Cubs Ticket Prices Likely To Remain The Same In 2009

by Al Yellon on Nov 21, 2008 7:35 AM CST in Chicago Cubs News

"We'll certainly want to keep a good number of our seats flat in ticket prices," Kenney said. "We'll look throughout the inventory to see whether there is the ability to increase the price in certain areas, but this is a tough economy for our consumers, as well as our sponsors and our fans. We recognize that. We don't want them to view our ticket prices as a burden."

Good. Ticket prices were already second-highest in baseball, on average, behind the Red Sox -- and the Red Sox, whose model Kenney says he wants to emulate, froze ticket prices for 2009. Times are tough; the article goes on to say that the current economic climate may reduce the price that Sam Zell will get when the team is eventually sold:

Dave Novosel, a debt analyst at Gimme Credit, said in a research note Wednesday that he has revised downward the franchise's expected sales price. "Our initial estimate that Tribune would generate proceeds of roughly $1 billion from the sale of the Chicago Cubs was eclipsed by the credit crisis," he wrote.

Notwithstanding the unintentional humor in the name of the firm quoted ("Gimme Credit"??), that's likely correct. However:

Decisions about ticket prices today affect revenue projections on which bidders are estimating the value of the franchise. If the Cubs freeze ticket prices, that would drive down the price of club, said a person close to one bidder who wanted to remain anonymous because the sales process is ongoing.

As always, we await further developments.

Tweet Comment 52 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Maybe the price for the Cubs would be so low that we could all pool our money

and buy the team. That would be interesting.

Who would be CEO (Al?), Media Manager (SWL?), Ambassador-at-Large (Doggie Stalker?)

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.

by zevkalman on Nov 21, 2008 8:02 AM CST reply actions

I'm liking this idea.

Go on!

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 21, 2008 10:02 AM CST up reply actions

Mr. CEO,

I’d like to apply for the position of General Manager.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

DMH

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 21, 2008 3:28 PM CST up reply actions

DMH...

… your analysis on this site is usually spot-on and your ideas are realistic while still being creative.

Nope, you’re too smart to be a major league GM.

:-)

(Kidding. If I ever did get that position, you’d definitely get consideration.)

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 21, 2008 5:20 PM CST up reply actions

Mr. CEO,

I’d appreciate it. You would get extra brownie points for hiring the first woman GM. :-)

Thanks for your future consideration,

DMH

P.S. I do understand locker room English even though I’m “only” a woman. I just try not to speak it in front of the gentlemen here at BCB.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 21, 2008 11:40 PM CST up reply actions

I'm getting my bid together.

So far I’ve got $11. Anyone have more?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 22, 2008 4:26 AM CST up reply actions

I'll throw in $5.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 22, 2008 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

Cool!

We’ve got $16 in only two days!

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 22, 2008 2:12 PM CST up reply actions

Crowd Control

Worf could be in charge of crowd control. When they get to rowdy, I can hear him going….

“SHUT UP”

by TheHawkRules on Nov 21, 2008 10:21 AM CST up reply actions

And

“When your done doing that SHUT UP again”…

I know he’ll clown on me for bringing it up.

by StevenABQ on Nov 21, 2008 11:47 AM CST up reply actions

There would also need to be someone to discuss pounding sand lol

by Madison Cub Fan on Nov 21, 2008 11:54 AM CST up reply actions

obviously

Blue Mike would be the head groundskeeper.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Nov 21, 2008 3:30 PM CST up reply actions

lol...

What happens when he is banned? Who is his backup?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 21, 2008 3:56 PM CST up reply actions

Do you think that Worf could handle Ronnie Woo Woo?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 21, 2008 11:41 PM CST up reply actions

Ambassador At Large ?

Well perhaps I could work on a special project of convincing former Cubs and future Hall of Famers to return for a visit?

I am kind of nervous about accepting the position though as the vetting process scares me ( well actually VETS scare me)
Check out a similar situation ( I trust links to political SATIRE will not violate any BCB rules)

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/20/13308/446?detail=f

PS unlike the founder of this blog, Mad Dog is a DOG person FYI.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Nov 21, 2008 1:26 PM CST up reply actions

That link is hilarious.

