Orioles Promotion

[tomdalton22]

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/22734034/baltimore-orioles-start-initiative-let-kids-games-free

Letting kids in free. This is a great idea IMO.

 

[SpartyNash]

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/22734034/baltimore-orioles-start-initiative-let-kids-games-free

Letting kids in free. This is a great idea IMO.

About time someone got with the times, these teams are in for a rude awakening in coming years. Between tickets, bullshit service fees, parking, snacks, etc. I think fans are just about at a breaking point when it comes to shelling out big money to watch a game. Especially with bad products on the field. I looked forward to going to a Wings game at LCA but I?ll be damned if I?m dropping $100 and up on one ticket alone to watch a garbage product.

 

[Rebbiv]

About time someone got with the times, these teams are in for a rude awakening in coming years. Between tickets, bullshit service fees, parking, snacks, etc. I think fans are just about at a breaking point when it comes to shelling out big money to watch a game. Especially with bad products on the field. I looked forward to going to a Wings game at LCA but I’ll be damned if I’m dropping $100 and up on one ticket alone to watch a garbage product.

It isn't just the admission, it is the concession prices that is at issue.

Local Syracuse AAA game is $14 for the high end seats (non-luxury boxes). But when a soda is $5.75 for any size whatsoever, then prices start to escalate.

Same with MLB pricing. Even if you get reasonable price on seats, a drink, hot dog and fries/popcorn can easily add another $15-20 or so. It is not unusual for a family of 4 to spend $200 and up for a visit.

In 1970, the same cost for that family of 4 was less the $80. In some cases, it was under $50. And all of this does not take parking into account.

In 1970, most teams barely topped 1 Million in attendance. 2 Million was virtually unheard of. Today, top teams routinely draw 2-3 million fans.

DET did not draw 2 Million until 1968 and then in 1984 (a trend?). They did it 4 of 5 years from 1984-1988. They next did it the last year of Tiger Stadium (1999) and the first year of Comerica (2000). They have drawn 2 million every year since 2005. They have even drawn 3 million 4 times since 2007.

While a nice gesture by the Orioles, they even said it is month to month. It is harder to get good attendance in April, then it is in July and August. Let's wait until then to pass judgement. Let's just say I skeptical they have the same offer in August.

I diverged for a moment. They want to have an impact, price their beverages and food for the "kids". Even if the seats are free, the team is counting on the revenue from concessions. How many parents/grandparents get out of the game without buying food, beverage and a souvenir? $30 for a kid's T-Shirt is a crock.

 

[Mitchrapp]

When I was younger and not having much money id but a bleacher seat for 4 bucks and no food. I'd eat a sandwich before I went.

Free kids is a great idea but you don't need to pay for food.

 

[tomdalton22]

It isn't just the admission, it is the concession prices that is at issue.

Local Syracuse AAA game is $14 for the high end seats (non-luxury boxes). But when a soda is $5.75 for any size whatsoever, then prices start to escalate.

Same with MLB pricing. Even if you get reasonable price on seats, a drink, hot dog and fries/popcorn can easily add another $15-20 or so. It is not unusual for a family of 4 to spend $200 and up for a visit.

In 1970, the same cost for that family of 4 was less the $80. In some cases, it was under $50. And all of this does not take parking into account.

In 1970, most teams barely topped 1 Million in attendance. 2 Million was virtually unheard of. Today, top teams routinely draw 2-3 million fans.

DET did not draw 2 Million until 1968 and then in 1984 (a trend?). They did it 4 of 5 years from 1984-1988. They next did it the last year of Tiger Stadium (1999) and the first year of Comerica (2000). They have drawn 2 million every year since 2005. They have even drawn 3 million 4 times since 2007.

While a nice gesture by the Orioles, they even said it is month to month. It is harder to get good attendance in April, then it is in July and August. Let's wait until then to pass judgement. Let's just say I skeptical they have the same offer in August.

I diverged for a moment. They want to have an impact, price their beverages and food for the "kids". Even if the seats are free, the team is counting on the revenue from concessions. How many parents/grandparents get out of the game without buying food, beverage and a souvenir? $30 for a kid's T-Shirt is a crock.

who knows if they will keep it up. But, if a parent can save $25-$75 on tickets, then the $20-$40 concessions don't hurt as bad.

