Stadium Wants/Needs/Must Haves

Discussion in 'Columbus Crew' started by catfish9, Oct 30, 2018.

  1. kgilbert78

    kgilbert78 Member+

    Borussia Mönchengladbach
    United States
    Dec 28, 2006
    Cowlumbus, OH
    Club:
    Borussia Mönchengladbach
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Hefty TV fees and sponsorships allow the Bundesliga to charge less. The example in the US is the NFL (though NFL teams still charge an arm and a leg for tickets): the NFL could play behind closed doors and still make a nice profit. That's not true for, say, the NHL, where ticket revenue is vital.

    Teams that lose the Bundesliga money due to relegation often soon have major financial problems.
     
  2. Dr.Fever

    Dr.Fever Member

    Columbus Crew
    United States
    Oct 19, 2018
    Re:FCC

    Guess we will find out over the next three years as they move to 'MLS' prices.

    Perhaps MLS needs to look at their pricing.
     
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  3. eboe

    eboe Member+

    Columbus Crew
    United States
    May 23, 2006
    Columbus, OH
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    A little late because I'm lame and rarely come around here, but there was always talk of a pub called the Three Ds by Dante, Duncan and Dunny. Obviously 2 out of 3 local would make it work, if Duncs has moved back here or could be persuaded to do so.
     
  4. eboe

    eboe Member+

    Columbus Crew
    United States
    May 23, 2006
    Columbus, OH
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Ok, couldn't take reading all 58 pages... Has it been discussed if we can actually transplant sod from the existing pitch? Like, dig deep enough to nab the entire existing root structure so that we have that awesome pitch that we already have? Maybe take it in parts over time during the construction so we don't destroy our pitch but can cultivate that one simultaneously? I am no groundskeep so I don't know how it works. I just want to ensure that we don't waste 20 years of an amazing pitch. Also, I sure as hell hope that game on Saturday didn't destroy it.
     
  5. Kryptonite

    Kryptonite Fancy Title Here

    Apr 10, 1999
    Columbus
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States

    So you're saying that DDD is better than DD?
     
  6. Kryptonite

    Kryptonite Fancy Title Here

    Apr 10, 1999
    Columbus
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States

    Keep in mind it gets replaced every so often. The grass from 5/15/1999 is not the same as it is today.
     
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  7. kgilbert78

    kgilbert78 Member+

    Borussia Mönchengladbach
    United States
    Dec 28, 2006
    Cowlumbus, OH
    Club:
    Borussia Mönchengladbach
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I'd not be at all surprised if they laid the new turf well before the stadium is complete--and perhaps as one of the first things they do, just like they did for Mapfre back in the day. We'll see.
     
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  8. TheRealBilbo

    TheRealBilbo Member+

    Apr 5, 2016
    I'm sure Scott's, headquartered in Marysville, will consider the Crew's pitch it's crown jewel. It's a showcase for their lawn programs.
     
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  9. nkycrew

    nkycrew Member

    Apr 13, 2006
    Northern Kentucky
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Took this survey the other day and was extremely frustrated. I understand needing premiums but pricing your current sideline STHs out of remotely similar seats is a disaster. Plus, aren’t the corporate seats the ones empty the most often? I understand corporate is where the big money is, but man those prices were frustrating.
     
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  10. POdinCowtown

    POdinCowtown Member+

    Jan 15, 2002
    Columbus
    Yeah, I also told them I was price sensitive. You'll notice the prices for various seats changed in the different scenarios. No mention of PSLs but I told them more than a couple hundred bucks for a PSL would weed me out.
     
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  11. zman31

    zman31 Member+

    May 5, 1999
    Columbus, OH
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States

    Yeah, so many of the seats in my East Preferred location are corporate seats that never get filled. I've been lead to believe that Ricart owns almost an entire row behind me and they're empty every game.

    Corporate tickets and corporate use of those tickets are 2 different things. Getting more of both is important.

    I also agree that pricing out loyal midfield customers, of which I'm one (I've had the same seat since 1999) seems like a bad move. I would hope there would be a renewal/loyalty discount available. I fully understand that no one is building a $250M stadium without a plan to recoup that money. Making those midfield seats that get the most visibility on TV out of the price range of the people that have populated that zone for years may be counterproductive. Especially if the plan is to sell them to the business community which hasn't been much help over the years.
     
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  12. TheRealBilbo

    TheRealBilbo Member+

    Apr 5, 2016
    As for FCC pricing, I'm in Zone 2, at $455 per seat. That was up almost 60% from last year's $289 per seat.

    The comparable Crew seats include lower sideline @ $520 per seat, almost 15% more expensive. Zone 2 also include the equivalent of Crew's upper midfield at $432, and upper sideline at $368. I'm 30 rows up in the lower bowl, compared to only 20 rows in the lower section at Mapfre. My seat might actually be comparable to a $368 seat at Mapfre.

