabre-stats but there’s nothing better than white tea and poptarts first thing in the morning" - tk
by Whiteteaandpoptarts on Mar 5, 2010 10:13 AM PST reply actions
oh and D)
Im really just loitering, padding post counts and padding Grant’s page hits waiting til Tuesday to draft my adopted child.
Plotting the ultimate demise of Gore51 (never met him, I dunno he could be swell) so as to adopt Kyle Nicholson.
"I don’t know much about sabre-stats but there’s nothing better than white tea and poptarts first thing in the morning" - tk
by Whiteteaandpoptarts on Mar 5, 2010 10:15 AM PST up reply actions
waiting til Tuesday?
hush hush…keep it down now…voices carry
Proudly adopted Aubrey Huff. You can't beat that!
Aimee Mann references
show up in the strangest places.
A) Dilute some bleach in water and the blood comes right out, no problem.
B) Traditionalism be damned!
C) Me too, but it’s fun to pretend I’m not and get really up in arms about local issues sometimes. Can you believe the farmer’s market is closing an hour early on Wednesdays now? How will I get my damned chard?
D) Loitering on these premisies is prohibited.
Eagerly anticipating adding to my Giants family.
by giantsfansince1981 on Mar 5, 2010 10:18 AM PST up reply actions
Every game being the same price?
So when they do those specials where they reduce prices by the number of strikouts in Tim’s previous start, you refuse to take the discount and pay full price?
Proudly adopted Aubrey Huff. You can't beat that!
Correct!!
Completely as a function of my point C (above), rather than any moral stance.
Plotting the ultimate demise of Gore51 (never met him, I dunno he could be swell) so as to adopt Kyle Nicholson.
"I don’t know much about sabre-stats but there’s nothing better than white tea and poptarts first thing in the morning" - tk
by Whiteteaandpoptarts on Mar 5, 2010 11:25 AM PST up reply actions
If I were the type to buy a bunch of single-game tickets at the beginning of the season, I might be a little upset to find the prices jacked up for all the good matchups. But I don’t do that – so it’s no different from the past where I would have had to pay a lot to see those games anyway.
And I agree that $5 seats – no matter the opponent – is pretty sweet.
Bidding adieu to Rich Aurilia, for I will soon have a new baby.
I once went to an A’s-Giants interleague game on a whim after picking up a friend at the Oakland airport, and they had $5 seats, which was awesome. When we got in we had trouble finding the seats and asked an usher, who said, “Oh, yeah. Up there.” and pointed high into what seemed like the fourth deck in center field. Couldn’t see most of the outfield from the seats, but still a fun game. Pierzynski hit a 3-run bomb in the 9th and the Giants scored four times to tie the game, but then Scutaro won the game with a single in the 10th or 11th. It was still fun though, since there’s always the bickering with A’s fans no matter what.
Anyway, that’s my $5 ticket story. But yeah, $5 tickets to any baseball game is great. When I end up back in the Bay Area, I will definitely partake.
Eagerly anticipating adding to my Giants family.
by giantsfansince1981 on Mar 5, 2010 10:25 AM PST up reply actions
Ahhh, Mt. Davis… The Ass used to be a nice place to see a game.
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Mar 5, 2010 10:59 AM PST up reply actions
Yeah, the stadium is awful now.
Eagerly anticipating adding to my Giants family.
by giantsfansince1981 on Mar 5, 2010 11:07 AM PST up reply actions
Yes, yes it is. When I was in junior high, we’d jump on BART and go to a day game or two during the summer. For some reason the parents thought Oakland was safe enough…Candlestick was too far away.
Do they still have $1 tix and hotdogs wednesdays? Actually probably $7 with fees and crap to get them online before they sell out =/
go rowand
by lincypoo i wuv u on Mar 5, 2010 6:49 PM PST up reply actions
Time to buy all the late season pennant race tickets now at low prices before the bandwagon jumps on!
/optimist
I still believe in Bowkermania.
by rightcenterfielder on Mar 5, 2010 10:36 AM PST up reply actions
Anybody remember how much the Family Section cost at Candlestick?
Jumping over the railing, diving for homerun balls was awesome. Though, keep in mind, this was not a safe activity for 7 year olds
Tommy Joseph is the Dingerzball Wizard
what if they had had dynamic pricing back then
imagine a 1996 game against the expos on a tuesday night in may. Man, they would have PAID people to go to that shit.
Bidding adieu to Rich Aurilia, for I will soon have a new baby.
Man, they would have PAID people to go to that shit.
LOL
Matt Downs MLB , Now with More STATZ goodness !Matt Downs Fangraphs The Juan Uribe of 2011 !
I want to say they were $7..
..but I don’t really remember. I should ask the Old Man, he probably knows.
Please tell me we have moved past the dark ages of post hoc ergo propter hoc.
I think they might have started at like $5.
I remember when you could get a bleacher seat for like $2.50.
Man, that was even after they’d gone to the WS in ’89.
