“We have to react,” said a careful Glen Taylor today while announcing a salvo/public relations play meant to soothe the hearts and minds of season ticket-holders hounded by the recession.
In an effort to curry favor with a frustrated Timberwolves fan base – other than the more affluent courtside attendees – Taylor outlined a three-point plan of price restructuring, pinned at the corners by euphemistic contributions from copywriters: affordability, protection and convenience.
But let’s concentrate on the steak and not the peas:
1. If you are a season-ticket holder and you lose your job before Jan. 1, 2010, Papa Taylor will back-stop you with a refund of the unused portion of your 2009-2010 ticket investment.
2. If you purchase before July 1, you’ll see a discount upwards of 44 percent. This would surely help the franchise boost cash flow.
3. If you are willing to drop $860 for the season, four seats for the family in the nosebleed section are yours. (Though you and the kiddies could probably sneak down a few rows after the half).
During the press conference, Taylor emphasized his experience and the importance of leadership during these tough times, and said that though he’s not convinced the team will make money this year or next year, which depends on other factors, he hopes to maintain the Timberwolves’ home court advantage.
This is the first big ticket announcement at Target Center since the Big Ticket left for Boston. As per usual when T-Wolves commiseration goes down, Kevin Garnett's name was mentioned as a symbol of what was, but Taylor was quick to float Al Jefferson as the hopeful filler of the Ticket’s big shoes.
My consigliere pointed me to a headline that reads: "Cheaper than a movie: Wolves games." True, assuming you come alone, don't pay for parking and don't succomb to the sweet-sweet aromas from the concession stand. But will it be worth the cash?
Also, some good thoughts from Minnesota Sports Examiner Joe Oberle: "...during my time [with the team], we tried everything in the book to sell tickets, and the only thing that ever worked well was winning."
In other, only slightly related news: Today I talked hoops with fellow examiner Ben Miraski on Chi-Town Sports Chat.
Comments
Interesting ... a lot of teams/sports are taking similar measures, I believe ... saw a report about NASCAR this weekend, about how they were lowering ticket prices and such ... these are the times in which we live, I suppose ....
Mechele: Makes sense. But even with the cheaper ticket, NASCAR 'aint the same unless you can afford the booze.
thanks for the comment
We had some creative ideas that worked, but winning was always the best recipe. I hope this idea fills some seats, as well.
It's actually a good idea. I believe all sports teams should be setting up programs like this. Not only does it keep the fan base, but may even get more butts in the seats because of low ticket prices.
Joe: At least Glen said he'd keep the team in 'Sota
C. Cason: I think that's a little simplistic.
A + B doesn't necessarily = C
You wanna buy a broken watch for $5?
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