Thread: Rockies Change World Series Ticket Sales Policy

http://cbs4denver.com/sports/local_story_290123150.html

“(CBS4/AP) DENVER The Colorado Rockies have abandoned their plans to sell World Series tickets in person by a lottery system, opting instead for online purchases only.

The team announced the new plan on Wednesday, saying online sales would be the more fair….

”Prices range from $65 to $250 and are limited to four per person. Games 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary) are scheduled in Denver Oct. 27-29.

Club president Keli McGregor said the Rockies consulted with Major League Baseball before making the change….

Rockies spokesman Jay Alves insisted the club's computers were ready to go and said the staff is prepared for any crashes….

"We are comfortable and confident in what we have to allow the most fans to get the most tickets we can possibly distribute," he said.

Some fans don't agree and are very upset with the decision. Barb Whittemore said she doesn't even have a computer and now won't have a chance to get tickets.

"This isn't equal at all," Whittemore said. "There are a lot of people that aren't even going to have a chance."

"It’s not going to be just scalpers in Denver," another fans said. "It's going to be scalpers from all over the country because anybody can get online."

Peter Bishop, 32, had planned to start work late Monday so he could be in line at Coors Field at 7:30 a.m. for the lottery. Along with friends and family members, he wants eight seats, ideally for Game 3….

“One season ticket holder who identified himself only as Jim was offering two Game 4 tickets on Craigslist for $1,500 each. He said he will be at Coors Field for the World Series but couldn't use all his tickets.

The ticket reseller StubHub already has sold more than 700 tickets for Game 3 at an average price of $718, spokesman Sean Pate said. The cheapest sale was an upper right field reserved seat that sold for $348; the most expensive sale was $3,000 for an infield box seat, Pate said.

Cleveland and Boston are still competing for the American League title, but World Series tickets at Fenway Park and Jacobs Field are already selling on StubHub. The average price on StubHub was $1,556 for a seat in Boston and $472 in Cleveland, Pate said.”

So what’s YOUR take on this new policy? While I like the convenience of online shopping for tickets for anything from sporting events to rock concerts, slamming the door on the local ticket office option for local Rockies fans doesn’t sit well with me.

Take this scenario (this is my take): A loyal local fan, who has supported the team since the inception—through thick and thin, through only partially filled stands—finds himself out in the cold for possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be at Coors Field during the World Series. Meanwhile, some well-heeled bloke from 2,000 miles away—and possibly doesn’t even like the Rockies—gets his seat, thanks to online scalpers.

I am really sorry to see them do this. Scott Hastings and Alfred Williams were talking about this today on their radio show today, and they said that even though one person is limited to 4 tickets for each of the three games here, it is a well known fact that the brokers pay people to sit at computers purchasing tickets that the broker ends up selling WAY over the face value. This will also let anybody anywhere purchase tickets and sell them for ridiculous prices on ebay, etc.

I understand season ticket holders get first shot, but this is what some of them are already doing!!!!!

“One season ticket holder who identified himself only as Jim was offering two Game 4 tickets on Craigslist for $1,500 each. He said he will be at Coors Field for the World Series but couldn't use all his tickets.

The ticket reseller StubHub already has sold more than 700 tickets for Game 3 at an average price of $718, spokesman Sean Pate said. The cheapest sale was an upper right field reserved seat that sold for $348; the most expensive sale was $3,000 for an infield box seat, Pate said.

Tonight on Ch 4 news, Jim Benneman said that someone (I believe he said on Craiglist is selling a rockpile ticket which will go for $65.00, for something like $17,800??????????? Of course, I can't believe any one would pay that price, but I am sure that person will make a very nice profit.

The Rockies spokesperson said this was the easiest way to do it - OF COURSE, it is easier for the Rockies personnel to not have to be there waiting on people wanting to buy tickets, and of course, all games will be sold out, so who suffers - the people who will not be able to purchase tickets who really want to attend the games because a lot of the tickets will be in the hands of brokers, scalpers, or season ticket holders who will make A LOT of money.

I THINK IT STINKS. I sent an email to the Rockies today stating my feelings on this.

I kinda like it. Mostly because this way Kap can buy us tickets if things work out.

