Friday, April 16, 2004
To Raise Money, Baseball Tries New Squeeze Play
Richard Sandomir of the New York Times discusses how the owners of MLB's two oldest ballparks have found ways to cram more fans into their facilities. The Boston Red Sox will generate an additional $4-$6 million in revenue from the seats atop Fenway Park's Green Monster and right-field roof, while in Wrigley Field the Cubs moved the backstop 10 feet closer to home plate to add 213 premium seats.
The Cubs have also effectively expanded Wrigley Field through revenue-sharing deals with the owners of 13 buildings across the street who sell rooftop seats. Cubs executive vice president Mark McGuire says, "Now, they're truly our partners, and we're promoting them and steering business to them. They're like an extension of the stadium."
Newer facilities are also getting into the act. The Baltimore Orioles added two rows of seats behind the plate and down the lines, while in Seattle, the Mariners have converted part of their press box into the park's most expensive luxury suite, renting for $5,500-$9,000/game.
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Richard Sandomir of the New York Times discusses how the owners of MLB's two oldest ballparks have found ways to cram more fans into their facilities. The Boston Red Sox will generate an additional $4-$6 million in revenue from the seats atop Fenway Park's Green Monster and right-field roof, while in Wrigley Field the Cubs moved the backstop 10 feet closer to home plate to add 213 premium seats.
The Cubs have also effectively expanded Wrigley Field through revenue-sharing deals with the owners of 13 buildings across the street who sell rooftop seats. Cubs executive vice president Mark McGuire says, "Now, they're truly our partners, and we're promoting them and steering business to them. They're like an extension of the stadium."
Newer facilities are also getting into the act. The Baltimore Orioles added two rows of seats behind the plate and down the lines, while in Seattle, the Mariners have converted part of their press box into the park's most expensive luxury suite, renting for $5,500-$9,000/game.
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