...what do you need to see to feel better about the purchase? Are you considering dropping some or all tickets? How do you think retention will be outside of the more ardent fans like those here? I ask because I'm seriously considering dropping two seats. At least one has gone unused almost every game and my wife isn't always down for going. I'm not seeing anything that makes me feel excited about having seats and going every week. I like it and still want to do it for now, but after the excitement and enthusiasm last year, this was a huge let down. I was hoping losing LeToux would have been as bad as it got, but it kept getting worse and worse. I also thought the crowd last night was dreadful and I can't recall a non open cup or weather challenged game with announced attendance under 17k. Far fewer actually showed. Instead of the no brainer type decision it was the last two years, I'm actually asking questions of the purchase and I've been totally fine not shelling out $$$ on merch this year too.
I'll be back next year, but the team hasn't gotten a single dollar from me this year for merch and not much money spent on beer and food in the stadium. I think alot of people are in your boat though, they have multiple tickets and are starting to wonder over to the fence about keeping the tickets or letting them go. The team is going into year 4 with question marks up and down the roster, what they do in the offseason will truly speak to the fans about if they should come back I think.
The interesting thing is that the renewal is coming earlier this year. For right now, I'm dropping two of four, but better play and an active transfer window could have convinced me otherwise.
If they really want renewals to blow through the roof for next year, get folks on the "waiting list" to commit, etc, they've pretty much ruined it with their play this season, concession that the playoffs are out of reach, and letting go of fan favorites (after Le Toux left, the ticket reps were inundated with phone calls). It would be nice to know NOW what their plans on regarding Hackworth's future and/or their official stance on bringing in talent that can shore up our weaknesses. If they can convince STHs to stay positive and the future truly is bright, then I could see renewals being strong. If they wait until after the season to make these decisions/announcements, renewals will be well underway, and I'd be hard-pressed to believe the non-hardcore fans would been quick to open their wallets and secure their seats for 2013. I'm renewing ... in this for the long haul ... no fairweather fan here.
I'm in it for 2013. I expect to renew at least two out of my three tickets. It would be tough to have to choke down another year like this one though, and I would like to see a permanent coach at the end of this season not named Hackworth. I am not sure if I would renew for a subsequent year if it means putting up with another year like this one.
Quoting myself to add that the reason I'm considering dropping a seat is similar to the OP. I usually send out an email with the schedule to friends & family. The first 2 seasons I had no problems filling out the extra seat. This year? It's been a battle every week. It's not that the people I take aren't fans, they just don't feel like seeing bad soccer. Who can blame them? If it's going to be tough again next year, though, I may just bag the extra seat.
Declining interest from family + other major stuff going on = no renewal for me. I'll get individual game tix from now on.
Thought never crossed my mind, I love this team til the day I die. My 2 seats def renewed, I am hoping for a move to the shady side this season though with hopes of the fair-weather fans dropping some seats! It is unfortunate the team can not strategically announce a Le Toux signing, to boost sales, before renewals are due. Jungite Aut Perite. I was actually surprised how full it was. Wednesday night, kids back in school, poor form on the field, not playing for anything....
I love the team, but I think everyone has limits. I can respect optimism about the crowd last night and I think the day and time sucked, but that was a dreadful crowd and I think it points to declining interest which sparked my question. I'm honestly tired of trying to find takers for seats and would be happy spending $1400 on the mostly unused pair somewhere else.
Actually enjoyed the 8PM start. Didn't have to play Need For Speed to get down there in time. This time of year just like early on is rough on weeknight matches in general. The fact is with American Football cranking up this is one of the ways to stay on the TV through the end of the season. As for season tickets, I took a job prior to this season in Central PA and my house right now is in the Lehigh Valley. We're finally moving in the offseason to be closer to my job, however that makes drives to the game longer, hence the Need For Speed comment above. I have two tickets in club for midfield price thanks to the loyalty rewards, but can't see the $1000 hit keeping those seats for next year to be a prudent option especially when the only thing you get is access to select alcohol and a $30 a seat buffet. The Mrs. is putting intensified pressure to drop the tickets, so I will definitely drop to say sideline shady side (or further) or cave and drop the tickets.
Myself, I have been onboard with this team since before the beginning. All in as you say. I have four sideline seats that run me close to $3000 with parking. I have never missed a game, and have travelled to many away games as well. I am really disappointed with the direction this team has taken and continues to appear like they are headed. That being said my love for this team can be summed up in "Ad Finem Fidelis". I plan on being that 80 year old guy who has never missed a game in the last forty years. I am considering dropping one of my 4 seats, but it is simply because my daughter left for college. I'm 50/50 on keeping it or dropping it, but it has nothing to do with the team or it's direction or performance.
This is the question isn't it then...I hope like hell that the U front office is viewing this thread. I'm broke as hell supporting 4 people on my salary and to be honest I pulled this year's S.T. money straight outa my a$$. I love the U and I'm in for the long haul but my question is - can I convert my 2 seats to half season tickets or do I lose all rights to them by doing that? Does anyone know? I agree with an earlier post in this thread that somebody in the FO should do a video right now and explain what the F^% happened this year and what they're going to try and do about it.
They the FO are predicting a 30% drop in STH renewals for next year....I'm kinda in the same boat as you, I have 3 tickets and I'm struggling to be able to justify the expense for next year and would consider a partial plan
I am keeping my seats, but a few of the people I go with are getting rid of their's. I love soccer so I am going to give it more time, if not forever, but it really is a shitty product. They are almost unwatchable from a pure soccer standpoint. Are we the worst offensive team in the MLS? I just hope they don't do something stupid and resign Letoux to boost ticket sales. The FO, The team all suffer from the same problem, poor leadership.
I think they're trying to put that idea out there to shore up renewals. The patented front office move, The Raul Ruse.
Life is lived on the margin. The team does well and ticket sales go up 30%. Not so well and sales are down 30%. But that does leave me in that core group that does not change. I am in it for the long haul. I have waited so many years for Soccer to grow in this country, I will not let go that dream. So, I will be re upping my five mid field seats on the sunny side. I do hope that the Front Office is thinking about what they need to do to ensure the long term viability of the club. I want my sons to be able to bring their children to theer very first professional soccer match in PPL park. By then (say, 15 years from now), the Union will have a lot of memories. Some great and some not so great.
I got season tickets this season. Only about $650 for tickets since I sit in the RE but I am not sure if I will be renewing. First of all I am a college student with a limited income who has to pay for books, gas money, etc. Second of all I live two hours away so after parking, tolls, gas, etc. I end up paying close to $130 a game including tickets. So I am undecided now but if I had to make the decision I would probably say no. But if that was the case I would still try going to as many games as I can through RE Ticket Thread here or individual tickets. I still plan on going to at least 10 games next season.
I am not sure if that should be in red or not. But by the chance you are serious it is more of a financial decision than anything. I still love the Union with all my heart and would renew if I had a bit more money.
me too. between student loans and mortgage i find myself eating bread and butter for dinner a few times a week. If public transportation was a bit better I would think about it. in one of the corners.