The Boston Red Sox have frozen their ticket prices for the 2013 season. Prices for tickets in all categories will remain the same as the 2012 season. The main problem for the Red Sox is going to be selling tickets after this past season’s performance.
Sep 22, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Fans surround Fenway Park prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE
After the team’s worst performance in fifty years, Sox fans expected no increase in ticket price. In fact, some think prices should be decreased, arguing that the Red Sox should be showing fans why the should come back by lowering ticket prices.
Although Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino did not say the Sox would be lowering ticket prices, he did express the team’s gratitude towards the fans that continued to follow the team through last season’s hardships.
"“It was abundantly clear this year that we should hold the line on ticket prices,” said Lucchino. “Through it all, fans have shown their deep loyalty and support, for which we are all grateful.”"
Ticket prices vary from $12 for seats in the upper bleacher sections, to $165 for a ticket atop the Green Monster.
Of course, fans will continue to buy individual-game tickets, but the number of ticket package holders may decrease and the Sox will have the extra pressure of selling the open seats on a game-by-game basis. When tickets aren’t selling, concessions are not making as much money, and merchandise isn’t being bought. There is no way the Red Sox will be drawing the same amount of profit next season, as they were drawing five years ago.
Next season could go either way for the Red Sox. They have to make a splash with their manager selection in order to boost ticket sales. It would also be in the team’s best interest to clean up shop a little bit by starting fresh with a new coaching staff and adding some new faces to the locker room. The fate of next season lies in the hands of the Red Sox executives. The 2013 season will come either way, but it is up to the Red Sox to shape the success of the team.