Late this afternoon Our Washington Nationals announced their 2009 Season Ticket Prices which includes a drop in individual game pricing for 7,500 seats at New Nationals Park. Additionally, there will be no price increases for ANY OTHER SEASON TICKET Location in the entire ballpark. And no--Presidents Club and Diamond Club Seats are not among the discounted prices for next year.
Most all of the reduced priced Season Tickets are in the outfield portions of New Nationals Park. Some seating down the the right and left field lines near the foul poles are included. Some seats have been re-priced at $15 per game below their 2008 cost. Read the entire press release for the complete details. After reading so many comments over the past year concerning ticket pricing from fans--at least Our Washington Nationals have taken some steps to meet some of their consumers demands.
Click on the diagrams to enlarge. Here is a comparison chart for 2008 & 2009 Pricing
Not only are Presidents Club and Diamond Club not included in the price reduction. But so are seats in Stars & Stripes Club, Infield Box, Some Baseline Box, Gallery Level and Terrace Level. All those sections costs for 2009 Season Tickets will remain the same as 2008.
The Complete Press Release
WASHINGTON NATIONALS ANNOUNCE 2009 SEASON TICKET RENEWAL PRICES; REDUCTIONS ON 7,500 BALLPARK SEATS AND NO PRICE INCREASES
The Washington Nationals today announced the 2009 prices for season tickets at Nationals Park. The team will continue to provide affordable, fan-friendly entertainment at Nationals Park by decreasing season ticket prices for 7,500 seats at the ballpark - 3,400 of which are located in the lower seating bowl. The team will not increase prices on any of the 41,888 seats for season-ticket holders who renew their season tickets for 2009.
"The Nationals are pleased to lower the price of a considerable number of season ticket locations at Nationals Park in 2009," said Team President Stan Kasten. "We will also continue to offer partial and full season ticket plans for a family of four for as little as $40 a game. We think for a day at the ballpark, it's one of the most affordable experiences in sports. We thank our fans for their continued support of the Washington Nationals."
Current Nationals season ticket holders will receive renewal information in mid-October. Fans who want to become a new 2009 season ticket holder may place deposits to secure seats starting on September 9 by calling 202-675-NATS (6287) or going online at nationals.com. Single game and group ticket prices will be announced at a later date.
The average season ticket price for a non-premium seat will be just under $29.00. Over one-third (15,219) of the non-premium seats offered at Nationals Park will be $20 or less. The total cost of tickets for a family of four attending a Washington Nationals game in 2009 could be as inexpensive as $40 for season ticket holders on the gallery level or $80 on the field level.
The ballclub lowered season ticket prices by $10 or more in over 2,700 seats at Nationals Park, in the Center Field (CF) Reserved and Lounge (Section 100), Left Field (LF) Reserved (Section 101-102, formerly LF Bullpen), and increased the number of seats in the LF Corner (Sections 108-110) and Right Field (RF) Corner (Sections 135-137). CF Reserved (formerly known as the CF Club) and CF Lounge tickets will cost $30 and $50, respectively, down from $40 and $60 in 2008. The CF Lounge seats include an added value of $20 for food and beverage and fans seated in the CF Reserved area may enjoy in-seat service. Season ticket prices in the LF Box (now Sections 103-107), RF Reserved (Sections 138-143), and Scoreboard Pavilion (Sections 237-243) have also been reduced. A complete list of season ticket price changes are below.
The Nationals will offer partial season ticket plans (41- and 21-games) in areas of the lower bowl not offered in 2008, including the CF Reserved and Lounge and Baseline Reserved (the upper half of Sections 111-113 and 132-134). All partial season ticket plans will now include tickets to the 2009 Opening Day at Nationals Park.