 

[Rebbiv]

When I was younger and not having much money id but a bleacher seat for 4 bucks and no food. I'd eat a sandwich before I went.

Free kids is a great idea but you don't need to pay for food.

What parent is not going to give their kids a drink or food for 4 hours? The Orioles are banking on the parents making up the free admission by spending the same money in other areas. The few, and I mean few, that are mizers, will not make the difference.

 

[tomdalton22]

What parent is not going to give their kids a drink or food for 4 hours? The Orioles are banking on the parents making up the free admission by spending the same money in other areas. The few, and I mean few, that are mizers, will not make the difference.

I really do think the main reason for this promotion is to expose more kids to the game.

 

[Rebbiv]

I really do think the main reason for this promotion is to expose more kids to the game.

I don't. And if it was, there are some serious flaws in the premise that I could get my kid to go to a game if it is free, but not if it costs money.

 

[tomdalton22]

I don't. And if it was, there are some serious flaws in the premise that I could get my kid to go to a game if it is free, but not if it costs money.

It's not about getting your kid to go because it's free. It's about making it more affordable for a parent to take their kids.

 

[Rebbiv]

It's not about getting your kid to go because it's free. It's about making it more affordable for a parent to take their kids.

I guess you didn't read what I posted. If that was the case, then discount food and beverages for kids as well or instead. That would guarantee financially strapped parents into taking kids. And it isn't the $75 seats that are being discounted anyways. It is the cheap seats, which rarely are filled. So the Orioles are just adding attendance for the concession sales. It is hard for me to fathom the beneficence of the Orioles, except for money.

 

[tomdalton22]

I guess you didn't read what I posted. If that was the case, then discount food and beverages for kids as well or instead. That would guarantee financially strapped parents into taking kids. And it isn't the $75 seats that are being discounted anyways. It is the cheap seats, which rarely are filled. So the Orioles are just adding attendance for the concession sales. It is hard for me to fathom the beneficence of the Orioles, except for money.

cheap seats are between $25-$40+. A family of 5 would pay $125-$200. If the kids are free they would save $75-$120 on tickets. Even if you buy concessions, a day at the park with free admission still saves you $75-$120.

 

[Mitchrapp]

What parent is not going to give their kids a drink or food for 4 hours? The Orioles are banking on the parents making up the free admission by spending the same money in other areas. The few, and I mean few, that are mizers, will not make the difference.

You sound like kids need food all day long. Bring a treat. When I was little I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner. Treats from time to time. It's only 4 hours. Especially a night game - dinner before you go. What parent is going to be giving their kids hotdogs an hour after eating dinner.

 

[tomdalton22]

You sound like kids need food all day long. Bring a treat. When I was little I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner. Treats from time to time. It's only 4 hours. Especially a night game - dinner before you go. What parent is going to be giving their kids hotdogs an hour after eating dinner.

we almost always go out to eat before we go to a game. Even eating at a restaurant is cheaper than concessions. Of course, we still get something for the kids at the game but it's usually around $10 each kid.

 

[Mitchrapp]

we almost always go out to eat before we go to a game. Even eating at a restaurant is cheaper than concessions. Of course, we still get something for the kids at the game but it's usually around $10 each kid.

Yeah I've had stuff at games when my dad took me but it was small and at the time was much cheaper, the 70's.. But if you want or need to save money it's possible especially having dinner before hand. Those cost that they come up with seems too think kids need programs and pennants..

 

[Rebbiv]

cheap seats are between $25-$40+. A family of 5 would pay $125-$200. If the kids are free they would save $75-$120 on tickets. Even if you buy concessions, a day at the park with free admission still saves you $75-$120.

First, it is for 9 year olds and under. All 3 of my grandsons qualify. None of them pay attention when they do go to games, with me or their dads. The 8 year old is the most interested and even he drifts during the game. It is hard for young kids to sit and watch a MLB for 3+ hours.

The cheap ones per the article (upper deck) at Camden is $15-$24. 3 x $15-$24 = $45-$72, during the week. $15-$27 on weekends

Tom's premise is a family of 5 is going. Why 5? Probably because it helps make your point. Each parent gets 2. Most modern families are 4 or less. So 2 kids = $30-$48 dollars. If I had 3 kids 9 or under, I wouldn't be going to a MLB game a lot with them, even if the seats are free.