However, I will caution everyone right now to not let this devolve into political discussion. Thanks.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 21, 2008 1:29 PM CST up reply actions

It is pretty non- partisan

and works best for political junkies AND DOG LOVERS

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Nov 21, 2008 2:29 PM CST up reply actions

Did'nt he say that

last year before raising the prices as well?

by AndHart120 on Nov 21, 2008 8:20 AM CST reply actions

No.

Last year, they just raised prices, which wasn’t surprising after the division title in 2007.

The year before, they kept season ticket prices the same but raised single game prices.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 21, 2008 10:03 AM CST up reply actions

Ok

that must be what I was thinking of then

by AndHart120 on Nov 21, 2008 10:17 AM CST up reply actions

Volcker addressed MLB owners and execs yesterday

Here’s a relavent article on former Fed chairman Paul Volcker’s address to MLB owners and execs yesterday:

Volcker Gives Baseball an Update on the Economy

by John Q Freejazz on Nov 21, 2008 8:35 AM CST reply actions

I thought that was an Onion article...

Why would Paul Volcker address MLB?

Maybe he has some good insight into the protectionist trade policies of Bud Selig when it comes to TV blackouts in certain markets (cough…Iowa…cough). I was very surprised to read Selig’s statement on this issue recently:

“It is our general feeling that Iowans should not be able to view Cubs games on TBS or ESPN. To put it bluntly, this is payback for the time when I was student at the University of Wisconsin when I took a trip to Iowa City to see a Badgers vs. Hawkeyes football game. The Badgers lost the game, but I’ll never forget the shame and embarrassment I felt after getting a wedgie from a drunk Iowa fan at halftime.”

And Selig added, “Hey Iowa! I own you bitches!”

Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.

by IowaCubs- on Nov 21, 2008 10:00 AM CST up reply actions

I know you're joking

but this has me very angry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Nov 21, 2008 11:00 AM CST up reply actions

OT: Bud actually grew up a Cubs fan, FWIW

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 21, 2008 12:11 PM CST up reply actions

That Makes Sense....

because the Braves didn’t move to Milwaukee until 1953. Bud was already 18 years old by the time that happened. I know Bud has talked about his love for the Milwaukee Braves and Hank Aaron. I can believe he was a Cubs fan in his pre-adult years.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Nov 21, 2008 12:28 PM CST up reply actions

In Andrew Zimbalist's book about the commissioner's office...

… “In The Best Interests Of Baseball?”, there is a long section about Selig’s childhood in which he talks about his dad and his uncle frequently taking him to Wrigley Field as a child and teenager — this would have been in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, right before the Braves moved to Milwaukee.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 21, 2008 12:45 PM CST up reply actions

Snuck in update #12,786 on the sale

Glad ticket prices froze, still are hard to come by which is demand and demand drives up prices. Look to make it back next year with a bigger hike it prices.

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Nov 21, 2008 8:53 AM CST reply actions

must have patience in the offseason

though its extremely difficult. I’m in class right now just wishing for a Cubs game….

To see your idol player whom you have grown up watching be cast aside by his loyal organization can make even a grown man choke up...We'll miss you #34!

by Chanman25 on Nov 21, 2008 10:06 AM CST reply actions

Im also wishing for a Cubs game.....

but part of it is due to it being about 15 degrees here right now.

Start of baseball will mean we are done with this which we have barely started

by Madison Cub Fan on Nov 21, 2008 11:57 AM CST up reply actions

Single Game Ticket Prices Going Up?

I can believe that the season ticket prices will be frozen. As for the 2007 season, I’ve got to believe there will be a slight increase in the single game ticket prices at Wrigley.

Maybe, for Chicagoland baseball fans, the Schaumburg Flyers and Kane County Cougars will keep their prices affordable.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Nov 21, 2008 10:16 AM CST reply actions

Nacho Day

It’s cool that they are going to try and keep prices the same. Can’t fault anybody for that. Still, I wish they would have like a Nacho day….where nacho’s are like cheap or something.

Or maybe they do already? I dunno. Anybody know?

Nacho Day Rocks.

by TheHawkRules on Nov 21, 2008 10:23 AM CST reply actions

Escaped unscathed from the new city budget

There was a little item that would’ve raised the sports venue tax but got trashed before it made the floor.

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Nov 21, 2008 10:30 AM CST reply actions

That's good news...

… and probably will help the prices stay down.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 21, 2008 12:45 PM CST up reply actions

Ticket prices frozen......BUT

There are 80 prime dates next year so the check we have to write will increase.

by gocubsgo22 on Nov 21, 2008 10:42 AM CST reply actions

Are the other dates subprime?