2009 SEASON TICKET PRICE CHANGES
Category Section 2009 Full ST Price 2008 Full ST Price
CF Reserved 100 $30 $40
CF Lounge 100 $50 $60
LF Reserved 101-102 $20 $30
LF Box 103 & 107 $25 $30
LF Corner 108-110 $30 $45/$40/$30
RF Corner 135-136 $30 $45/$30
RF Reserved 138-143 $20 $25
Scoreboard Pavilion 237-243 $18 $25/20
28 comments:
I just called my ticket liason to thank him for not raising my seat prices on my Section 104 outfield seats, and I may buy some additional seats in the outfield now that they lowered prices around the bullpens!
I don't expect the same result for Suite prices as I had to sign a multi-year deal. I hope they call me and tell me that there will be NO INCREASE for 2009!!!
I still think the best bargain in the stadium are those seats above the dugout which I think are $60 or $65 if purchased in a Season Ticket package!
I was surprised to see the 2009 ticket prices announced already. It would have taken a lot of chutzpah for the team to raise prices, so this is not a surprise. It is nice that they have opened up a few more sections to partial plan holders and thrown in the opening day game too.
That being said, this 2005-2008 20 Game Plan ticket holder will not be renewing for next year. Why not? To me, there are three good reasons to buy season tickets: 1) There are no single game tickets available; or 2) You love your seats and don't want to give them up; or 3) The team holds out a benefit that you will lose if you give up your seats.
In 2005, I was afraid that tickets would only be available to season ticket holders, having seen the SF Giants sell out all their games in 2000 as they moved into a new park. Although RFK did not sell out, I loved my seats in Section 407, and kept them all three years at RFK. The promise that longstanding season ticket holders would get choice seats in the new park also helped motivate me to keep the seats.
But the Nationals locked out Partial Season plan folks from all sorts of sections in the hope that they could sell the better seats to full season buyers. When that didn't happen, they made these better seats available on an individual ticket basis. That kind of ticked me off.
I don't like my seats in the new ballpark. My seats at RFK were 1/2 the price and they were substantially superior. Plus the benefits we got this year, (a yearbook, the announced 9/20 picnic with a free hot dog and Coke) are hardly enough to merit mention.
So, I will be using StubHub's Instant Ticket Delivery and getting good prices on great seats in the Dugout Box or Infield Club sections. You can really get some great bargains within three or four hours of game time!
I'll still be a fan and still go to games, but it'll be on my terms and in varied locations, which to me is a lot more fun anyway.
John R. said... Plus the benefits we got this year, (a yearbook, the announced 9/20 picnic with a free hot dog and Coke) are hardly enough to merit mention.
I would agree the extra perks from being a season ticket holder have been lackluster and if this picnic is like the picnic we had in 2006---they can keep it. They really need to learn from what some of the other teams do in that regard.
One of the simplistic things the Orioles did when I had season tickets there was give season ticket holders early access to their seats for every game and they put up a rope to the dugout areas that were only accessible to the premium ticket holders. This way the people that paid the premium money got premium access which was a nice perk so when I took one of my kids they had access to all the players for autographs.
Anyway, it would be great to see some suggestions that maybe SBF can give to Stan Kasten when he sees him next.
I agree with john r. I'm in the same boat and am not renewing. Instead, I'll join a group which has premium seats and go to about 20 games as well as use stubhub. The Nats have not done nearly enough to thank season ticket holders for their support... in fact I felt ignored. - Casey.
I am looking to someday get a partial season plan. I don't live close enough to the park (Northern Virginia outskirts in Prince William County, VA) to justify a full season. I am also a young professional starting a family so it's hard to get the little kids to the park. I try to keep a positive outlook like SBF has about the team, however I keep hearing over and over again that it's not worth it to have a plan of any sorts. For me it all goes back to building a winner as well. It would sure be nice to have a big bat in the middle of the lineup. Part of the turnoff for making the leap to "partial plan" is that it's hard to get people to accompany me to the games with little draw other than the opposing team. Anyway, I'm just looking for some positive "plan" feedback so that I can make my choice for 2009 accordingly. It would be nice to secure nice seats now and have them when we start contending for the World Series Crown. Am I only dreaming? Thanks for any positive feedback.
