Cincinnati Bengals Announce Price Reduction In 85 Percent Of Club Seats At PBS

After announcing last week that they were reducing ticket prices in 20 sections at Paul Brown Stadium for next season, the Cincinnati Bengals wanted to do more. On Friday they announced that they've reduced the price on 85 percent of the team's club seating. Among the 30 club seat sections, 26 will be reduced in price by as much as $50.

"This is the ultimate way to experience a Bengals game, and we're pleased to offer more varied pricing for fans," said Jeff Berding, Bengals director of sales and public affairs. "These seats are at the desired mid-level of the stadium, they are larger and cushioned with extra legroom, and they provide direct access to the Club Lounge where you can get out of the weather in well-appointed indoor Club areas. We are also planning to refresh the interiors this off-season, so the space will continue to offer a premium environment."

Club season seats for 2013 will begin at $130 per game and range to $260, based on yard-line location. All Club seat holders have access to the same amenities in seat comfort and Club access. Prices for 2012 were $135-270. Reductions vary by section location, with the biggest savings available in sections that have dropped from $270 to $220 per game.

When the Cincinnati Bengals were struggling to sell tickets last year, with a rookie quarterback stirring a fan base that's thirsting, not just for a winner but sustained success, excuses were floated. It's the economy. It's a fan-imposed boycott, demanding that the team do what's necessary to build a winner. Our argument was much simpler. Reduce the ticket prices.

Lower the prices, make parking cheaper, offer deals more than a free goddamn bag of popcorn. Other teams do it. The 7-5 Detroit Lions, who haven't struggled with sell outs this season, offered $42 for their cheapest ticket through their website. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are as low as $35. The Rams cheapest tickets when they host the Bengals later this month is $45 and Thursday Night Football's game with Cleveland hosting the Steelers, fans can still purchase tickets for $46.50. These prices are obtained through team's respective websites.

Should teams be forced to persuade fans to come to the games. Absolutely. Teams should know the fans' pulse and their situations, know what they’re dealing with and how to compensate for that. Yes, fans are responsible for coming to games but the team has work every week, every day and every hour to the bone to ensure that happens. Make it feasible for everyone, rich and poor, and make everyone believe that their entertainment dollar will be vastly rewarded. Not just with victory, but more than the luxuries of sitting at home -- which is vastly cheaper and incredibly more convenient.

They have.

The Cincinnati Bengals announced last week that 20 stadium sections at Paul Brown Stadium would undergo price reductions of roughly $10. Seats that cost fans $50 last season, are $40 next season. Seats that cost $60 bucks last season are reduced to $50.

"When we reduced some sections to $40 for 2012, the demand was high and they sold out quickly," said Bengals ticket manager Andrew Brown. "Our fans saw it as a great value for an NFL game, and we will expand the number of those seats. We also think fans will respond very positively to some new opportunities for this year, including seats as low as $50 in the first rows of the upper deck. If you’ve been in those seats before for any stadium event, you know what a great vantage point that is."