Friday, February 29, 2008

Lions Ticket Price Increases A Disgrace

Lets see...the economy in this state is struggling to an alarming degree, the Lions have had seven straight losing seasons, haven’t been to the playoffs in eight years, haven’t won a playoff game since 1991 and haven’t won a championship in more than a half-century.
So, yes, raising their ticket prices was a disgrace. This is a conservative estimate: The Lions just put another $12 million per season into owner William Clay Ford’s already bulging coffer. This wasn’t about making money, but rather how much. The Lions haven’t sold the pricey club level seats at Ford Field to the expected degree, and their marketing items aren’t exactly flying off the shelf because the team lacks charismatic players and is a loser on the field. So what they did essentially is make their most loyal fans pay for their own ineptitude by striking them where it really hurts these days - in the pocketbook.
It points to the insensitivity of Ford, an elitist totally out of touch with common people and their plight.
Contrast this with the lowering of playoff ticket prices by the Pistons and Red Wings, and you get just another example of why those organizations are so successful.
And why the Lions are not.

Random Thoughts

- Michigan State’s loss to Wisconsin was just another example of why a long tournament run shouldn’t be expected from the Spartans.

- It was a mistake by the Tigers to count on Fernando Rodney. While there are times when he is a quality major league pitcher, he lacks the durability and consistency required of a top-flight setup man or closer. Anybody surprised his arm is hurting? It’s not exactly a comforting thought the Tigers are counting so heavily on him this season.

17 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Pat,

I don't know about the Lions. Everyone I know that had season tickets has since given them up in the last three years. (Myself included; I had season tickets for the first 6 years at Ford Field) There just isn't any hope circling around the team anymore. The years of losing terribly, with a lack of direction that becomes more obvious every year is killing any enthusiasm for the team throughout the state. This isn't like the 90's when a bad season was often followed up by a so-so or even a good season. Now a bad season is followed up by yet another bad season, and another, and another, etc. Last year they had trouble selling out a large number of their games for the first time at Ford field, where more times than not large corporations had to buy up all remaining seats. This year will be even worse, and I sincerely doubt all 16 games will be televised. It will continue to get worse until Millen is replaced, or a miracle happens and the Lions advance far into the playoffs.

I know that I have no interest in the team, and I don't know anyone that does. It is actually funny, because I used to love talking about them, even if it was to talk about their futility, but now I don't even read any articles on the team to even follow what they are doing. I will pay more attention to what the Tigers are doing in the offseason than what the Lions are doing during their regular season.

-Marty

10:45 AM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Pat the Book,

In an attempt to be Lions free, I'd suggest dropping season tickets and spending the money on weekend get aways. Perhaps to Cleveland, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Chicago or even to Green Bay. Any place where the owner demands accountability of their team's management.

Personally, I wish the media would treat the Puddy Cats like a relative incarcerated for a felony, like embezzlement or larceny. Wish 'em the best, hope they get their act together but realize that there is nothing you can do for them until they decide to change. So you're best to leave 'em alone until they demonstrate that they want to reform their ways. Book, for these polecats to be eligible for parole, they must first FIRE MILLEN!

Hey, three out of four of our professional sporting kin are legit, honest and worth talking about over dinner. Just bow your head and say a pray that some day the Puddy Cats will get their lives straight.

Until that time, how about that Browns QB? Do you think he can or is better than Carson Palmer in Cincy or Roethlisberger in Steel Town?

11:55 AM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Pat, Do you think Matt Mantei could do the job if Ronney becomes physically unable to perform? Dave

2:34 PM 
Blogger Fred Brill said...

Perhaps this is the rare occassion of opportunity - where the sore arm of Rodney is potentially the best thing that could ever happen to the Tigers.

Perhaps there is a deal - somewhere - Mr. Dombrowsky can make for a combo like Inge and Thames perhaps - to secure a set up man replacement.

Is this a role that Willis fits?

My copy of the Lindsey pre-season report suggests maybe.

I would not be sorry to see Fernando go, and would be willing to opt for the devil I don't know rather than be satisfied with the one that I do know.

But that's just me.

4:00 PM 
Blogger maddog52 said...