Originally Posted by Denver Native (Carol)

I am really sorry to see them do this. Scott Hastings and Alfred Williams were talking about this today on their radio show today, and they said that even though one person is limited to 4 tickets for each of the three games here, it is a well known fact that the brokers pay people to sit at computers purchasing tickets that the broker ends up selling WAY over the face value. This will also let anybody anywhere purchase tickets and sell them for ridiculous prices on ebay, etc.

I understand season ticket holders get first shot, but this is what some of them are already doing!!!!!

“One season ticket holder who identified himself only as Jim was offering two Game 4 tickets on Craigslist for $1,500 each. He said he will be at Coors Field for the World Series but couldn't use all his tickets.

The ticket reseller StubHub already has sold more than 700 tickets for Game 3 at an average price of $718, spokesman Sean Pate said. The cheapest sale was an upper right field reserved seat that sold for $348; the most expensive sale was $3,000 for an infield box seat, Pate said.

Tonight on Ch 4 news, Jim Benneman said that someone (I believe he said on Craiglist is selling a rockpile ticket which will go for $65.00, for something like $17,800??????????? Of course, I can't believe any one would pay that price, I I am sure that person will make a very nice profit.

The Rockies spokesperson said this was the easiest way to do it - OF COURSE, it is easier for the Rockies personnel to not have to be there waiting on people wanting to buy tickets, and of course, all games will be sold out, so who suffers - the people who will not be able to purchase tickets who really want to attend the games because a lot of the tickets will be in the hands of brokers, scalpers, or season ticket holders who will make A LOT of money.

I THINK IT STINKS.

Hear-HEAR, Carol! I think it stinks as well--and I'm only a newbie Rockies fan. I just feel that the Rockies' most loyal are getting crapped on by this indifferent act.

As an aside, I listen to "Scott and Al," as well. Ain't they a HOOT?!

They comprise my favorite local sports show. By contrast, I can barely abide that priggish attitude of Sandy Clough in the mornings. I don't know... he just comes off as conceited, the way he appears to hold callers in contempt.

Just my take...

u/b

Originally Posted by Snapping Turtle

I kinda like it. Mostly because this way Kap can buy us tickets if things work out.

Huh? Did she hit the Lottery or sumpin'????

For the record, my little reptilian frin <gol>, I'm not against online sales--not in the least. I'm just sayin' that they should not have shut down the local (Coors Field) ticket offices at the same time. It would have been nice of the management to hold back a few thousand tickets, reserved for the locals, who are more than willing to brave the long lines to go see their home team play in the Series.

Agreed? Agreed! I just KNEW you would agree, young lady!

Originally Posted by Uncle Buck

Hear-HEAR, Carol! I think it stinks as well--and I'm only a newbie Rockies fan. I just feel that the Rockies' most loyal are getting crapped on by this indifferent act.

As an aside, I listen to "Scott and Al," as well. Ain't they a HOOT?!

They comprise my favorite local sports show. By contrast, I can barely abide that priggish attitude of Sandy Clough in the mornings. I don't know... he just comes off as conceited, the way he appears to hold callers in contempt.

Just my take...

u/b

Yes, the Rockies' most loyal are getting crapped on. Sure would not look too "cool" if the stands were half full. Of course, all tickets would have been sold, BUT maybe all tickets will not be used, as the "ordinary" fan CANNOT afford the broker or scalper's price.

Oh yeah, Scott and Al are great. Clough does not seem to be as bad as he used to be.

Why couldnt they only allow online purchases by those with Colorado zip codes? That would at least keep it local. Unfortunately, theres little that can be done about the scalpers. What made them decide to do this? Why couldnt they do both?

Originally Posted by lex

Why couldnt they only allow online purchases by those with Colorado zip codes? That would at least keep it local. Unfortunately, theres little that can be done about the scalpers. What made them decide to do this? Why couldnt they do both?

The reason I heard is that it would be easier this way?????????????? At a time when the Rockies' organization has just got back the support they once had for the Rockies, and then lost, you would think they would be smarter than this. Throw EASIER out the window, and do whatever it takes for the Rockies' fans - NOT THE BROKERS AND SCALPERS

Originally Posted by Denver Native (Carol)

Yes, the Rockies' most loyal are getting crapped on. Sure would not look too "cool" if the stands were half full. Of course, all tickets would have been sold, BUT maybe all tickets will not be used, as the "ordinary" fan CANNOT afford the broker or scalper's price.