One of the simplistic things the Orioles did when I had season tickets there was give season ticket holders early access to their seats for every game and they put up a rope to the dugout areas that were only accessible to the premium ticket holders. This way the people that paid the premium money got premium access which was a nice perk so when I took one of my kids they had access to all the players for autographs.
Seems like the Nats have done more than enough to cater to this level of fan. 3/4 of the park is built for you guys. :)
Chris - I think it is how you define "this level of fan" and please let me know how they have catered to say the Suite holder?
I am curious since my only extra perk that didn't come in my ticket package was a trip to Philadelphia so please enlighten me on my "catered to".
I'm sure you don't have to worry about not having air conditioning.
And not even SBF can get sushi! :)
Chris - One order of Sushi is $150 +18% service charge and tax + gratuity and I personally pay for it so that isn't a perk.
Air conditioning obviously is included....
so I guess you really couldn't tell me how I was catered to...
Trust me, I have my own set of issues which hopefully will be addressed.
http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/ballpark/suite_lincoln.jsp
Here's the perks with my Suite
1)Access to the Stars and Stripes Club
2)Interior HDTV flatscreen television and one exterior TV monitor on the front porch
3)Marble countertops with induction heating range
4)Private restroom
5)Four premium parking passes, in nearby garage or parking lot
6)First right of refusal for outside events such as concerts, pending promoter’s approval
7)Priority pre-sale opportunities for special events such as Opening Day and post-season games
8)Year-round access to the suite – a satellite location in a unique setting for events such as meetings, planning sessions and executive retreats
9)Membership into the Nationals Business Network
10)Annual Nationals road-trip for two (2)
11)In-game concierge service
12)Dedicated services team to coordinate your partnership with the Nationals twelve months a year
13)Private V.I.P. entrance off of the main concourse
14)Access to the Nationals business center on the Jefferson Suite Level
15)Exterior and Interior suite branding opportunities
16)Exclusive private events
17)Complimentary game programs and stat sheets will be provided at each home game
Those are my perks and some are laughable like #17 which you get for free walking into the park. #16 is interesting as it says Events which is plural and as of today I can only recall a pre-season food tasting and guess the picnic is my 2nd event???? What does #12 mean....I took advantage of perk #10 and drove myself to Philadelphia as the bus trip was cancelled.
I too can vouch for Stubhub at time, so at this point in the game, why even get season tickets if I can get them for 25%, 50%, or even 75% off ?
I don't see the benefit for signing up for season tickets. Unless I have a compelling reason to fork over my disposable income, I am going to save my money.
The answer to the attendance woes are simple -- a glitzy ball park doesn't do it -- winning does.
That's exactly the point. I'm not criticizing you for it. I'm just saying that there are two levels of seats, innumerable club seats and a VIP section behind the plate that are all premium seats and come with benefits that the non-premium seat holders don't get.
The park was built with people like you in mind. And the $118 you're willing (for some godforsaken reason!) to dole out for sushi each game. :)
I'm not sure that limiting access to the players for people who can't afford the same level of commitment as you do is really the right thing.
Andrew, I think Chris is trying to what is the team doing for the 75% of fans who don't have the funds to get a suite or umpteen seats?
I'm not saying 'what are they doing for me'. (Although I do wonder what they ARE doing for me!)
I'm just saying that cutting off access or any of the small perks they actually give us besides overpriced seats to watch AAA-quality baseball, probably isn't very fair. :)
Chris, I agree. That's why I am not renewing my season tickets for 2009. It seems like the team has focused all it's energy on the new park, but have done very little to make being a season-ticket holder worthwhile.
For example, I took my nephews out to Nats Park on Friday, but why can fans not see the home team take batting practice up close -- why do we have to watch the action from left field? Could the team be a little more thoughtful and let fans (or at least season ticket holders) see batting practice up close and get autographs?
I'll still support the team by coming out to games, but getting discount tickets on Stubhub.
When the product improves, I'll get a season ticket plan. Considering the performance of the team on the field, the organization needs to do a lot more for their fans to keep them as customers.