"Being a McCoven is like being a member of the Green party. It’s powerlessness is part of the appeal." - oldjacket
"Quiet you, I'm starting a meme." - Me
Bleacher Seats
I remember cutting high school classes to go to Candlestick to sit in the “new” bleachers for $5. BONDS SQUAD!##
by Section B, Row 1 on Mar 8, 2010 10:36 AM PST up reply actions
Dynamic pricing will allow me to go to A LOT of games this year. I support it. Are six games against the Padres and Pirates the same as going to one game against the Dodgers? Not quite, but I’ll take what I can get. If I want to see the Red Sox, I’ll just go to a damn A’s game. Fools.
"Just another ahahahaha... laugher."
BOCOCK!? Come back to meee....
The A’s jack up the prices for Yankees / Red Sox games regardless.
Tommy Joseph is the Dingerzball Wizard
by SoFa King Mike on Mar 5, 2010 10:38 AM PST up reply actions
It’s better than THIRTY DOLLARS FOR STANDING ROOM.
"Just another ahahahaha... laugher."
BOCOCK!? Come back to meee....
You can get tickets to the A’s vs Red Sox once, and A’s vs Yankees twice for $2 if you go to the Wednesday games. Only way I will go to that shithole
My AL team, as most people here know, is the Red Sox. The last time I saw the Red Sox play in person was June of 2004 at AT&T. The next time I will see the Red Sox in person will be June of 2010. I refuse to go to the shithole known as the Oakland Coliseum.
The Giants offseason moves - "meh"
Proud father of 2-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum, who could do whatever he wants to do.
Did you watch Noah vs. Pedro? Great game! That’s the exact moment to me when Red Sox fans became annoying. I didn’t need the World Series Champs overkill to reach that conclusion.
The Giants Way™"If anybody deserves credit for this year’s turnaround it’s these two people, Brian and Bruce," Neukom said. "The encouraging thing is we think we’re back to playing baseball the way it ought to be played."
Although it was fun to be annoying to A’s fans. Most obnoxious fans in baseball (yes more so than Dodgers fans. You can carry a conversation about baseball with a Dodgers fan. You can’t with A’s fans).
The Giants offseason moves - "meh"
Proud father of 2-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum, who could do whatever he wants to do.
Having lived in both Oakland & Southern California, I disagree with this. There are quite a few Dodger fans that you can carry on a conversation with, but the vast majority of knuckleheads outweighs them at least 250 to one. Not so with the A’s fans. Of course I haven’t been to the Coliseum since the Bash Brothers so my census may need updating.
The Giants Way™"If anybody deserves credit for this year’s turnaround it’s these two people, Brian and Bruce," Neukom said. "The encouraging thing is we think we’re back to playing baseball the way it ought to be played."
This answered a question I had above. $1 hot dogs? I once had 5 =/
go rowand
by lincypoo i wuv u on Mar 5, 2010 6:51 PM PST up reply actions
bring back half price bleacher tickets on mondays!!!
my buddies and I used to go to every monday game, get our tailgate on, and heckle the opposing left fielder relentlessly….ahhhh sweet memories
personally, I like the new pricing structure a lot.
I love tacos, but I’m not IN love with them.
Jonathan Sanchez: Often maddening to watch, but capable of perfection on a moment's notice---just like his adoptive father.
Tim Lincecum Choco Taco Night
Tommy Joseph is the Dingerzball Wizard
by SoFa King Mike on Mar 5, 2010 10:42 AM PST up reply actions
tacos are my first love, but I’m actually in an open relationship with tacos and burritos
by i love tacos on Mar 5, 2010 10:50 AM PST up reply actions
You may only have one. And the correct answer is burritos.
Constantly rosterbating.
by SabeanMetrics on Mar 5, 2010 11:06 AM PST up reply actions
Don’t force your lifestyle choices onto him! Let the man have his tacos and his burritos. He can even have them at the same time…
Eagerly anticipating adding to my Giants family.
by giantsfansince1981 on Mar 5, 2010 11:07 AM PST up reply actions
Well that certainly sounds dirty…
Eagerly anticipating adding to my Giants family.
by giantsfansince1981 on Mar 5, 2010 11:16 AM PST up reply actions
Now I want a burrito con carnitas
Tommy Joseph is the Dingerzball Wizard
by SoFa King Mike on Mar 5, 2010 11:17 AM PST up reply actions
or ternera del mar
"he walked 18; new league record! Struck out 18, another new league record! He also hit the sportswriter, the PA announcer, the bull mascot twice..."
by i did my job on Mar 5, 2010 11:19 AM PST up reply actions
Shhhh… the more people think tacos is the right answer, the more burritos there will be for us.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Mar 5, 2010 11:12 AM PST up reply actions
going back on the topic of Supply and Demand, if more people think tacos is the right answer then the supply of tacos will be higher.
/logic
by i love tacos on Mar 5, 2010 11:18 AM PST up reply actions
I heard that the US Govt puts a strict limit on the daily Taco and Buritto production. Its from the Bush era, they seem to think eating to many would make you a mexican spy.
My career path, have you seen it?
by say hey nation on Mar 5, 2010 11:20 AM PST up reply actions
But the price will also be higher. It’s a conundrum!
Also, no good Mexican food where I am right now. It makes me sad.