Can the lions and the Fords find any more ways to kick the loyal fans in the face. Why don't they just spit in our faces as we walk through the turn styles. I mean come on. Raising the ticket prices for what. If fox 2 wants to put anybody in the hall of shame it should be william clay ford. Sad part is we as football fanatics will by into it and go. We have to pay for the over paid Tavis Fischers of the world. Wonderful Lions that is great. What a joke. Come on Ford. we do not like you sell the team please. I think there will be a very surprised amount of empty seats at Ford Field next year. Ford is slowly killing off the fans with the poisoned cornbread. They must really be convinced that they will have a 10-6 record next year. You know what is funny. not sure if you read the free press today. They were talking about how Vilma didn't fit the 3-4 and how David Harris came in and looked good. Um didn't last year David harris get high praise durning the combine and etc. The lions had like 3 chances to get him . IT be one less need. That is why we are dieing as a franchise. We are not filling needs through the draft. That is where McMillen needs to get shot execution style for. Even this Rogers deal what a pathetic excuse. I would rather have a gimpy Vilma for a 4th round pick and or a 3rd and 5th round pick. I'd rather have a miserable and a half ass shaun rogers then mid rouond draft picks. This team is an utter joke.

Instead doesn't Millen sound like Randy Smith now. What are we trying to become the Super bowl 38 champ Tampa Bay Bucs um wasn't that like 5 or 6 years ago. Come on the guys that should be the top of your list are below. Notice the top 4 or 5 guys I have listed are lineman. One thing these guys all have in common is talent. What do the lions have oh that is right no talent. They could of drafted talent in last years draft. If guys like harris or Ugoh (now with the colts) would of punched millen in the face he still wouldn't know what to do. This guys is one statement one draft move from being strapped into a padded room. Cause those moves are just insane. Nothing they have done this far excites me. Esepcially knowing what they need badly. TALENT!!!

Alan Faneca
Mike Whale
Max Starks
Lance Briggs
Justin Smith
Kick Returner
Maurice Williams/Shelton if you want to kiss the home states ass
Ashante Samuel
Jevon Kearse (being the lions like the injur ridlled folks)

Un belivable Book. I still love my lions yes but I am just outraged at the moment.

Can I ask just one favor from you and your buddies. I know you guys have to cover sports and stuff. Can the only publicity the lions get is when you say the updates. Lions come to turns with Travis fisher. Lions give Kalmiba Edwards bonus if he plays more then one game next year.

I'd say lets just talk Hockey, Tigers, NBA. Hell I would rather talk Bowling or the Bass Masters Tournament then listen or talk about the Lions any more on the radio or in blogs. Until the lions get rid of Kwatt MillPatrick and William Ford Beaty we are going to have nothing but misery. I would rather wait to fall before even hearing there pathtic names.

Am I mad Book damn right I am.

4:31 PM 
Blogger Barry said...

Hey Pat: I was a bit uneasy about the bullpen before injuries but maybe Mantei will be healthy this year. Have you heard how Rogers is throwing? He does need that 88 to 90 m.p.h fastball he threw once in a while. How is Inge doing at catching, I hope he is the guy behind the plate because I think there is nothing out there in next year free agent market unless you want to sign Pudge to a three year deal for mega bucks. Sure there a couple good defensive catchers out there but they can't hit. There is a couple others that hit a bit but can't throw. City of Detroit Bonds, their not at junk status yet are they?

4:40 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Book,
Lions ticket increase is unbelievable. No wait, it's a supply and demand thing, I get it now. They increase the bull**** and pain they give us so they must charge us more for it. Makes Lion's sense now. You know what they will get from me?"ZERO..ZERO....ZERO"
A better note, how great was it having Mickey back in the booth tonight call the wings game.Don't realize what a treasure he is till he was out.The game just doesn't feel the same without his commentary!
Jim in Clinton Twp

9:45 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Marty,
I think the popularity of the Lions was at a peak in the 1990s. They didn't win as often as they should have, but they were exciting and interesting and always had a chance. Same can't be said for now.
Caputo

3:56 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Andrew Winkle,
The raising of ticket prices at this time with that product is just flatout wrong in my opinion.
Caputo

3:57 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Dave,
He has been hurt so much, I doubt it.
Caputo

3:58 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Fred Brill,
Are you saying Willis for setup man? If so, I find that a tough one for the Tigers. They need him to be an effective No. 2 starter - and badly.
Caputo

3:59 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Maddog52,
Right on about the David Harris situation. It was no-brainer to take him in the second round last season and they passed.
Caputo

4:00 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Barry,
It's tough depending on somebody with that history. Just when you think they are healthy - boom - they get hurt again.
Caputo

4:01 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Jim,
It was great to hear Mickey's voice again. Red Wings hockey on TV just isn't the same without him, although Larry Murpphy does a creditable job.
Caputo

4:02 PM 
Blogger Fred Brill said...

Brain fart Pat, it was a brain fart.

I seem to have them more often lately - like forgetting Cliff Fletcher was only five weeks into his role as Leaf's GM when I called for his head.

Brain gas.

I'll do better to control my mental flatuation problems.

Sorry man.

8:24 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Fred Brill,
I have the same problem.
Caputo

8:44 AM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So much for Mantei..

4:41 PM 

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