Having learned from their mistake a year ago, the Mariners sent word Friday to season ticket holders about 2014 ticket prices, bearing the good news that there would be no increase. Last season, the club did not provide the usual courtesy heads-up to its most important customers about an increase, adding another log on the fire of contempt the franchise had been building.
Nothing was mentioned in the release about increasing the team’s performance. Not that anyone would have believed it, anyway. At 65-81 with a tough road trip upon them, the Mariners have lost 14 of their past 20 games, including a three-game home sweep by the wretched Astros, and may not not equal last season’s 75-87 dismalness. They are virtually assured of their eighth losing season in the past 10.
With six home games remaining, the club is averaging 22,173, 25th in MLB, and slightly ahead of the 2012 average of 21,258, the worst in Safeco’s history.
Regarding ticket prices, Mariners spokesperson Rebecca Hale said the club wanted to avoid “the problem” of last year when an increase for most seats went out without the usual warning. This time, “we’re being transparent,” she said, but also said there will be increase in some categories.
Here’s the team’s explainer:
The Mariners “variable pricing” for individual games in each season ticket plan, which is largely driven by the opponents on the schedule. Because of that, partial season ticket plans such as weekend, business, half-season and 16-game will decrease or increase slightly, based on the games included in the plan. Partial season ticket plan holders will continue to receive discounts of up to 20 percent off the cost of single game tickets.
Season Ticket Plans and Prices at a Glance
Under “variable” pricing for season tickets, games are divided into four categories based on several factors including opponent, day of the week, month of season and special event. The 2014 schedule, which was released earlier this week by the Mariners, is divided into the following variable pricing categories:
· Single (eight games)
· Double (25 games)
· Triple (39 games)
· Home Run (nine games)
Full Season plans (all 81 home games)
Weekend Plans (Friday-Sunday games plus opening night – 40 games)
Half-season plans (every other home game – 40 games)
Business plans (Monday-Thursday games – 41 games)
Partial season ticket holders have options available to switch to other plans that better fit their schedules or budgets while still maintaining their season ticket holder priority status.
Season ticket holder benefits
Mariners season ticket holders enjoy a variety of exclusive benefits in addition to discounts off single game ticket prices. Other benefits include:
· Team store discounts of 10 percent every day (and 20 percent every Tuesday) at all five stores.
· Discount on pre-paid season parking at Safeco Field garage.
· Discounts on select Safeco Field suites.
· Exclusive season ticket holder events and opportunities such as early gate openings to watch Mariners batting practice, exclusive meet and greet opportunities, and much more.
· Presales for spring training single game tickets and other Safeco Field special events.
· Hit It Here Café reservations on game days for full and half season plan holders.
· Secure online ticket management, including resale and forwarding services.
Information about 2014 Mariners season tickets is now available on mariners.com, or by calling 206-346-4001.
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