Eagerly anticipating adding to my Giants family.
by giantsfansince1981 on Mar 5, 2010 11:24 AM PST up reply actions
I’ll take full responsibility for making up for that lost demand by eating more of them than ever before.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Mar 5, 2010 11:31 AM PST up reply actions
yeah that pretty much seals the deal
I’m gonna get Gordo tonight
Bidding adieu to Rich Aurilia, for I will soon have a new baby.
Mrs. Goofus/Goofus
Black/White
Raiders/Chargers
Tacos/Burritos
We have a lot to overcome to make our marriage a success
Proudly adopted Aubrey Huff. You can't beat that!
If the meat is good, no need to hide it in the starch-bomb of a burrito. Just corn tortilla, meat, onion, cilantro and hot sauce. Tacos, dammit, tacos.
Disfrute Los Gigantes every day at www.leftymalo.com
dear lefty
please do not write posts to Goofus about “hiding the burrito”. Thanks, bye.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Bengie Molina: "I don't understand why they didn't want to commit to another year, with my numbers and my experience and things like that." Brain Sabean: "He's certainly welcomed back with open arms".
carp (paraphrased): "117 elements, and still no Stanfurdium"
by natteringnabob on Mar 5, 2010 2:21 PM PST up reply actions
The meat is good!
WHY IS BENGIE?!
Dearest, Susan - The Patron Saint of Patience
by Lars The Wanderer on Mar 5, 2010 4:13 PM PST up reply actions
Commitment to Excrement
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Mar 5, 2010 1:12 PM PST up reply actions
I’d probably go tacos. Because I prefer corn tortillas. I’m making carne asada tacos tonight (in case you were wondering)
The Giants Way™"If anybody deserves credit for this year’s turnaround it’s these two people, Brian and Bruce," Neukom said. "The encouraging thing is we think we’re back to playing baseball the way it ought to be played."
I actually was wondering…which is creepy…
I’m a burrito man, to be honest. In case you were wondering…
Eagerly anticipating adding to my Giants family.
by giantsfansince1981 on Mar 5, 2010 12:11 PM PST up reply actions
Also good are Papas Rellenas
My career path, have you seen it?
by say hey nation on Mar 5, 2010 11:21 AM PST up reply actions
This is why I shouldn’t post on MCC at 11 in the morning. I JUST HAD A LATE BREAKFAST.
Constantly rosterbating.
by SabeanMetrics on Mar 5, 2010 11:22 AM PST up reply actions
Upgrade to Pro today!
Adopted Giant: Clayton Tanner
by walkoff baltimore chop on Mar 5, 2010 12:27 PM PST up reply actions
Its supply and demand
Why wouldnt’ they?
Jonathan Sanchez. He's left-handed, like Barry Zito. His fastball breaks 80, unlike Zito.
Yeah
If fans and agencies can get more for certain games, I don’t blame the Giants for wanting more for the “premium” games.
I just got my season tickets yesterday and briefly looked at the dynamicly priced “face values” (they charged me one price for the whole package) and seemed logcial; higher prices for opening day/night, Red Sox, Dodgers, A’s, Cubs, Mets, Cards Phils etc. It also looked like weekend games were more expensive than weeknights.
Proudly adopted Aubrey Huff. You can't beat that!
Yeah!
and demand goes up as wins go up. wins go down —> demand goes down —> prices go down. right?
god bless the free market
"The mind plays tricks on you. You play tricks back! It's like you're unraveling a big cable-knit sweater that someone keeps knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting..."
~~Pee Wee
wait, wins can’t go down….you know what i mean.
"The mind plays tricks on you. You play tricks back! It's like you're unraveling a big cable-knit sweater that someone keeps knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting..."
~~Pee Wee
neither will the ticket prices
That’s a one-way ratchet. No September refunds for crapulence!
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Bengie Molina: "I don't understand why they didn't want to commit to another year, with my numbers and my experience and things like that." Brain Sabean: "He's certainly welcomed back with open arms".
carp (paraphrased): "117 elements, and still no Stanfurdium"
by natteringnabob on Mar 5, 2010 2:22 PM PST up reply actions
Economically leading to player productivity...
Here is something to consider…
There should be a point on the Demand/Supply curve of each individual game which maximizes profit for that individual game. For some games that would mean driving fans in the door (cheap tickets) so that Merchandise and Food sales drive profit. For other games it would mean maximizing seat price. Regardless of which profit center is being maximized the result should be the same: Profit comes from people being in the stands. On the outside this looks like a purely business move but I’d like to offer that it is also a strategic move geared towards winning ball games.
I can’t site any evidence but I postulate that home teams tend to win more often when the crowd is overwhelmingly in their favor and the stadium is packed. This is often advertised in the NFL as the “12th Man” effect. Simply put, players play harder and perform better when the crowd supports them. If there is no crowd then the players don’t try as hard and don’t play as well. Thus, if dynamic pricing fills the seats with Giants fans then there is likely a positive on field result: Rowand connects with the Slider away, Benji hustles to 1st base faster than his “normal” speed, Zito’s fastball has an extra couple mph on it… you get the gist.
So… What is the win differential associated with selling out each game? ;o) If only I had time to do the analysis…
In the NFL, there is a lot more to homefield advantage than just the crowd being there. It’s a 12th man effect because the fans at NFL games actually do make it harder for the opponent to focus while not doing that for their team. It’s why cheering while the opponent is on offense is so well coordinated, while stadiums get dead quiet when their team is on offense.