This team and these owners are still new (other than Kasten). They are, albeit slowly, getting things together. This is a great move to build good will and will result in me going to more games next year. Bravo to the Nationals!
And Bravo for their gritty, wonderful win tonight! 8-1 homestand! I think us fans need to get out and support them the rest of the year -- and bring a few friends, too!
Anonymous said...
Andrew, I think Chris is trying to what is the team doing for the 75% of fans who don't have the funds to get a suite or umpteen seats? Anon, you can't speak for the other 75% or for me and my funds as it is all about prioritizing. I didn't start this Posting about me rather how I thought the new pricing was great and then some suggestions on simple things to make the Fan Experience better.
My point again is I don't feel catered to but probably should be for what I have paid.
My $25 outfield seats in Section 104 is a bargain in comparison as I have good food in the LF corner that I buy a la carte and the views are great, but I understand with those tickets that I really don't have any perks.
I do expect Premium Access with my Suite package.
Anon 2 said...For example, I took my nephews out to Nats Park on Friday, but why can fans not see the home team take batting practice up close -- why do we have to watch the action from left field? Could the team be a little more thoughtful and let fans (or at least season ticket holders) see batting practice up close and get autographs?
That's the simple access I am referring to also. Thank you.
I too can vouch for Stubhub at time, so at this point in the game, why even get season tickets if I can get them for 25%, 50%, or even 75% off ?
Well, if enough other season ticket holders in addition to you decide not to renew, StubHub availability will dry up. If tickets are available on StubHub, you may find yourself paying closer to face value due to more competition for them. If the team starts winning and demand goes up, you may even find yourself paying single game or premium game prices to go to the games you want to and to sit where you want to. That's the risk you take in not renewing. Only you can decide if it's worth it to you.
Andrew said...
I am curious since my only extra perk that didn't come in my ticket package was a trip to Philadelphia so please enlighten me on my "catered to
You have mentioned field passes and access to Nats players and personnel many, many times before so don't act like you are a typical season ticket holder. However, as stated by others, you are the fan that the Nats covet, The Big Spender. I understand that.
It seems like Andrew, who I believe is the Patron Saint of the Nats bloggers :-) has ruffled some feathers out there. Rather than be devisive or jealous I appreciate viewpoints from folks in premium sections. While I can't always relate I do like to hear about them. One thing I learned in 21 years in the Army was that it is a soldier's birthright to complain and that carries over to Nats fans from the guy with the six-pack plan to the suite holders. I am glad to hear all issues from all seating sections, true I'd rather hear Andrew's concerns while drinking a cold beverage in his suite than reading about them in SBF's or Ms Chatter's blog :-), but I do like to hear about them as some day I'd like to think I'll be bemoaning my own issues with my own suite. So I don't begrudge any venting be it from suite owner or bleacher seat guy.
Take me out to the Ballgame!
Sam
Anon at 9:00AM said...You have mentioned field passes and access to Nats players and personnel many, many times before so don't act like you are a typical season ticket holder. However, as stated by others, you are the fan that the Nats covet, The Big Spender. I understand that.
I am not a typical season ticket holder but that has nothing to do with owning a Suite. I wish some of it did. There is a mystery with all of us on the internet as many of us don't know each other outside of these blogs, pictures, etc.
My access to players started a long time ago as I own a Sports Marketing company with my wife so I have previous relationships with many players and agents around the league so my Suite has nothing to do with any player involvement or field passes.
The field passes which I have had 2 times this year have been for charitable work where I was an invited guest. I also have a 3rd opportunity for a field pass and my kids get to be lineup kid etc. which I won as a high bidder at a charity auction and not sure when I will use that.
A big part of my life is giving back whether that is Coaching a travel baseball team or stuffing envelopes for charity or taking a group of police officers to my Suite. My wife and I are very involved in children's charities and it is one of the most mutually rewarding things you can do and I really didn't want to "shout out" all we do as that isn't what charity is about, but I do a lot of Nationals personnel related charity work which is a story for another day.
We have 5 kids and our common demoninator has always been sports hence the passion for the Nationals, Redskins, Terps, etc.
