Folks, I almost spilled my coffee reading this one. The Buffalo Bills are moving into their shiny new Highmark Stadium, and season ticketholders got a sneak peek at an open practice last week. But, bless their hearts, some of them weren’t too happy with what they saw. It seems that some seats have obstructed views of the field, which is just peachy when you’re paying top dollar to watch a game. I mean, who needs to see the entire field, right? You can just watch the Jumbotron like everyone else.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – what’s the big deal about a few obstructed seats? Well, it’s not just the seats, folks. The real issue is the cost of attending games at this new stadium. We’re talking higher ticket prices, personal seat licenses (PSLs) that can range from $750 to $50,000 per seat, and all sorts of other expenses that are making it tough for fans to afford. I mean, $850 million in taxpayer money already went into funding the construction of this place, and now fans are being asked to shell out even more cash.
Angelica James, a season ticketholder, decided to downgrade her seats to general admission because the prices were just too high. She’s not angry at the team, though – she just thinks that everyone is trying to make a buck these days. And you can’t blame her, really. The NFL is a business, after all. But still, it’s tough to see fans getting priced out of their own teams.
The Bills raised an estimated $250 million from the sale of PSLs, which is a pretty penny. And with five other NFL teams planning new stadiums in the next five years, you can bet that PSLs and higher ticket prices will be coming to a stadium near you. It’s all about supply and demand, folks. The teams know that fans will pay top dollar to see their favorite teams play, so they’re going to keep on charging.
Victor Matheson, a professor of economics at the College of the Holy Cross, says that the NFL’s last building boom raised ticket prices by 30% in the first year of a new stadium. He expects this next round to do the same, if not more. And with PSLs being a big money maker for teams, you can bet that they’ll be included in all the new stadiums.
Now, I know some of you are thinking, “But Big Elephant, the new stadiums have better amenities and a better fan experience!” And that’s true, folks. The new stadiums do have wider seats, better concourses, and more concessions. But all those bells and whistles come at a cost, and that cost is being passed on to the fans.
In the end, it’s all about the benjamins, folks. The teams want to make money, and the fans are willing to pay it. But it’s still tough to see fans getting priced out of their own teams. As Angelica James said, “It’s not just the Bills, it’s everyone in the world is trying to make money.” And you can’t argue with that.
So, the next time you’re at a game and you’re complaining about the cost of a hot dog or a ticket, just remember – it’s all part of the game, folks. And if you’re lucky enough to have a seat with a good view, consider yourself blessed. Otherwise, you might be stuck looking at a railing or a cable all game long. Ah, the joys of being a sports fan!
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