I have no doubt that there are psychological – among other kinds of – advantages as well, but MLB homefield advantage does not work on anything resembling the same terms that the NFL does.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Mar 5, 2010 10:51 AM PST up reply actions
I think “home field advantage” is only partly due to the crowd. I think things like familiarty with the park, your surroundings, no jet lag or time zone differences, home cooking and sleeping in your own bed have just as much to do with it.
I travel for business a bit and HATE it. I never sleep well the first night in a hotel and it takes a day or so to get used to the time zone. I totally understand how a player’s performance on the road would be worse…mine is. I’m the Travis Ishikawa of my industry!
Proudly adopted Aubrey Huff. You can't beat that!
Oh I agree completely. I just think that the way the crowd works to established homefield advantage in the NFL functions in such a unique way that using it as a point of comparison to baseball is a little odd.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Mar 5, 2010 11:14 AM PST up reply actions
So what do you postulate will happen in a series like the Red Sox where the park will be filled, but with perhaps a majoity of Boston fans?
It’s an interesting concept, but I disagree with your point about the team trying to win more games by filling the stadium and think it’s strictly to maximize revenue.
Proudly adopted Aubrey Huff. You can't beat that!
I had this same thought until I realized that the Marlins are competitive every year with virtually zero fan support. Of course this has more to do with the fact that they draft and develop players as well as any team in the league.
Conclusion: good players win games with or without fans in the seats
by i love tacos on Mar 5, 2010 10:56 AM PST up reply actions
I’m not really up in arms here because the effort of maximizing profit, on its face, doesn’t strike me as being anti-everyman. The Giants are offering very cheap tickets to get you into the stands to see a game live. Unlike the NBA, NHL or NFL where you pay the same high price no matter what D-League or winless team your hometown guys face off against.
Exactly
I graduated from college 3 years ago and view my job now as a form of giving back to the community (relatively low pay/high reward), but even I am able to buy 2 season tickets for my dad and myself in the bleachers… Compare the 82 games with the 8 nfl games… for the same price… it became a no brainer for me… especially as a raiders fan!
Adios Senor Pelota!
I will give no more money to the Raiders until Al Davis is locked up in an old folks home. No tickets, food, parking etc AT the Cosileum and no merchandise purchases outside of it. Me and the Raiders go back a long, long, way 1974 but… no more, no more, no more!
I’m still holding out hope he gives some somewhat smart Head Coach more authority in player personnel decisions in the next couple seasons. You know, what Gruden wanted.
The Giants Way™"If anybody deserves credit for this year’s turnaround it’s these two people, Brian and Bruce," Neukom said. "The encouraging thing is we think we’re back to playing baseball the way it ought to be played."
"up in arms" is a good phrase...
The Giants are up in arms. Too bad they aren’t up in bats.
Seasons will pass you by. I get up, I get down.
A shame.
“Up in bats” sounds a lot more threatening
Status: Feels so broke up. Wants to go home. || Still boycotting Johnsonville and Giants souvenirs or ballpark foods for repossessing my K Wall in right field.
I guess I just don’t see a reason anyone’s too concerned with this topic one way or another? Making sure my money I spend on tickets is going to the Giants instead of some third party that steps in to correct a market inefficiency seems like a good thing (note: I work in economics). If you think tickets are too expensive, well, this gives you a chance to go to the game by making sacrifices other than monetary ones – you can go on a Wednesday night to see Zito pitch against the Nationals and pay almost nothing – and if it’s a high demand game, well, unless you bought your tickets way ahead of time, you’re going to have to pay a lot anyways through stubhub or whatever to go…..so yeah, what’s the problem…?
Personally, I’d pay extra to see Zito pitch. He’s clearly the ace of the staff.
Eagerly anticipating adding to my Giants family.
by giantsfansince1981 on Mar 5, 2010 11:44 AM PST up reply actions
I guess I just don’t see a reason anyone’s too concerned with this topic one way or another
Either Grant is concerned or he has to come up with something to write about every day. My guess is it’s the latter.
By the way, the dynamic pricing only corrects the market inefficiencies as it relates to opponent and date/time and not who the starting pitcher is. Even if they try to project out Tim’s starts, it’ll get screwed up the first time they skip the #5 slot in the rotation.
Which brings up another way they could maximize revenue; constantly adjust the rotation so that Tim and Matt start all the “unpopular” games! Or better yet, adjust the rotation so that Tim and Matt only pitch home games. That would be a hilarious way to piss off the teams.
Proudly adopted Aubrey Huff. You can't beat that!
thinking outside the box here...
do it so timmy and matt only pitch in the SAME game…$1000 for a bleacher seat…genius
Les Plack = more chicks
Yahoo FFL champ 2009
Dingerz.exe League Champs 2009- The Rile Rods...managed by yours truly.
Chose the Saints and the under to win my bet with my ex gf...i'm on a roll.
by Headhunter Rollins on Mar 5, 2010 12:03 PM PST up reply actions
Or…one of them starts every game!
