STH Seat Upgrades?

by 08Cubs on Dec 9, 2009 7:53 PM CST

Apologies for the new ticket post and for taunting non-season ticket holders, but Al's renewal post is scrolling off and I didn't want to bring this into the fanshot on the waiting list like waving a red flag in front of a bull pen.

Finally got my invoice today (I was afraid the Ricketts had thrown me out for a couple of days) and noticed the "first time ever" option to request seat relocation. For those who haven't seen it:

Season Ticket Location Upgrades One of the requests we hear most often from our season ticket holders is for improvement of your seating location. For 2010, we are creating 700 new season ticket locations which will first be offered to season ticket holders to consider for relocation purposes. These seats include club boxes formerly held by Tribune Company and seats that were unallocated following our various seating expansions. The relocation process is detailed in the enclosed fact sheet so please review this information before calling your season ticket representative. Unfortunately, we will not be allowing for an increase in the number of your season tickets, as the 120,000 people on the season ticket waiting list will be provided access to your vacated seats after the relocation program concludes.

Then:

Seat relocation request guidelines: - Please be specific enough so that it is clear where you would wish to relocate (what range of aisles/seats) - You may be moved without being contacted if we have an opening that falls within the parameters of your request. - Requests are ranked and changes made according to type of plan (Daily plan has priority) and account longevity. - We will be unable to add seats to any existing account. - Any changes that we were able to accommodate will be reflected on your final statement in January.

Now, I'm close to the back of the whole seniority line so this is probably moot for me, but I am wondering whether there are any realistic chances to improve. More importantly, though, I am on the fence as to whether to request this if they may do the move without warning. The good thing about my location (IF Terrace Reserved) is that it it relatively cheap. A few more rows forward, and I'm in for another $1,863.68 per seat, per season at this year's prices. I might do that for a really nice upgrade, but I wouldn't for a few rows and definitely would want to be asked first. So I'm curious as to how others are considering this.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Comments

So have the Cubs never offered the chance to request a seat upgrade?

Did new season ticket holders off the waiting list just take over vacated seats, without giving existing ticket holders the chance to upgrade?

To your question, as I read it sounds like you can be very specific about which rows and sections you’re willing to upgrade to, and if they upgrade you without asking then in theory you should be happy.

Oh, and red flag in front of a bull indeed — steam is coming out of my nostrils as we speak!

by Ryan D on Dec 10, 2009 2:30 PM CST reply actions

I Think That's Right

I bought in very close to the end, and there wasn’t really any choice – it was “here’s what’s available. Congratulations.”

While I consider myself very fortunate to have them, in just about every respect the Cubs STH experience is like a visit to the Soup Nazi.

by 08Cubs on Dec 10, 2009 5:42 PM CST up reply actions

Don't do it.

I have seats in the terrace reserve infield like you. I got them in 88. They are in row 11 DEAD center of the row which means ZERO obstruction from any angle. In I think 1990 I asked for and got an “upgrade” to I think row 9 but it they were off to one side so I got some pole obstruction, not terrible but I did not like it. Next season I moved back and have been there ever since. Unless you are willing to move up and pay more for a Terrace Box , moving in the Terrace infield is far too risky.

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

by Doggie Stalker on Dec 10, 2009 5:33 PM CST reply actions

Thanks

I really would like Terrace Box but don’t know if I’m willing to shell out for them, as I’m in the middle of the row as well.

BTW, forgot to mention my suspicion that a good number of these 700 being released are actually Wrigley Field Premium seats. Surprised no one has asked them about that.

by 08Cubs on Dec 10, 2009 5:44 PM CST up reply actions

No they would not be Premium Seats

Those are only sold by the game not as Season Seats. They are likely mostly box seats of some kind. However the way it will work is say you have a Terrace Box but want a Club Box so you move up and your Terrace Box is now offered for upgrade to folks in the Terrace Reserve, In any event it is just to risky unless you are willing to pay for a Terrace Box.

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

by Doggie Stalker on Dec 10, 2009 9:38 PM CST up reply actions

Wrigley Field Premium

What I’m wondering is whether there will be a Wrigley Field Premium in the future at all.

The reference to 700 seats “Held by Tribune Company” might be code for “these are the seats that Tribune held back to scalp through WFP”, with the message being “we’re not scalping them there anymore, we’re releasing them to the season ticket pool.”

by 08Cubs on Dec 10, 2009 10:42 PM CST up reply actions

Sorry I was thinking of those $350 seats in the front row

I see you mean the ones scalped by Premium Tickets. I think your theory is very possible. 700 box seats seems like an awful lot for Tribune and it’s affilates.

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

by Doggie Stalker on Dec 11, 2009 1:01 AM CST up reply actions

I doubt it

If they were releasing those tickets as season tickets, that would mean they’re pricing them as regular club box (the highest prices on the season ticket chart), which would be like a 2/3 price reduction.

by Ryan D on Dec 11, 2009 8:56 AM CST up reply actions

Is that really the first year the moving seat option

was spelled out? As a combo planner I always put something in the comments about wanting to stay where I’m at – because I’ve been moved once and requested to move twice (both times was able to switch) -

by doofus cubs guy on Dec 11, 2009 5:44 PM CST reply actions