Posted: February 22, 2011 6:38 p.m. CT
By BILL HUBER
PackerReport.com
With a stagnant economy and coming off a six-win season on the field, the Green Bay Packers in 2009 broke with their every-other-year pattern of raising ticket prices by holding the line for a third consecutive season.
The economy is still stagnant but coming off a Super Bowl season on the field, the Packers on Friday announced they were raising ticket prices for a second consecutive year, this time by $2 to $4, depending on the section in the stadium bowl. The increase comes on the heels of an average price hike of $9 per ticket a year ago.
Invoices being sent to season-ticket holders next week include a letter from Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy that discusses the increase.
"This increase keeps us at the league average in terms of ticket price among NFL teams, allows us to remain competitive financially with other clubs and continues to recognize the value of Lambeau Field's game-day experience," Murphy said in the letter, with the latter point referring to Lambeau Field's high ranking by many media outlets.
Season tickets between the 20-yard lines (sections 115-124 and 322-330) will increase $4 to $87, other sideline seats (sections 109-114, 125-130, 314-320 and 332-338) will increase $3 to $76 and end-zone seats (sections 100-108, 131-138, 303-312 and 340-354) will increase $2 to $69. Payment is due in the Packers' ticket office March 31.
For context, the Packers said the best sideline seat for the Vikings was $143, the Bears $125, and the Lions $110.
Suite tickets will increase $4 to $87.
Meanwhile, while noting that he expects the league and players to hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement in time for the season, Murphy said season-ticket holders will be refunded for any missed games - with interest - if there is a work stoppage.
Bill Huber is publisher of PackerReport.com and Packer Report Magazine. PackerReport.com is the only all-Packers Web site that publishes stories and features 365 days a year. The 64-page, full-color magazine was founded by Ray Nitschke in 1973 and is published 10 times a year. Click here for subscription information.