Eagerly anticipating adding to my Giants family.
by giantsfansince1981 on Mar 5, 2010 12:14 PM PST up reply actions
Lincecum and Cain and pray for rain
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Bengie Molina: "I don't understand why they didn't want to commit to another year, with my numbers and my experience and things like that." Brain Sabean: "He's certainly welcomed back with open arms".
carp (paraphrased): "117 elements, and still no Stanfurdium"
by natteringnabob on Mar 5, 2010 2:22 PM PST up reply actions
i only go to a few games a year and i usually buy really good seats instead of the cheapest i can find. the whole pricing structure really isnt a concern of mine. after gas, parking, hotel, etc the ticket price is the least of my worries. i kinda wished we had a sliding scale for parking, but thats a whole different concept…
Les Plack = more chicks
Yahoo FFL champ 2009
Dingerz.exe League Champs 2009- The Rile Rods...managed by yours truly.
Chose the Saints and the under to win my bet with my ex gf...i'm on a roll.
by Headhunter Rollins on Mar 5, 2010 11:52 AM PST reply actions
I’m still more upset that bobbleheads are only given to the first 20,000 fans. Charge an extra buck per seat and give one to everybody.
The Giants Way™"If anybody deserves credit for this year’s turnaround it’s these two people, Brian and Bruce," Neukom said. "The encouraging thing is we think we’re back to playing baseball the way it ought to be played."
Interesting
This year, my season tickets came with an offer where I can pay a fee and get each of the giveaways for the year; bobbleheads, caps, etc. I think it was $199 and they’d ship it to me.
Seeing as how the fascination with collecting bobbleheads completely escapes me, I wasn’t planning on doing it. (Although I do think it would be cool to have a Sandoval bobblehead on my desk.)
Proudly adopted Aubrey Huff. You can't beat that!
I only have a few myself and have them because they were cheap or gifts. I’ve only really wanted one in particular. It was the 87 reunion Will Clark bobblehead that went to 70 bucks right away on Ebay. I’ve never attended one of the bobblehead games, so I don’t have a horror story to tell. It just seems like such an easy thing to remedy & I don’t get what the Giants organization has to gain from short-changing the fans.
If they’re selling the giveaways to the season ticket holders on top of the 20,000 then that sounds like it would help.
The Giants Way™"If anybody deserves credit for this year’s turnaround it’s these two people, Brian and Bruce," Neukom said. "The encouraging thing is we think we’re back to playing baseball the way it ought to be played."
I don't know
I think even if I opt to buy the package of giveaways, I’m still eligible to get each one at the game, so the pandamonium might be just as bad
Proudly adopted Aubrey Huff. You can't beat that!
I might need to update my bobbleheads a little bit...
Bobbleheads on my desk (Carl’s Jr. variety):
- Nen
- Bonds
- Snow
- Aurilia
- Baker
Bobblehead not on my desk, because when he became a Dodger I ripped his bobblehead off his body and inserted it onto the body of a bobble-dog. Then I gave it to someone as a joke and now I don’t know where it is:
- Jeff Kent
Seasons will pass you by. I get up, I get down.
needs more crab
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Bengie Molina: "I don't understand why they didn't want to commit to another year, with my numbers and my experience and things like that." Brain Sabean: "He's certainly welcomed back with open arms".
carp (paraphrased): "117 elements, and still no Stanfurdium"
by natteringnabob on Mar 5, 2010 2:23 PM PST up reply actions
Cammie Blackstone Bobblehead Night
Fri, June 25 v. Boston
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Bengie Molina: "I don't understand why they didn't want to commit to another year, with my numbers and my experience and things like that." Brain Sabean: "He's certainly welcomed back with open arms".
carp (paraphrased): "117 elements, and still no Stanfurdium"
by natteringnabob on Mar 9, 2010 6:19 PM PST up reply actions
I guess, technically, as an economist I should be opposed to this. It’s price discrimination by a monopolist, and a way for them to make sure that everyone pays the maximum amount that they can.
I don’t really care that much, though and I do want to see Andrew McCutchen play.
Mark DeRosa: the rare utility player who can provide some utility.
Interesting, because I see it completely differently – I don’t see them as a monopolist at all. It’s price discrimination, but in a good way (in terms of efficiency)!
by Missing Barry on Mar 5, 2010 12:19 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah
If I go to the liquor store, they charge more for a premium wine.
Proudly adopted Aubrey Huff. You can't beat that!
But there’s no wine that has exclusive rights to your area.
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Mar 5, 2010 12:52 PM PST up reply actions
Doesn’t Trader Joe’s have exclusive rights to to selling Charles Shaw?
Proudly adopted Aubrey Huff. You can't beat that!
Neither do the Giants, you can go see the A's if you don't like it.
Almost wrote that with a straight face.
VAE PVTO DEVS FIO
If Bev Mo ran a baseball team, you could buy one season ticket and get the second one for 5 cents.
"Those that drink the Kool-Aid, please leave the room."
Bev Mo owns the Fremont A's?
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Bengie Molina: "I don't understand why they didn't want to commit to another year, with my numbers and my experience and things like that." Brain Sabean: "He's certainly welcomed back with open arms".
carp (paraphrased): "117 elements, and still no Stanfurdium"
by natteringnabob on Mar 5, 2010 2:24 PM PST up reply actions
I think that as far as economic efficiency goes, price discrimination is more efficient than a non-discriminating monopolist.