I will leave you with one thought to ponder, there are 24 hours in a day and you can choose to do what you want with those 24 hours.
Ain't AMERICA GREAT!!!
God Bless Andrew and God Bless America!
This got 1st page Sports coverage in the Washington Post this morning.
"Nationals to Cut Some Season Ticket Prices".
It all looks positive then the last 2 paragraphs address the Presidents Seats.
As I copy the article --
The President Seats, located just behind home plate, have at times created an eyesore on television this year, at times creating the allusion of a half-empty ballpark. But Kasten said that the team is pleased with tickets in that area.
"That really worked out quite well for us between the groups and functions we've had in there," he said.
I have two good (but not premium) seats in a full-season plan. I'm of course happy to see that my ticket prices aren't rising, and I plan to renew.
I also am sympathetic to the various complaints from fans in all price ranges. In addition to providing more benefits--like the picnic or additional opportunities to interact with players, coaches, or managegment--I think the Nationals would benefit from focusing on all the little things that add up to showing the organization appreciates its fans and customers.
The appreciation needs to come from every department, whether ticket sales/services, guest services, community relations, or the foundation. And the appreciation should start with always getting the little things right--things like returning phone calls promptly and looking for opportunities to provide great customer service.
I have interacted with Nationals employees in different departments who truly get it--they are cheerful and pleasant, they respond to questions and try to solve problems, and they remember that I am a customer who will spend many thousands of dollars at the park this year. I appreciate good service when I get it, and I suspect the best employees are proud of the service they provide.
Unfortunately, I also have encountered employees in nearly every department who do not seem to get it. At best, they don't make an effort to understand the concerns of customers. And at worst, it is almost as if serving the customer is just too much trouble. I don't know if these employees are too busy, poorly trained, or just in the wrong job. And I don't know if the solution requires more spending for qualified employees or just a renewed effort to have a a culture of service.
Andrew should expect premium service for paying premium prices, and the rest of us should expect excellent service in return for our support of the team and our continued support of the business.
FAIR? Explain to me why this must be "fair" to the 75% who cannot afford or chose not to pay the big bucks? Are you suggesting that we should all be charged a price comensurate with our income and draw for seats out of a hat? Would I feel guilty if I got a perk or two that those with partial or inferior seats didn't get? I just wish I knew Andrew so I could suck up to him and get invited to his suite for an inning or two!
Wow Andrew,
That was brave of you. Next thing you know it, you'll have more opportunistic friends than you can count.
dcbatgirl@rcn.com
(I'm mostly kidding here.)
DCBATGIRL - Thanks.
Let's lock this one up as I shouldn't be the subject matter here as this blog subject is about 2009 season ticket prices.
I think we all have our own set of issues as they pertain to our own seating areas and season ticket packages, benefits, etc. and I am sure there are good ideas on what season ticket benefits we would all like to see.
I neglected to mention a couple of potentially important benefits that even partial plan holders do get. One is cheaper ticket prices and the other is access to the parking lots. Of course, it turned out that the parking benefit was of little value this year as the "Don't Drive - Take Metro" campaign and the Nats Express buses persuaded most of us not to park near the ballpark. Cash parking has been available since May.
I don't really need benefits - just sell me good seats at good prices. StubHub does that. If StubHub goes away, then it is true, as ABM writes, that I'd have to pay full price and might not get the seats I want.
I agree with Andrew that the Dugout Box seats are great but they are only available from the Nationals for the $5,265 Full Season Price. I can't get those seats on a 20 Game Plan. Sorry, I'm not willing to invest that much money to guarantee my good seats. And although I'm not sure I understand how the StubHub partnership benefits the Nationals, I am thankful for StubHub's partnership with MLB so I can get those seats on a per game basis.
I used StubHub to travel to Bal'more to see the Nats play and used StubHub. I got 2 tickets the day of the game and got 3rd row dugout. Easy & great.
For home games, the best thing to do is get into a partnership with people you can trust so you can get the section you desire.
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