The Business of Mets Baseball: Not Fan Friendly
Written by Kerri Senno, Monday August 03 2009
Yesterday, August 2, 2009, my brother and I had tickets to the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. New York Mets game at Citi Field. As has become typical, rain fell throughout the tri-state area, impinging upon the start time of the game, and even flooding local parkways. This game was part of a 16-game package we purchased before the start of the season. (Little did we know, half the team would end up on the DL, and the team would be out of contention by late July) We also had tickets to the postponed game on Wednesday night, which we were not able to attend the makeup. Of course, we were offered no refund.
Anyway, this article is meant to rally baseball fans regarding the business that has become of a National Past time. On Sunday, we ventured down to Citi Field, paid increasing toll fees of $5.50 each way over the Whitestone Bridge, not to mention gas prices. We paid the reasonable $18 to park outside of the stadium, because as you all know there are numerous activities in which to partake in Flushing Meadows that warrant such a price. Despite buying upper level seats, I have calculated that between tolls, gas, parking, food and ticket prices, my brother and I have given the Mets over $1,500 each, this season alone. For young, yet avid fans, this is a good chunk of money, especially to only to be treated as a seat number. I understand it is a business, I understand they want to make money, but I do not understand why they cannot bend when confronted by a loyal ticket-buyer.
After waiting over an hour yesterday, WFAN reported that the weather forecast did not look good. We turned around and headed home, not wanting to spend our entire Sunday in a parking lot. After 2 and a half hours, the Mets played a ball game, not one I would have wanted to see, but they played it nonetheless. Two and a half hours, the Mets organization made their fans wait, just so they could avoid a doubleheader today. This is absurd, even commentators on their flagship station thought the wait time was unfair. When I stated my position to the Mets ticket office, I received this response:
“Thank you for your email. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused by the rain we experienced on August 2nd.
As long as weather and field conditions permit, the Clubs and umpires are obliged to make every effort to play each scheduled game.
After the delay, the weather cleared up (the sun even came out) and we were able to play the game uninterrupted to its completion.
Once a game has been played and declared official by the league, the tickets have no exchange value. “
Well, thank you for pouring salt in the wounds. Of course I know the weather cleared up. I spent three hours sitting in a parking lot outside a baseball stadium, only to watch the game on TV later. Not only do my tickets have no exchange value, I was also gypped out of a Mr. Met free t-shirt, therefore denying all of my dreams and desires in life.
This instance, however, does not top the prolonged period of time it took for my brother to receive a refund on our playoff tickets last year. We, like all Met fans, received the personalized letter from Omar Minaya basically apologizing for the failure of his team; but, instead of receiving immediate cash back, we were offered tickets to a game of equal value next year. It took weeks of back and forth with the Mets Ticket office to convince them to give us our money back, and that we had no interest in buying tickets for next year’s failure of a season, but thanks, Omar, I really appreciate it.
In 2010, instead of spending approximately $3,000 on Mets tickets my brother and I will pool our money and buy:
- A used 1997 Dodge Dakota with 130,000 miles
- A signed Barack Obama baseball on EBay
- 3,000 Wendy’s five piece chicken nuggets (That is 15,000 Nuggets!!)
- A foreclosed home in Detroit, MI
- An antique Phonograph, apparently
- Tickets to 600 Nationals games
- Lawyer fees to sue the New York Mets on the terms of abuse, cruelty and torment
Tags:
Recent Mets Articles
- Mets closing in on sale of five $20 Million minority shares
- Mets get $40 million loan from bank: report
- Wally Backman is staying in Mets Organization
- Owners of the Mets are seeking to avoid a jury trial
- Mets Return to Form
- David Wright Is a Star for the Other Mets
- Jose Reyes Won't Discuss Extension During Season
- Own the Mets for One Dollar
- Einhorn Looking To Invest In Mets
- Should the Mets Keep Jose Reyes?
Leave a comment
Not So Fast! To publish your comment, you have to login
Not Registered? Register now as it only take 20 seconds!
Click here to browse
3 comments
Please sign in to rate!
I couldn't not agree more, Kerri. For a family of four to attend a professional sporting event, people need to be prepared to spend a minimum of $450-$500 depending on seat locations. I'm not sure how many parents want to spend that kind of money for a few short hours. But hey, you and your brother could also consider a trip to Costa Rica next year and still save!
Please sign in to rate!
I know you love the Mets. The problem is, the Mets don't love you. I can't believe how much more it costs to see the Red Sox in Boston, vs. my recent trip to Baltimore. Are Nats games really $5??? I might go check that out...
Please sign in to rate!
Can't decide which makes me sicker The Mets or 3000 chicken nuggets. Good point Kerri, Met's administration should be happy with anyone who still shows up at games and should be given a better answer with some restitution.