Not a monopoly? How do you figure? I’m willing to bet money that other than six games a year, Giants and A’s tickets are not terribly substitutable.
Mark DeRosa: the rare utility player who can provide some utility.
The service desired is entertainment- there are a whole bunch of other activities that can be substituted.
I learned the “price discrimination by a monopolist” in AP Econ this year and didn’t agree with it at all. It’s the adjustment of a business to varying supply and demand in different circumstances; calling the tactic “monopolistic” and “discrimination” is an effective way to demonize the activity, which in reality improves efficiency.
The Kids: Lewis, Posey, Sandoval, Bowker, Schierholtz, Frandsen, Ishikawa, Amezaga
Current Team: Rowand, Sanchez, DeRosa, Sandoval, Huff, Molina, Renteria, Schierholtz
The Kids' CHONE WAR projection= 12.7
Current Team's CHONE WAR projection= 12.6
eh
In the discriminating monopolist model, there is zero consumer surplus. Not a trivial difference.And if all there were to it, was differing response to supply situations, then businesses without as much market power would be able to engage in it.
This is a data-free argument so I won’t press it, but I suspect Giants baseball tickets are not terribly substitutable for most fans. The Giants may not be perfect monopolists, but they are certainly closer to that model than to the competitive one.
PS. The Discriminating Monopolist would be an awesome magazine title.
Mark DeRosa: the rare utility player who can provide some utility.
PS. The Discriminating Monopolist would be an awesome magazine title.
I’ve read that magazine. It’s kind of boring though. The content and advertising are extremely limited.
It is never available at newstands because the print runs are carefully controlled. You can get a subscription, but $350 a year is pretty steep for a quarterly magazine.
Matt Downs MLB , Now with More STATZ goodness !Matt Downs Fangraphs The Juan Uribe of 2011 !
It does smell of rich mahogany ,though.
Mark DeRosa: the rare utility player who can provide some utility.
I love this place
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Bengie Molina: "I don't understand why they didn't want to commit to another year, with my numbers and my experience and things like that." Brain Sabean: "He's certainly welcomed back with open arms".
carp (paraphrased): "117 elements, and still no Stanfurdium"
by natteringnabob on Mar 7, 2010 8:28 PM PST up reply actions
but I suspect Giants baseball tickets are not terribly substitutable for most fans.
This is where we disagree. Neither of us have any data, but my guess is they really are extremely substitutable – when they get too expensive, many fans get priced out and decide it’s not worth it and spend their money on other things. Whether that means going out to dinner, going to the movies, an art museum, a play, or even just going to the local bar to watch the Giants game instead of heading out to the ballpark – baseball is entertainment, and the Giants don’t just compete with other forms of baseball. They compete with every other thing a person might be interested in doing on a given night/day instead of going to the Giants game, and as the cost of going to a game goes up, the Giants game becomes a less attractive option.
by Missing Barry on Mar 7, 2010 7:33 PM PST up reply actions
And this form of substitution is overlooked in so many cases where people cry foul over supposed “monopolies”. Just because there aren’t other companies putting out the exact same product doesn’t mean that other products that can be substituted.
The Kids: Lewis, Posey, Sandoval, Bowker, Schierholtz, Frandsen, Ishikawa, Amezaga
Current Team: Rowand, Sanchez, DeRosa, Sandoval, Huff, Molina, Renteria, Schierholtz
The Kids' CHONE WAR projection= 12.7
Current Team's CHONE WAR projection= 12.6
I take issue with the claim that there is zero consumer surplus in the relevant cases, so this difference doesn’t sway me at all.
The Kids: Lewis, Posey, Sandoval, Bowker, Schierholtz, Frandsen, Ishikawa, Amezaga
Current Team: Rowand, Sanchez, DeRosa, Sandoval, Huff, Molina, Renteria, Schierholtz
The Kids' CHONE WAR projection= 12.7
Current Team's CHONE WAR projection= 12.6
I don’t mind it at all – I would, of course, like to go to big games against the Dodgers or whatever, but I can be entertained by a game against any team, so cheap tickets against bad teams with interesting players works just fine for me!
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
"Out, out, Fred Lewis!" - JCTillam Gamerspeare
I guess I second the chorus of “whatever” on this thread — I buy/get most of my tickets through friends who have season tickets (or whose employer has season tickets) and I just go to whatever games are available. It’s a free country, the Giants are a business, and they can charge whatever they want.
Having said that, I’m somewhat annoyed by the increasing number of pricing tiers in any given section of the park. It used to be that the entire bleachers was the same price; now, the first 20 rows cost more than the last 20, Sec. 138 costs more than Sec. 143, Left Field View Reserve costs more than 3rd Base View Reserve which costs more than Home Plate View Reserve, and so on. Those of us who know the Giants will be lucky to draw 25,000 against the Marlins on a Monday night realize that you could get a ticket for the Left Field Reserve and then just move to behind home plate without any ushers bothering you that much. But for those who may only go to a couple games a year, it feels like the Giants are putting one over on them.
"Those that drink the Kool-Aid, please leave the room."
