http://www.palmbeachpost.com/marlins...25marlins.html
By JOE CAPOZZI
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Friday, January 25, 2008
Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera are gone. Now, most Marlins fans can expect one more surprise in 2008 - going to games will be a little more expensive.
After finishing last in major-league attendance last season, the Marlins will raise the price of most individual-game tickets. The increases will be $1 to $5. The elite "batter's box" seats behind home plate and three sections in right-center field will not be affected. Season-ticket prices also will be unchanged.
"We feel that there should be a significant difference between the price of an individual-game ticket and that same ticket for a season-ticket holder or partial season-ticket holder,'' Marlins vice president P.J. Loyello said. "If you want to secure the cheapest tickets ... become a season- or partial season-ticket holder.'' Some Marlins fans disagree with that philosophy.
"I don't have to worry about season tickets because I can just walk up and buy a ticket. It's not like they're going to sell out,'' said long-time Marlins fan Leon St. John, an assistant Palm Beach County attorney. "They're just looking to make more money. It irritates me.'' Season tickets are on sale now. Individual-game tickets will go on sale starting Feb. 9 at the team's annual FanFest at Dolphin Stadium.
The Marlins, who say they have about 5,000 season-ticket holders, aren't the only low-attendance team that will raise ticket prices. The Kansas City Royals raised individual-game tickets an average of $3 and season tickets an average of $2.
The timing of the changes by the Marlins, who finished last in the NL East and traded away their two marquee players, rankled some fans.
"I'm still going to go," said Rob Derry of North Palm Beach. "It's just really more of the presentation: They got rid of their best players and they're going to make us pay extra for the privilege of watching a lesser product." Still, the Marlins' tickets will be among the least expensive in baseball. According to Team Marketing Report's 2007 survey, the Marlins' average ticket price was $16.57, ranking 26th among the majors' 30 teams. The average price in the majors was $22.77. The most expensive tickets ($47.71 average) are found at Boston's Fenway Park.
"When you compare them ... the Marlins are still a bargain, especially when you consider they play in Miami, which is a big market,'' said Jon Greenberg, executive editor of the Chicago-based newsletter.
Dolphin Stadium officials had considered raising the cost of parking from $10 to $15 but decided against it at the urging of the Marlins, Loyello said.
Noteworthy: Spring training tickets for the Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals will go on sale at 9 a.m. Saturday at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter.