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Football fans have presented an economics test to the NFL.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, since 2007 attendance at NFL games has deteriorated by 4.5%. While the state of the American economy may be the go-to scapegoat, the problem may be more fundamental.
NFL fans are sending a message. The experience of attending a live game doesn't justify the cost, and the NFL must lower the price or add value if they want us to fill their seats.
In comparison to the NFL, Major League Baseball has actually seen an uptick in attendance this year. One of the biggest factors may be the existence of parity throughout the league as the NL Central, NL East, and AL East are upside down and fans are loving it. Behind the resurgence of small-market teams has been a youth movement that has infused the league and excited baseball fans.
Most baseball fans also feel like we may finally be clear of the PED era for once. Or, perhaps baseball fans may never have actually dwindled in numbers; they just took a break in disgust. On top of that, the MLB also has guys like Bryce Harper and Mike Trout who have fans excited again about the future.
But an even larger factor, lower ticket prices, is something baseball can claim over the NFL.
According to the WSJ article: “[NFL] Ticket prices have climbed in recent years, from an average $72.20 in 2008 to $77.34 last year, according to Team Marketing Report. Along with the ticket, the average NFL beer is now $7.20, a hot dog is $4.77 and parking costs $25.77.”
The ability to attend an MLB game for a third of the cost makes it easier to justify the purchase. Granted, the NFL is able to charge higher prices due to a lower number of regular season games (16) versus that of the MLB (162). But the factor of scarcity only carries so far and the consumers have sent a message by dropping out of one market and into another one. Namely, the broadcast and online viewing market.
About half of all income for NFL teams comes from media contracts, the richest media market of any professional sport in the world. The product available in the home has improved immensely and --- dollar-for-dollar (practically free) -- has given fans an opportunity for a quality game-watching experience at a fraction of the cost. But NFL organizations aren't complaining about the cash flow from at-home viewership, they simply are stumped as to how they can get fans back into the stadiums.
Thankfully the league seems to be realizing the core problem and has already taken steps to address the issue for the 2012 season.
To add value to the NFL experience, some teams have already implemented change for this year. In-stadium wi-fi availability, access to official replay videos, and on-field audio feeds of player mics are a few of the key aspects new for fans at the game. The NFL is also loosening it's grip on the atmosphere itself as PA announcers will be allowed to rile up fans in crucial situations such as an opponent's third-down attempt.
The biggest shift, however, appears to be the change regarding the NFL's blackout rule. Starting in 2012 the league's owners have agreed to lower the threshold to 85% for attendance to prevent a local black-out for broadcasts (each team can set a higher standard). Previously, if a team failed to sell-out a home game the fans in the local market would be denied television coverage -- something that backfired on the league.
This year each team will be allowed to set their own blackout restrictions with 85% being the lowest mark. Organizations will be forced to pay a revenue "penalty" each time the back-out threshold is passed -- encouraging each franchise to set the mark higher than the league minimum to promote ticket sales.
The bottom line appears to be that the American people are analyzing the value of a ticket like never before. Fans don’t go to the game just for the game, they want an experience; especially for the cost they must pay. And the television broadcasts have become so good that we feel we get a quality experience from the comfort of our home.
When we fork over a couple hundred bucks to watch a football game (including parking and concessions) we demand more to justify the costs. The simple answer would be to lower the cost of the ticket, parking, and concessions to match the experience, but that's not a realistic expectation.
It's time for the NFL to get creative and add significant pieces to the live-game experience package if they want to pull us off the couch and into the stadium seats.
What changes would make the price of an NFL ticket worth it?
Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @long_snapper.
# 1
scottyo60 @ Jul 5
Agree on lower ticket prices. Living in Columbus yields me Begals, Browns, Lions, Steelers, Colts all in reasonable areas. I simply find the team doing the worst by week 10 get on stubhub and find the cheapest tickets possible. Bengals tickets two years ago were down around 12 bucks at one point.. In fairness I shouldn't have to go to that situation of finding the worst team to get the cheapest value.
# 2
drewst18 @ Jul 5
I'd really like to see a poll of what percentage of people that are actual fans that have taken in a game, because I was hooked after my first live game.
I don't understand this at all. I don't think the experience you get at the game is the factor. I am sure it helps to have a winning team, but I am a Lions season ticket holder and the games just don't compare on TV. Even when they went 0-16 the games were much more enjoyable in person.
The worst part of going to the games is that you miss the afternoon games on the commute home, but tailgating and going in screaming your head off watching your team win is 100x better than watching at home.
Out of all the sports I find football the best by far to watch cause you feel as a fan when your team is on defense you can actually help by making noise (I sure felt that way last year on Monday Night vs Bears with 9 FS in 1st half)
The ticket prices are also so much better than other sports. I know Lions rank about 24th in ticket price but when you figure 8 games for football compared to the 41 in hockey/basketball or 80 in baseball your definitely saving money going to football games.
It will come down to personal preference but its all what you make it. Paying $200 for a playoff game vs $40 to go see some crap movie that you will forget about tomorrow.
I don't understand this at all. I don't think the experience you get at the game is the factor. I am sure it helps to have a winning team, but I am a Lions season ticket holder and the games just don't compare on TV. Even when they went 0-16 the games were much more enjoyable in person.
The worst part of going to the games is that you miss the afternoon games on the commute home, but tailgating and going in screaming your head off watching your team win is 100x better than watching at home.
Out of all the sports I find football the best by far to watch cause you feel as a fan when your team is on defense you can actually help by making noise (I sure felt that way last year on Monday Night vs Bears with 9 FS in 1st half)
The ticket prices are also so much better than other sports. I know Lions rank about 24th in ticket price but when you figure 8 games for football compared to the 41 in hockey/basketball or 80 in baseball your definitely saving money going to football games.
It will come down to personal preference but its all what you make it. Paying $200 for a playoff game vs $40 to go see some crap movie that you will forget about tomorrow.
# 3
MacDiiddy @ Jul 5
NFL isn't having a problem the least bit, the reason it is 1/3 of a price ot go to baseball is cuz there are 160 games. The only reason I haven't gone is because of price and because of timing. Fall is my busiest season. It isn't because it is a bad product that I havent gone to an NFL game.
# 4
Bull_Dozer @ Jul 5
Not worth the hassle of going to the game, or spending 8 bucks for one beer. When I can stay home and chill and get a 12-pack for 13 bucks.
# 5
scottyo60 @ Jul 5
@drewst18 I've gone and it's fun, but I'm also a Marshall season ticket holder so I get the college experience on Saturdays. Kinda makes me pick and choose what I give my money too.
I understand your live opinion as well. I usually get a flex pack for the Blue Jackets and love hockey more when the experience is live. It does add up after a while. A lot just goes into what you want your money to go to.
I understand your live opinion as well. I usually get a flex pack for the Blue Jackets and love hockey more when the experience is live. It does add up after a while. A lot just goes into what you want your money to go to.
# 6
khaliib @ Jul 5
Prices are just "tooo" much, end of story.
Non-Power/Mid-Major Colleges are fealing the same problem to.
What it cost today to attend an NFL game of (2), I could pay the same and take a trip somewhere and even in come cases (playoffs etc..) the amount would run the same as taking a trip out of the country.
If I must spend these high dollar amounts to attend a sporting event to be considered a hardcore fan, then I'd rather be a casual fan and use the TV when available.
Non-Power/Mid-Major Colleges are fealing the same problem to.
What it cost today to attend an NFL game of (2), I could pay the same and take a trip somewhere and even in come cases (playoffs etc..) the amount would run the same as taking a trip out of the country.
If I must spend these high dollar amounts to attend a sporting event to be considered a hardcore fan, then I'd rather be a casual fan and use the TV when available.
# 7
PioneerRaptor @ Jul 5
I find the live experience much better than the television experience. Obviously cost is still a big deal, but those times when I can go, I enjoy it greatly.
I actually just bought tickets to see the Eagles @ Cowboys. Can't wait to go!
I actually just bought tickets to see the Eagles @ Cowboys. Can't wait to go!
# 8
tril @ Jul 5
the broadcast presentaion of an NFL game has alot to do with it. The NFL on TV is far more entertaining than actually going to a game.
Football is less entertaining live for the casual fan.
Weather probably is a factor also.
Football is less entertaining live for the casual fan.
Weather probably is a factor also.
# 9
DIRRTY30 @ Jul 5
It really is as simple as the cost to attend a game. I can't afford to spend $100+ and convince my other broke friends to also buy $100+ tickets to go to a Packer game (though the Packers don't have any issues of getting people in the stands). The economy has been bad for a few years, and over that time, ticket prices have gone up. It doesn't take a genius to put two and two together.
# 10
riichiieriich @ Jul 5
Well, there's a few factors in my opinion.
1.) The economy still sucks and the middle class is still shrinking so people are less likely to spend their hard-earned cash.
2.) Ridiculous ticket prices and prices for things inside the stadium
3.) Drunk, idiot fans that ruin the experience.
4.) Only 8 games to attend, and things come up that are more important than football.
5.) NFL Sunday Ticket
1.) The economy still sucks and the middle class is still shrinking so people are less likely to spend their hard-earned cash.
2.) Ridiculous ticket prices and prices for things inside the stadium
3.) Drunk, idiot fans that ruin the experience.
4.) Only 8 games to attend, and things come up that are more important than football.
5.) NFL Sunday Ticket
# 11
boomhauertjs @ Jul 6
One of the biggest factors is how slow the game is because of commercials. It's hard to get into a game when you have a scoring play, TV timeout, kickoff that is a touchback, then another TV timeout. It's basically 10 minutes of no action.
# 12
debauchlord @ Jul 6
The biggest problem isn't the high cost of tickets; it is that the high costs of tickets do not justify the time, effort, and energy required to merely attend the games.
# 13
drewst18 @ Jul 6
The main point the NFL has been dealing with is that they are having problems bringing fans to the seats rather than at home...
If you look at the games people have mentioned here the main reason the tickets are so high is cause these are all third party games in which will sell out and the prices are high because the demand for the game is so high.
This is not meant as rude, but really the NFL couldn't care less about these markets where they sell out every week and there games go for $300 a seat.
The major problem NFL is having is in the markets such as Detroit, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville... where ticket prices aren't that high (can sit lower bowl at Lions game for $50, I am assuming the other markets mentioned are similar) which is comparable to hockey/basketball.
So really for the NFL the prices (of tickets) can't be the issue. Many people have mentioned some of the major problems...
The biggest one imo is while many are a fan of a team, they just love the sport. And you can go and watch 1 game which will consume the day and afternoon games or you can stay home watching any game you choose.
NFL needs to consider the following and if it is at the cost of little bit more expensive seats then so be it, but;
Free wifi for each section with access to a Sunday pass printed on your ticket to watch any of the games that are being played on your smartphone. Sure the internet cost will be high, but there is no reason for it not to be in for every person who purchases a ticket
If that isn't an option possibly adding a few more (mini)Jumbotrons that show the game
Another point raised was Drunk idiots and this is a big issue. The NFL has to walk a tight rope, they know the tailgaters are a big percentage of people that go to the game, but that it prevents parents from bringing their kids.
I have yet to go to a game where I haven't seen fans in my section fight/kicked out. A problem I don't have at baseball/hockey games...
I know Lions have an Alcohol free zone but it is the worst seats in the house. The NFL needs to have more and/or better quality seats. Maybe a section in lower bowl and one in upper bowl on sideline.
Last and most important, put your teams in a sports town and don't have them run by idiots. Winning sells regardless of price of tickets. Your team goes 11-5 and they will sell out, nobody wants to go see a team lose 45-7 with an owner like Mike Brown who is pulling in millions while not willing to spend a penny to put a good product on the field.
If you look at the games people have mentioned here the main reason the tickets are so high is cause these are all third party games in which will sell out and the prices are high because the demand for the game is so high.
This is not meant as rude, but really the NFL couldn't care less about these markets where they sell out every week and there games go for $300 a seat.