Only so many people can go to a given game. If it's a game that everyone WANTS to go to, then it's a luxury and be prepared to pay more than the next guy to do it.
I don’t see the problem at all. It’s entirely capitalistic and simple supply and demand.
It’s also going to allow me to go to a lot of cheap-ass games.
The best thing about being unemployed....
I can walk down and watch for free from the McCovey shore. For those who have not done so, I recommend it. It’s not too crowded on weekday games, you can pretty much stand there as long as you feel like it if it’s not packed.
It’s an interesting group down there…
Utter frustration and futility.
by Johnny Disaster on Mar 5, 2010 1:38 PM PST up reply actions
The best thing about being unemployed with a little bit of money....
I could get season tickets and not worry about the different prices. Plus I know everybody around me. I eat at home and just come for the game (plus I get 5 bucks off food or drink if I wanted it. So I get a free soda or water).
The Giants offseason moves - "meh"
Proud father of 2-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum, who could do whatever he wants to do.
yeah, I got some SUPER cheap seats in the nose bleed section for a Dodgers game, which were kind of expensive (ceasing them to be called “cheap seats” anymore, but even the upper deck is fun to watch if you’re around home plate.
The worst seats ever, were the very last seats beyond the right field foul pole, but still considered “club level”. They were like $75 or more, maybe $90, iono. I can’t remember. My point, is that I couldn’t see anything. My head is permanently screwed up from looking to the left the whole game. I saw a Dodger fan get bitched out by an old man around the age of 90, which really became my only entertainment of the evening…. So paying $45, or there abouts for the Dodger game is going to be worth it, because my friends and I will be super drunk, chanting obscenities to Russell Martin. The price of the Dodger game makes the price of the Cubs game (which is another game I got tickets to) and other teams look like a steal.
So I’m cool with the pricing. Supply and Demand makes the most sense.
I don’t care about the new pricing, as I live/work close enough to the park that I can go on a random Wednesday against the Senators.
I am curious, however, to see how the pricing changes in season. If I understand the policy correctly, if the Giants play well and are in the hunt for the playoffs the prices of all the tickets will rise over the course of the season. The opposite should be true if the team is in the crapper by July.
So a series like the one at the end of last season against the Rox would (theoretically) cost a kidney to go to if one were purchasing tickets at the last minute.
Any guesses on how aggressive the Giants might be changing the prices over the course of the season?
Please tell me we have moved past the dark ages of post hoc ergo propter hoc.
Makes sense for the Giants.
We studied this in my sports marketing class last semester; it makes some extra money for the larger market teams, and teams that fill up their stadiums. It doesn’t, for instance, work for the A’s. You have to be able to sell quite a few extra tickets through dynamic pricing for it to make sense to pay for the system.
Ultimately, I think it’s good for both fans and the team. Team makes more money, and families like mine are able to make it out to a few more games with cheaper tickets rather than blowing our whole budget for one game.
I've been Honked...
No problem for this fan
When I go to a Giants game, I go to see the Giants. I live 300 miles away and when I get to go is a lot more important than who the opposition is. I have no problem with the scheme—it can be a lot more fun and relaxing watching the Pirates or the Orioles mid-week than sitting next to some dumbass drunken Dodger dipshit on a jam-packed Friday night where taking a piss is an inning-and-a-half marathon. All the games matter, in the end, and I value my time and my experience a hell of a lot more than the uniform of the opposition. The fact that weekend Cubs games cost a whole lot more means that weeknight Padres games cost a whole lot less. For me, that’s great.
Todos somos Gigantes
^I agree with that. I’m going to see the GIANTS win the game. It doesn’t really matter who they’re playing, I’m boo’ing them anyway.
Yeah – it’s a pain in the butt, but isn’t paying through the nose for anything? It’s not like it was ever cheap to go to a game, and now it’s a little less cheap to go to those really great games against top level teams or on the weekends. Being in the hotel business though, I can’t speak against it – it’s what I do on a daily basis. Simple supply and demand.
Lucky for me, I go on Mondays and Tuesdays for the most part. Weekend games are pretty rare for me anyway. I also will NOT sit in the upper deck, so I’m used to paying at least $20 for a game ticket.
Due to the commute [from Sac] and the Mr.’s work schedule we can usually only make Sunday day games. Boo for us. Me, on the other hand, I like to come in on the train for a Wed or Thursday day game sometime in July or August, but I always feel guilty asking Mr. Merope to drop me off / pick me up at the train station.
Why won’t you sit in the upper deck? Have you ever done it before?
by Missing Barry on Mar 7, 2010 7:39 PM PST up reply actions
The upper deck at AT&T is pretty nice. If the giants are down 6-0 in the 2nd inning, you could watch all the boats and ships in the bay.
The Giants offseason moves - "meh"
Proud father of 2-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum, who could do whatever he wants to do.
