There's no doubt that the Seahawks will sell out every home game at Qwest Field this fall. In Seattle there is no hint of the attendance woes that have plagued teams like Jacksonville, but I have noticed something... Almost every day, I notice another person (or persons) on twitter celebrating a move from "season ticket waiting list" to "season ticket holder." Obviously, some people are choosing not to renew their season tickets, and that's opening up space for excited newbies. But what is up with that?
Are they spending that money on Mariners and or Sounders tickets? It sure looks like the Sounders are thriving, and while the M's attendance is down compared to 2008 (from 28,761 per game to 26,882 so far this year), they haven't been hit as hard by the dip in MLB attendance as a lot of other clubs. In fact, the M's have climbed to 17th in average attendance, up from 20th last season.
Right now, the M's are competitive and fans can come watch Junior again. The Sounders have novelty on their side in addition to being pretty damn awesome for a 1st-year expansion team. As much as it hurts to think about, a 4-12 season is pretty much a disaster anyway you look at it... It was bound to lead to the Hawks shedding some of the less committed (and/or wealthy) members of the season ticket base...
Without hard data, I'm just guessing here... But the combination of the recession and an awful 2008 season looks like it's led to a shrinking of that loooong waiting list for season tickets. As rabid as the 12th Man is, another non-playoff season in this economic climate could lead to *gasp* non-sellouts at Qwest in 2010 (and TV blackouts).
Any other theories? Or hard data I was too lazy to dig up this afternoon?
This is also a reminder that success and fan adoration is difficult to maintain. It wasn't that long ago that the Hawks were playing to 1/3rd empty houses in the Kingdome and Husky Stadium, which led to ticket prices being slashed, and opened the doors up to the unwashed rabble who could scrape together $200 for a pair of season tix...
Like me. :-]
5 comments:
I blame the green endzones.
It's gotta be the economy. You have to buy the season tickets then every game you have to pay parking, food, beer. Adds up. It's been tough making it to every Sounder game for free! It's mainly paying for gas though, I'm commuting from Bellingham.
After two years of waiting I am finally eligible for season tickets. I just got the email yesterday. Go figure it's at a time when I'm unemployed and heading back to school. I will find a way to buy them. Even if I have go into debt, I will.
Aaron,
Ahh, how I miss the 'Ham... I commuted from Bellingham for all the home games in '97 and '98, so I know what you're talking about.
SOP,
Dude... Do whatever you have to do. Not only are the regular season games mind-blowingly fun, but going to a Seahawks playoff game is about the most non-pornographic fun you can have.
My family finally got ours this year and I am happier than ever! Can't wait to make every single game and avoid calling in/clicking in on that one July day when single game seats are released.
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