The price of football is going up at Lambeau Field.
The Green Bay Packers announced today they are making modest raises throughout the stadium for the 2012 season. Tickets will go up between $3 and $5 per seat, per game depending on where they are located in the stadium bowl. Tickets will now be priced at $72, $80 or $92, depending on location.
“For the Packers, ticket revenue continues be an important component of our ability to remain financially competitive with the other 31 NFL teams,” Packers president Mark Murphy wrote in a letter to season-ticket holders. “Our goal each year is to be at the league average in terms of our ticket prices. This increase maintains our position near the league average.”
Murphy also updated ticket holders on the expansion to Lambeau Field, the three-year project that features a new sound system, two new video boards, 6,700 additional seats in the south end zone, two new gates and a new state-of-the-art concession sales system. The ongoing project will be fully complete for the 2013 season. The video boards are expected to be in place for the 2012 season.
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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune
You don't think we know what we're paying for when the Packers issue stock? You are the chump. It's more than spending $250 on a piece of paper, it's giving back to the team that has given me so much joy in my life. Metro, when your team can win 19 straight games then you can talk.
We realize the Packers are raising money, and we give them what the need. Because In other cities they raise taxes and charge people who couldn't care less about football for building stadiums. Instead the Packers fans, do their part, and no taxes are raised. Hmm, novel concept.
You people that think Packer fans were "tricked" into buying stock are morons. You really think we don't know the stock is worthless from a financial standpoint?
ppabich is exactly correct. Packer fans bought the stock because we understand the economic challenges the Packers face by not having a billionaire owner. That is why we as "owners" are more than willing to vote "yes" for a small tax increase in the Green Bay area to bankroll stadium renovations. That's also why we're happy to VOLUNTARILY spend a couple hundred bucks every 4-5 years to help maintain financial stability.
In turn, our classy and appreciative organization makes a point of not running up ticket and concession prices for the fans. They keep prices competitive, but reasonable. It's called good business. Apparently other fans are oblivious to this practice. Enjoy being hosed every time you buy a ticket or a beer to watching what is probably a losing franchise. We'll continue cheering for the "people's choice."
If you're sick of hearing about it, then quit talking shmitt every chance you get and we'll stop.
I'm glad that fans bought stock (donated money) rather than having another tax increase. If it means something to them then so be it. Its no different than buying any other team merchandise.
So what is it - a small tax increase, as WiscyPro claimed, or no tax increase, as ppabich and Brian claimed?
i bought a share for my son and he loved it. better investment than a sweatshirt or jersey that he'll outgrow, and it connects him to a special franchise -- even if it's just symbolic. and if it helps the packers compete, so be it. Fan for life. Go Pack. Idiots like Metro will never get it. Moving on.
JL - good question. The Packers did collect taxes in the Green Bay area, I believe it was about 6-7 years ago. It was a very small tax that only lasted a couple years. The Packers presented an offer to the city asking for a small contribution (relative to the total expense) to finance a large renovation of Lambeau. This included additional seating, large atrium and renovations to the Packer Hall of Fame. The entire Green Bay area voted before it was passed. Most feel it was well worth the money.
ppabich is probably thinking more short term. Instead of pushing for a mandatory tax increase across the board, the Packers offered this stock idea instead. This way, the only people paying are fans that really want to.....yes there are casual Packer fans that don't want to spend extra cash if they don't have to. Which is fine.
Feb 09, 2012
05:58 PM
"For the Packers, ticket revenue continues be an important component of our ability to remain financially competitive with the other 31 NFL teams,” Packers president Mark Murphy wrote in a letter to season-ticket holders - Yeah, that along with finding as many suckers as possible willing to shell out $250 + handling for a worthless piece of paper. Packer chumps, er fans, are lemmings.