Oh the stands will be packed alright. That is a given. There are plenty enough millionaires around to make sure of that--more than enough to fill up some 50,000 seats, many times over. Some members of the "Hollywood Elite" (who like to be seen at big-time sporting events), to cite one example, would not even *cough* at a $6K price for the more choice seats.

The day after, it will be forgotten. Perhaps their team isn't even playing. To them, it was just another "happening." "THE" place to be at the time.

Meanwhile, there will be many loyal Rockies fans--real fans--who will have been shut out to an event that they would remember for a lifetime.

Does this mean that I'm against the wealthy? Heaven's NO! I'm an astute believer in the free enterprise system. I'm a conservative. I believe in being rewarded for individual achievment.

But, still, like you, I think the way this is all is going down just... well, "stinks."

And I think that the Rockies players, themselves (to include Coach Hurdle), would agree. But they could never speak out against a decision handed down by Management, of course.

They are just the players, as we are just the fans.

Originally Posted by Denver Native (Carol)

The reason I heard is that it would be easier this way?????????????? At a time when the Rockies' organization has just got back the support they once had for the Rockies, and then lost, you would think they would be smarter than this. Throw EASIER out the window, and do whatever it takes for the Rockies' fans - NOT THE BROKERS AND SCALPERS

Well just so you know. The Tribune was in a court case for being involved in scalping tickets by selling unused tickets. They won this case. But you have to also remember this is Chicago. Another thing is that in 2005, Jerry Reinsdorf used the WS to boost season ticket sales. By buying season tickets for 2006, you could buy WS tickets for 2005.

You are right UB - we will have a stand full of ladies in dresses/high heels,with their furs on, and their escorts will have on 3 piece suits

Originally Posted by lex

Why couldnt they only allow online purchases by those with Colorado zip codes? That would at least keep it local. Unfortunately, theres little that can be done about the scalpers. What made them decide to do this? Why couldnt they do both?

I agree, in part, Lex... at least as far as I understand what you meant by the above. BTW, I don't think I've "met" you. Pleased to meet you, Lex.

I agree that it is difficult to do much against the scalpers. Yet, I don't think that online sales should be limited by zip code. Like you, I think they should have made an effort to do BOTH!

In summary, make online tickets available while, at the same time, hold back a designated number of tickets for those willing to purchase in person, at the local ticket office--in person, on location.

Any surplus tickets could be re-released for online availability.

The bottom line is this: I'm not seeing much evidence that the Rockies management is making an effort to pay back the local fans over the years who have supported them--through thick and thin.

And, as Carol has stated, "this stinks."

I just hope it doesn't turn into a "curse."

<don't mind me, that was Rebecca speaking>

Hey, if I can get a couple of tickets to the Rockpile for me and Snapp, it's great.


Bear in mind that the majority of sporting events (including the NFL event in London) in Europe ONLY have online sales.

And those are bigger stadiums than what you have in the USA.

Also, given what the weather is like in Denver at the moment, do you really think opening themselves up for a lawsuit because someone got hypothermia waiting for a ticket is in the best interests of the club.

Stay at home, in the warm, with your comp, and buy your tickets.

Originally Posted by Kapaibro

Hey, if I can get a couple of tickets to the Rockpile for me and Snapp, it's great.


Bear in mind that the majority of sporting events (including the NFL event in London) in Europe ONLY have online sales.

And those are bigger stadiums than what you have in the USA.

Also, given what the weather is like in Denver at the moment, do you really think opening themselves up for a lawsuit because someone got hypothermia waiting for a ticket is in the best interests of the club.

Stay at home, in the warm, with your comp, and buy your tickets.

OH????

sez WHO?!, re, bigger stadiums??

And the weather here is just fine, pouty-face!

Anyway, I will forgive you for your Euro-arrogance if you can also score tickets for moi, as well.

Well it's just like anything else....those who have the most money get it, not those who deserve it the most. Sad, but true.