Not sure anybody will buy subprime dates after what has just happened with the subprime mortgages.

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson

by tucsoncubsfan on Nov 21, 2008 11:07 AM CST up reply actions

LOL

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 21, 2008 12:45 PM CST up reply actions

"We'll certainly want to keep a good number of our seats flat in ticket prices," Kenney said. "We'll look throughout the inventory to see whether there is the ability to increase the price in certain areas

…which means those of us in the bleachers will see another price increase.

"When I got to Chicago, fans came to Wrigley Field just to have fun, now they come to see us win. The expectations have changed, for the players and for the fans. It’s about winning." Kerry Wood, 7/14/08

by JB 23 on Nov 21, 2008 11:12 AM CST reply actions

I still find it hard to believe that season ticket prices will not

increase for the 2nd season in a row. (the city did recently pass an increase in the amusement tax so that part of the ticket cost will definetly go up)

Dallas Green!

by SonnyJ9 on Nov 21, 2008 11:15 AM CST reply actions

OT: Welp I officialy hate Nathaniel Hawthorne

just took a Scarlet Letter test, hah not good!

To see your idol player whom you have grown up watching be cast aside by his loyal organization can make even a grown man choke up...We'll miss you #34!

by Chanman25 on Nov 21, 2008 11:20 AM CST reply actions

Hester and Arthur didn't like the letter, either

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 21, 2008 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

Really?

The man inspired the most badass internet tough-guy name I could come up with.

by dr stabbingworth on Nov 21, 2008 12:44 PM CST up reply actions

Ooops, reply mean for Chanman

by dr stabbingworth on Nov 21, 2008 12:44 PM CST up reply actions

haha and who would that be??

To see your idol player whom you have grown up watching be cast aside by his loyal organization can make even a grown man choke up...We'll miss you #34!

by Chanman25 on Nov 21, 2008 12:47 PM CST up reply actions

Roger Chillingsworth/Daniel Stabbingworth

I figured I should get something from the horror that was reading and dissecting that awful piece of crap.

by dr stabbingworth on Nov 21, 2008 12:55 PM CST up reply actions

yeah...they aren't the only ones haha

To see your idol player whom you have grown up watching be cast aside by his loyal organization can make even a grown man choke up...We'll miss you #34!

by Chanman25 on Nov 21, 2008 12:47 PM CST up reply actions

Ticket prices will remain the same, but...

taxes will always go up year over year. We are in Illinois – at least for now until the taxes are too high to afford – like next year.

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 21, 2008 11:23 AM CST reply actions

I wonder if they will sell less tickets

I doubt it, but I’ve heard a lot of people saying they will not buy tickets this year because of the epic postseason fail this year. I know I’ll probably buy about half as many (3-4 games instread of 6-7).

This trend may not make a huge difference, and people may not actually follow through on their semi-boycott, but I could see it making a small dent, especially in the beginning of the season when it’s cold and the park doesn’t sell out anyway.

by dr stabbingworth on Nov 21, 2008 12:47 PM CST reply actions

I suspect by February...

… when tickets go on sale, their tune will change. A lot of that depends on what moves the team makes.

Last year the early April games came close to selling out because they sold those 9-packs, where you had to buy some April/May games in order to get the more desirable summer games.

They’ll probably do that again, although there are somewhat fewer April and May games in 2009 than in 2008.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 21, 2008 12:49 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed....what is going to impacted the most is the secondary market

…I suspect that tickets from brokers will much cheaper in general.

by JB 23 on Nov 21, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions

Mini-Packs

I love those things. I get them for the Grizzlies, “AAA” Redbirds, and “AA” Mississippi Riverkings hockey team. It’s a whole lot easier to afford a 9-game Cubs pack than season tickets. I haven’t heard of a waiting list for the 9-packs. 9 games isn’t nearly the commitment 81 games is.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Nov 21, 2008 3:00 PM CST up reply actions

The 9 pack isn't a season ticket per se...

… it’s just a chance to buy 9 games before general sale. So there’s no waiting list. If & when they offer it again, they may offer it to people on the season ticket waiting list first (I think that’s how they did it last year), then they offered it to existing season ticket holders and others after.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 21, 2008 3:16 PM CST up reply actions