News
Padres create affordability for 2010 tix
All pricing plans to be either reduced or remain same
By Corey Brock / MLB.com
09/24/09 9:01 PM ET
DENVER -- Holding true to a mantra that they want to "create affordability," the Padres announced on Thursday that a majority of their tickets for 2010 will either be reduced or remain at the pricing level they were this season.Season tickets for next season will come at a 35 percent discount from individual tickets. As for those individual tickets, 60 percent of those that are sold will go for less than they did this season.
"We sent out a survey to our fans and conducted focus groups, and one of the things that came back consistently was that the economy has affected people," Padres COO Tom Garfinkel said before Thursday's game at Coors Field against the Rockies.
"This [new pricing plan] is a testament to our commitment to that. It allows us an opportunity to create affordability."
San Diego vice chairman and CEO Jeff Moorad made the announcement on Thursday and said in a statement: "When we closed our transaction, I said affordability was a critical goal of our ownership group," Moorad said.
"We are now providing our fans with more affordability, more options and enhanced value. We are excited about next season and inspired by the loyalty and emotional attachment of Padre fans."
The Padres begin next season on April 5 in Arizona and will play their first game at home at PETCO Park on April 12 against Atlanta.
"We proactively asked our fans what was important to them and they told us that this economy has affected everyone and affordability was a priority. We listened and we're responding," Moorad said. "We want to do everything we can to make it easier for fans to watch what will continue to be an energetic, athletic and youthful brand of Padres baseball."
The pricing structure for 2010 is as follows:
• All full-season plans will represent a 35 percent discount from individual game prices.
• 25,509 full-season seats will be $22 and below.
• 19,676 individual game tickets will be $21 and below.
• 8,095 individual game tickets will be $14 and below.
• 17,374 full-season seats will be $14 and below.
• 8,374 full-season seats will be $11 and below.
• 5,793 full-season seats will be $9.
Among the many changes being instituted to simplify next season's ticket pricing structure, the Padres will be eliminating both 'Premium' and 'Advanced' pricing and will be offering a new more flexible payment plan structure for season-ticket holders.
The Padres also announced that the requirement to purchase Founders Club memberships (a form of personal seat license) for new season ticket accounts will be eliminated everywhere but in the Sony Home Plate Club, making it easier than ever before to be a season-ticket holder.
Existing Founder's Club Members will retain their current benefits and will be provided deeper season ticket discounts and exclusive offerings in the form of a Founder's Club Loyalty Credit program.
"We looked at every area of the ballpark," Garfinkel said. "This is something we really put a lot of thought into, into the pricing to make sure if was simple to fans and that it was affordable for them."
Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