The first time I sat up there I was extremely surprised. You still get a great view, plus it’s more scenic. I’ve never sat way out by the left field foul pole in the upper deck, but I’ve sat in various spots from roughly third base to firs base up there (and a bit into the outfield, but not too far), and you really get a great view everywhere. There’s not a bad seat in the place, every seat feels close. I think that’s one of the greatest things about new stadiums is how close they make you feel no matter where you’re sitting.
by Missing Barry on Mar 9, 2010 7:27 AM PST up reply actions
Sorta OT
The “intentional” Fielder HBP made sportsnation… as in ESPN…2
Kevin Frandsen: The best SS on the Giants roster
Hoping for BowkerMania to hit AT&T Park in 2010
by Gobroks on Mar 5, 2010 10:12 PM PST via mobile reply actions
The radio came on this morning and the first thing I hear is Mike and Mike blithering on and on about it. I was shocked, mostly because the alarm is usually set to buzzer, not radio.
Yeah SN showed Golic's rant
I guess it was kinda funny-also that was the most air time the Giants will get on ESPN until they play the Red Sox
Kevin Frandsen: The best SS on the Giants roster
Hoping for BowkerMania to hit AT&T Park in 2010
What about when Lincecum and Cain both throw no-hitters but lose 1-0 on Huff and Velez errors?
The Giants offseason moves - "meh"
Proud father of 2-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum, who could do whatever he wants to do.
Here will be the SportsCenter blurb:
Mike Crane gave up a run as the Giants anemic offense failed them once again. MEANWHILE DEREK JETER IS CONSIDERING EATING AN APPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kevin Frandsen: The best SS on the Giants roster
Hoping for BowkerMania to hit AT&T Park in 2010
FAVRE!FAVRE!FAVRE!FAVRE!FAVRE!FAVRE!FAVRE!FAVRE!FAVRE!FAVRE!
FAVRE
"Being a McCoven is like being a member of the Green party. It’s powerlessness is part of the appeal." - oldjacket
"Quiet you, I'm starting a meme." - Me
it made the national CBS Radio sports headline too
the KCBS flavor where they devote 30 seconds to sport…
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Bengie Molina: "I don't understand why they didn't want to commit to another year, with my numbers and my experience and things like that." Brain Sabean: "He's certainly welcomed back with open arms".
carp (paraphrased): "117 elements, and still no Stanfurdium"
by natteringnabob on Mar 6, 2010 6:35 AM PST up reply actions
I also am in the school of thought saying “I’m here to see the Giants, I don’t really care who they play.” Plus, you know, I’m a wuss with psychotic violent episodes, so I shy away from Dodger games anyway. Either I end up having an anxiety attack or I end up killing someone, and really, that’s just not much fun.
I can always trust a Reds or Pirates or Nationals game to plunk myself down somewhere in the bleachers or the arcade and smell the harsh aroma of marijuana wafting across the stands … and from wherever Tim Lincecum is sitting … and from the back of Barry ZIto’s Range Rover with the ghetto-ass rims …
Ryan Rohlinger lives in my basement. I let him out to play baseball.
We’ve always had fun going to Dodger games, but the older I get the less I like dealing with idiot people in general, drunken dodger idiot people in particular.
me too
we pretty much rule out nighttime Dodger games for taking kids along, and Fridays are a little dicey too.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Bengie Molina: "I don't understand why they didn't want to commit to another year, with my numbers and my experience and things like that." Brain Sabean: "He's certainly welcomed back with open arms".
carp (paraphrased): "117 elements, and still no Stanfurdium"
by natteringnabob on Mar 6, 2010 8:21 PM PST up reply actions
Any Friday and Saturday nights can be dicey. Last season, the Giants instituted a plan where when batting practice ends ONLY people who had bleacher seats can go into the bleachers during Friday and Saturday night games (Saturday day games do not count).
The Giants offseason moves - "meh"
Proud father of 2-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum, who could do whatever he wants to do.
that's what I meant
not just Dodger games, every Friday game has been a little rough. I’m always amazed people fork out that much money to go to a ballgame and then get in fights and get kicked out.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Bengie Molina: "I don't understand why they didn't want to commit to another year, with my numbers and my experience and things like that." Brain Sabean: "He's certainly welcomed back with open arms".
carp (paraphrased): "117 elements, and still no Stanfurdium"
by natteringnabob on Mar 7, 2010 6:09 AM PST up reply actions
As a Giants fan born, raised and living in England, having to travel 6,000 miles to watch games or plan vacations around Giants road games (both of which I do as often as I can afford), I also am just there to see the Giants play – not really bothered who plays, it’s just the very fact that I’m actually there that’s so amazing. I was in New York in 2008 watching the series just before the All-Star game against the Mets and managed to get lucky in seeing both Lincecum and Cain (and Zito). Didn’t matter that we got swept in the series, didn’t even score a run in the first two games and got soaking wet during a rain delay – I was there and it was awesome.
Shift+A
I have to think something is wrong when the most expensive ticket in my (for the 1st time, spiral-bound) book is a hundred-and-nine-dollars—and that’s not even the bad part: it’s to see the fookin A’s.
You can't solve your problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems - Albert Einstein to Brian Sabean
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
Related FanPosts on McCovey Chronicles
Related FanShots on McCovey Chronicles
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- We're Going Streaking! Delmon Young is finally blossoming
- Edwin Jackson is headed to Chicago, but will he stay there?
- Is Bryce Harper using Facebook for contract leverage?
- Say what? Michael Saunders chases homer, creates bleacher chaos
- Twins fans are the opposite of psyched for this Matt Capps trade
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
