If you all haven't heard the news this morning about Toronto FC and their ticket prices today, then let me sum it up for you. Tom Anselmi has announced that season ticket prices for the 2013 season is being rolled back to 2007 prices for all existing season ticket holders. Also, any newcomers looking to buy season tickets will also experience drastic reductions.
First off, I'll say this. This is an incredible gesture of goodwill from MLSE to the season seat holders. I was at a loss for words when I heard the announcement, because MLSE is a sports organization known for gouging its customers with high ticket prices and overall incompetence in managing their sports teams. But when I heard that announcement, I got the feeling that MLSE was at least aware of the supporter unrest at Toronto FC, and felt pressure from those who expressed their concern about high ticket prices.
An issue I had with ticket prices is that (according to the media) 2013 Single Game tickets will still be at 2012 levels. I still think single game tickets are a bit too high and it could have done with a slight reduction at the very least. I think Tom Anselmi and MLSE missed an opportunity to address the supporters who don't have the time or money to go to all the Toronto FC matches. They also missed an opportunity to address the casual crowd who are now apathetic on going to Toronto FC matches, because even though the die-hard supporters will always be there for the club, it is the casual crowd who can help market the club to new fans. If you can reduce the prices for them, some may come back.
While the ticket price reductions have been very good news for the club, MLSE's work is not done. For many supporters, season ticket prices isn't the issue as to why they won't be coming back to BMO Field. These supporters would like to see a new direction for the club, and I would as well. MLSE needs to remove those in the front office and they MUST hire a new club president with relevant experience in North American soccer. Whether MLSE will actually do that can only be decided by time.
With the failure to reduce single game tickets, and the potential lack of addressing the actual direction of Toronto FC, I fear that there will be a continuation of empty seats on match-days at BMO Field and general supporter apathy.
I'll end on a positive note. MLSE are on the right track to winning over the supporters again, but they have a lot more work to do.
Quick Thoughts: Stephen Hart has resigned as Canadian Men's National Team Head Coach. I respect him for all he has done for the men's program, but Hart made the right decision by resigning, which I applaud him for. I can only imagine how he felt after the 8-1 loss to Honduras, and I can only imagine how he feels now. I wish him all the best on his future endeavors.
No comments:
Post a Comment