The major problem NFL is having is in the markets such as Detroit, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville... where ticket prices aren't that high (can sit lower bowl at Lions game for $50, I am assuming the other markets mentioned are similar) which is comparable to hockey/basketball.
So really for the NFL the prices (of tickets) can't be the issue. Many people have mentioned some of the major problems...
The biggest one imo is while many are a fan of a team, they just love the sport. And you can go and watch 1 game which will consume the day and afternoon games or you can stay home watching any game you choose.
NFL needs to consider the following and if it is at the cost of little bit more expensive seats then so be it, but;
Free wifi for each section with access to a Sunday pass printed on your ticket to watch any of the games that are being played on your smartphone. Sure the internet cost will be high, but there is no reason for it not to be in for every person who purchases a ticket
If that isn't an option possibly adding a few more (mini)Jumbotrons that show the game
Another point raised was Drunk idiots and this is a big issue. The NFL has to walk a tight rope, they know the tailgaters are a big percentage of people that go to the game, but that it prevents parents from bringing their kids.
I have yet to go to a game where I haven't seen fans in my section fight/kicked out. A problem I don't have at baseball/hockey games...
I know Lions have an Alcohol free zone but it is the worst seats in the house. The NFL needs to have more and/or better quality seats. Maybe a section in lower bowl and one in upper bowl on sideline.
Last and most important, put your teams in a sports town and don't have them run by idiots. Winning sells regardless of price of tickets. Your team goes 11-5 and they will sell out, nobody wants to go see a team lose 45-7 with an owner like Mike Brown who is pulling in millions while not willing to spend a penny to put a good product on the field.
# 14
$NevaBroke$ @ Jul 7
There really is no change that can make an NFL ticket worth the price. I live near Tampa and have been to 5 games at Bucs Stadium and wish I stayed home and watched on tv all 5 times. I felt like a rotisserie chicken it was soo hot all 5 times! This year I have nfl sunday ticket. I can sit on my couch and see every play and replays, with that dew blowing at a crisp 70 degrees. Let me take you on a day in the life of a Tampa Bay Bucs ticket holder- When I went to games I learned more about other people's family issues who talked about everything but football while the team's are playing on the other end of the field, but it's cool cause i get to watch a jumbo tron that looks like an old school projection tv. I can't keep up with other games and scores during tv commercials cause I'm watching 2 good looking of the 10 cheerleaders dance to a Flo Rida song that sounds like its being played through clock radio speakers, but its cool cause I get to listen to the guy who brought his wife and she keeps asking "It's soo hot! When is the game over?" I also have to make a corporate decision of going to the restroom during a game and hearing everyone moan as they have to get out their seats so I can get by and hitting the people in the row in front of them with my butt or elbow as I'm trying to get small and get by. Then I get to come back from the restroom and do it all over again to get back to my seat, YAY! Its now the middle of the 3rd quarter and I'm hungry and thirsty, but I already left my seat once and don't want to upset my row community, plus if I get a drink I may have to get up again and go to the restroom, corporate decision once again. Ahhh, I'm soo hot and sweaty! How many tv commercials are they gonna have. Ahhh my cell phone doesn't work in this stadium! It's soo hot...I'm soo hungry...I have to use the restroom again...I can't see that far down the field, who has the ball?...This jumbo tron sucks!...Did someone just crop dust me?...Why are all these people looking at me like I'm the one who crop dusted? Oh look here are the dancing cheerleaders again...Hey! Where are the 2 pretty cheerleaders at now?
Yeah, that's pretty much how we roll in Tampa.
I'm staying home, wouldn't got to another game if I got free tickets. At home experience is way better, hands down. Thanks for reading.
Yeah, that's pretty much how we roll in Tampa.
I'm staying home, wouldn't got to another game if I got free tickets. At home experience is way better, hands down. Thanks for reading.
# 15
drewst18 @ Jul 7
^^ That was hilarious,
Hey Bills fans (I think they have a few) next time your dealing with frost bite know that it could be worse you could be cooked like chicken and leave smelling like crap..
Hey Bills fans (I think they have a few) next time your dealing with frost bite know that it could be worse you could be cooked like chicken and leave smelling like crap..
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