    I expect that differential to close, or even reverse for next year. I expect FC Cincinnati price to increase 25% next year.

    But, the underlying point is valid... MLS would sell a lot more seats at a $500-600 season ticket point.
     
  13. Minnman

    Minnman Member+

    Feb 11, 2000
    Columbus, OH, USA
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Here's what it looks like today:

     
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  14. Minnman

    Minnman Member+

    Feb 11, 2000
    Columbus, OH, USA
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I would assume, or at least hope, if survey results imply that the club can't sell a certain kind of seat at a certain price point (at least in the numbers they need to), the FO will re-assess their pricing structure.

    It's a supply and demand world, and if demand for $1,000 season tickets is great enough, then fans like you (and me) won't be buying tickets. Personally, I have grave doubts that there's much demand for tickets that are twice as pricey as they are today for a club that needs to double its season ticket base from where it is today.

    I do think tickets in the new stadium will be more expensive than in Mapfre. And I'm cool with that. But, in general, the price points included in that survey seemed excessively high to me, personally. In a few instances, I'd consider corner section pricing, or second deck far sideline seats. But that's about it. Regardless, I'm not going to lose a lot of sleep over a ticket price point survey about a stadium that hasn't been designed yet. Maybe in a few months we'll get another one that's informed by the results from this one.
     
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  15. stanger

    stanger BigSoccer Supporter

    Nov 29, 2008
    Columbus
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    At the symposium I went to, the moderator said there were going to be price increases, with supporters tickets being around $450 - $500 range.

    When we saw the prices for some of the high-end premium seats we all scoffed and the mod made it pretty clear those wouldn't be a majority of the seats anywhere but would come with some nice perks.

    There will be price increases, as I think there should be in a new facility, but I don't think we are looking at 50%+.

    @Draghignazzo is that what you remember from that night, too?
     
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  16. Alneri

    Alneri Member

    Columbus Crew
    United States
    Aug 3, 2018
    Was with you in this group and this is pretty much what I remember as well. He did say that the most upset people are going to be the ones who currently have the lower bowl, midfield seats. With the West side being premium seats from box to box that include some extremely nice perks, such as a clubhouse and many amenities. The East side center circle would most likely have a smaller premium bar area at a "cheaper price".

    With this those other seats get pushed outward. Current center circles, get bumped to sidelines or upper center circle. Sidelines get bumped to corners or upper sideline. Corners and upper sideline get bumped to endline. And Supporters section takes all of lower bowl North end line.

    You have to look at it as an East preferred seat in the new stadium is going to come with a hell of a lot more than the current east preferred. You aren't paying for just a seat.
     
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  17. patricksp

    patricksp 91.9 Crew Fan Rating

    Nov 4, 2007
    Columbus
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I like the field level seats, I like hearing the players talk to each other etc. Food and Beer was included. Crew Games they have an attendant that would bring you your Drinks. If you want to impress clients I can see why it's sold out, I feel it's why people like seats on the glass at Hockey games it gets you close to the action. The Blue Jackets charged like 7 Grand a seat and that didn't include Food, Beer and free parking.

    I have been to Orlando's Stadium sat in the Club section and Food, Beer and Drinks were included. They had a grab and go cooler for soft Drinks and water. They had Three Buffets and a Carving station it was really nice and that was 100 a seat.
     
  18. kgilbert78

    kgilbert78 Member+

    Borussia Mönchengladbach
    United States
    Dec 28, 2006
    Cowlumbus, OH
    Club:
    Borussia Mönchengladbach
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I'm already assuming that I'll not be sitting in anything close to resembling my current seats (124). As the new stadium will open close to my retirement date (assuming current plans), it's quite possible I'll drop my season tickets after the first year (I'll still likely keep a partial plan). If the sight lines are good, I'll be more likely to hang in there with it. It's not like my current tickets haven't at least doubled in price since I originally got them in 1999, so I was under no illusions.

    Before the stadium plans were shown to my focus group, I had hoped to be able to keep something resembling my current seats at about a 30% upcharge. Clearly, that is unlikely to happen now.

    Speaking about surveys, I got one from the NHL about "my Blue Jackets experience" and they did ask questions about my "mobile" experience. I had fun with that (insert evil grin here). But I was honest. This was the first season that I did not purchase any extra tickets for a game not in my package (I did take advantage of the three "free" games offered via the usual Blue Jackets survey, kids toy donation, and USO donation). I also noted that I no longer buy stadium food (sadly, I was not able to say why on that question).
     