I doubt a family of 4 o4 5 goes to more games if they save $45 dollars. Because if they are going, they are going anyways. And one game is not making a difference for a kid to all of sudden love baseball. It needs to be repetitive for it to catch on. Most drive more than 1-hour to get to the game.

Additionally, I will contend any money saved on seats would have just been spent on souvenirs or concessions.

It is rare that for a family with 9 and under to go to a night game. Most afternoon starts at 1:05 PM or 2:15 PM. If you show up at least 1 hour before game time, and have any drive whatsoever, you are going to be tied up for easily 5-7 hours. 9 year old and under cannot go without food and drink. And a snack isn't going to cut it. I can assure you Mitch you are rare exception. Most eat and drink when they are at the games. It is just a fact.

 

[Mitchrapp]

First, it is for 9 year olds and under. All 3 of my grandsons qualify. None of them pay attention when they do go to games, with me or their dads. The 8 year old is the most interested and even he drifts during the game. It is hard for young kids to sit and watch a MLB for 3+ hours.

The cheap ones per the article (upper deck) at Camden is $15-$24. 3 x $15-$24 = $45-$72, during the week. $15-$27 on weekends

Tom's premise is a family of 5 is going. Why 5? Probably because it helps make your point. Each parent gets 2. Most modern families are 4 or less. So 2 kids = $30-$48 dollars. If I had 3 kids 9 or under, I wouldn't be going to a MLB game a lot with them, even if the seats are free.

I doubt a family of 4 o4 5 goes to more games if they save $45 dollars. Because if they are going, they are going anyways. And one game is not making a difference for a kid to all of sudden love baseball. It needs to be repetitive for it to catch on. Most drive more than 1-hour to get to the game.

Additionally, I will contend any money saved on seats would have just been spent on souvenirs or concessions.

It is rare that for a family with 9 and under to go to a night game. Most afternoon starts at 1:05 PM or 2:15 PM. If you show up at least 1 hour before game time, and have any drive whatsoever, you are going to be tied up for easily 5-7 hours. 9 year old and under cannot go without food and drink. And a snack isn't going to cut it. I can assure you Mitch you are rare exception. Most eat and drink when they are at the games. It is just a fact.

The object is to enjoy America's past time even with a young boy who driftd. And yes its harder today because of the prices of today. But go the cheaper route - don't they have 12 dollar seats?

 

[Mitchrapp]

Eat a late breakfast.. 11am. 7hrs? I don't think I'm rare.. When you need save money you figure it out. Hell bring some fig newton's to the game. Like when I went to the movies as a teenager stuff your pockets with candy..

 

[Rebbiv]

Eat a late breakfast.. 11am. 7hrs? I don't think I'm rare.. When you need save money you figure it out. Hell bring some fig newton's to the game. Like when I went to the movies as a teenager stuff your pockets with candy..

Maybe figuring you shouldn't go to a game in the first place, if the goal is to save money because you cannot afford it otherwise.

Fig newton's to hold a kid for 7 hours should work. :nuts:

 

[Mitchrapp]

Maybe figuring you shouldn't go to a game in the first place, if the goal is to save money because you cannot afford it otherwise.

Fig newton's to hold a kid for 7 hours should work. :nuts:

Maybe kids are bigger eaters these days... Where do you get 7 hours ? And yes kids can manage. If not buy them a $5 item. Enough to hold them over.

 

[Rebbiv]

The object is to enjoy America's past time even with a young boy who driftd. And yes its harder today because of the prices of today. But go the cheaper route - don't they have 12 dollar seats?

Mitch, I regularly take my grandsons to games and it is about the memories. Theirs and mine. But sometimes little boys who are taken to MLB games do not turn into baseball fans (youngest son).

My oldest son (writes for FanGraphs), I and 2 friends are going on April 21st to Yankee Stadium. 3 hours to the train station. 2 hour train ride to Yankee Stadium. Game will last 3+ hours. Repeat the trip back. For sure there will be a hotel night, or two. And there will certainly be food and concessions bought at the game. And it is all about enjoyment of the game and a once in a lifetime/bluemoon trip.