  19. TracieB

    TracieB Member

    Oct 2, 1999
    Columbus, Ohio
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    That's great and all but who is going to buy those because they aren't sold out now. It's great when as a customer you don't feel valued. I started with 3 tickets in east preferred in 1999 and over the years increased it to 4 then to the 6 I now have. You have to remember you can't price yourself out of your market. We aren't NYC or LA.
     
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  20. Alneri

    Alneri Member

    Columbus Crew
    United States
    Aug 3, 2018
    The same people buying boxes and premium seats for the Blue Jackets or the Buckeyes. With the new stadium, Crew games will become a destination and a place to do work. We are now truly linked with the Columbus Partnership. We will be the hot ticket item.

    I do think that the images they are currently showing are over-valuing the actual size the premium seats will take up. I am sure these surveys along with their connections with corporations will give them a better idea of the number of these seats they need.

    Our leader of the focus group said most stadiums make about 80% of their revenue from 20% of their seats (or something along those lines).

    I will be curious to see what @Kyle Crew finds when comparing to other stadiums around the league.
     
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  21. Ueberjames

    Ueberjames Member+

    Columbus Crew
    Mar 28, 2009
    Stow, Ohio
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I don't think the Bundesliga charges less because of the TV revenues. It's more likely attributable to the 50+1 rule, wherein club management is still considered responsible to its members, which I'm sure you're aware of. If I want to, I can drop 60 Euros and become a member of FC Bayern.

    It's somewhat the same with clubs in England. Brighton and Hove Albion also has a membership program where you can buy a club membership with certain benefits, although I don't know if club memberships in England give you the right to attend the club's annual meeting. An interesting thing about Brighton and Hove Albion is that they have different pricing based on age. Whether I buy season tickets or individual game tickets, the club charges a different price for my ticket as opposed to the tickets for my kids. So, if I bought tickets for myself and my two boys, the tickets for my boys would be half the price of my tickets, even though we'd be sitting next to each other.
     
  22. kgilbert78

    kgilbert78 Member+

    Borussia Mönchengladbach
    United States
    Dec 28, 2006
    Cowlumbus, OH
    Club:
    Borussia Mönchengladbach
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    It has to help, though. Revenue is revenue.
     
  23. Ueberjames

    Ueberjames Member+

    Columbus Crew
    Mar 28, 2009
    Stow, Ohio
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I'm surprised MLS teams haven't investigated selling Club Memberships. Say they sell them at $50-75 a pop and the annual membership gets you a free member's gift, priority sales on single game tickets, discounts on tickets, concessions and at the team store, a subscription to streaming the team's game and invites to club member events. Basically it gets you some of the perks of season ticket membership without having to foot the bill for season tickets. Of course, season ticket members will receive a club membership included in their package, but will also receive additional perks like cheaper/better parking options.

    The idea of the club membership is that it might be a good option for people who want to support the club, but can't commit to a season ticket package or a multi game package due to current circumstances (time, money, etc). It gets them in and many will buy tickets when they can to take advantage of the ticket discount. Of course, some may not buy any tickets, but the team still gets their annual membership fee, which is a revenue stream for the club.

    I also really like Brighton and Hove's age-based pricing option because it gets the kids and seniors in at a discount. May make things difficult for resales, but I don't think it would hurt if team officials went over to other countries to see how their ticket pricing works and whether it's something we can implement here.
     
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  24. Kryptonite

    Kryptonite Fancy Title Here

    Apr 10, 1999
    Columbus
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    #599 Kryptonite, Apr 3, 2019
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2019
    Various thoughts:
    1) Corporate seats are the worst from a fan experience. The people who sit there are usually part of the "see and be seen" crowd. They'll get there late, go off to the bar, leave early and generally complain when they can't see the game, if they're at all interested in it. Look at the club section at OSU football games. They get there late and leave early. When the band plays at halftime, they usually play to that side... naturally, those fans are all inside seeing and being seen. It's EmptySeatsPics over there.

    ...but from a sales standpoint, the FO is happy to make a $10,000 sale for a few seats.

    2) Yeah, I also expect the amenities to...actually be there. Remember when the stadium club actually was a club with goings-on and it was limited as to who could enter? Look for this...and it may even open earlier than the rest of the stadium...who knows.

    3) B&H has discounts for seniors and kids? What a novel concept.

    4) Speaking of that, I like their "membership" idea...maybe even have an option where someone gets 10 (or 5 or whatever) coupons redeemable for tickets in a pre-determined price level on game day. It wouldn't be an actual ticket...but you'd trade it in for a ticket as your schedule would allow.
     
  25. Ch(Elsey)

    Ch(Elsey) Member+

    Columbus Crew
    United States
    May 2, 2003
    Green, Ohio
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I most likely took that survey way too seriously.
     

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