The Cincinnati Bengals announced that several areas at Paul Brown Stadium will undergo a significant ticket reduction for fans thinking about purchasing season tickets this year. There are some areas that are going for $35/game, as well as others that will see a $15 reduction, going from $75/game to $60. NOTE: Despite the presser saying that "most fans" won't see increases, there are changes in high demand areas.
2015 Season Ticket Prices announced. Some increases in high-demand areas, but most remain flat or even decrease. Map: http://t.co/mjFKLynLny
— Andrew Brown (@BengalTicketGuy) February 19, 2015
Their reasoning is simple economics. If they lower the prices, the team will increase their season ticket base -- which took a significant hit after the team's four-win season in 2010. Because the season ticket base is so small, the team is faced with a potential television black out every week (or so it seems). Last year the team implemented the 85 percent threshold rule and only sold out a handful of home games.
"We have a good team coming back, one of only four to reach the playoffs the last four years, and we have an outstanding stadium that will be significantly upgraded," said Jeff Berding, Bengals Director of Sales and Public Affairs. "And we have set pricing with the goal of increasing our season ticket base. We believe the new $35 locations are an exceptional value that will sell quickly, and there are many other options also available, with great seating on all levels."
You can see a map of the updated pricing changes here.
*** The following is part of the team's press release **
The team seeks a fourth straight season of double-digit wins in 2015, and Paul Brown Stadium itself will be better than ever. New, larger video and digital boards will display highlights and in-game information, and for the first time in high definition. A state-of-the-art Wi-Fi system will be fully in place after a successful 2014 launch year, and stadium concessions will be enhanced.
PBS has won a number of major national architectural awards, for both aesthetic design and football-friendliness, and just last month, PBS was ranked fourth among all pro and college stadiums in a national survey analyzing ease of access for patrons.
"We are excited for our fans to see what is now available," Berding said. "We know that Bengals football is extremely popular everywhere in Greater Cincinnati and the region, and we’re committed to showing our fans that it’s most exciting while also very affordable to enjoy the NFL experience in person at PBS."
Season tickets are on sale now, through the Bengals Ticket Hotline (513-621-8383 or toll free at 866-621-8383) during business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday), and at all times on Bengals.com. Fans may also come in person to the PBS Ticket Office during business hours and be escorted to the actual locations of available seats. Immediate full payment is not required, as a deposit can initially secure season tickets.
In addition to games against AFC North Division rivals Baltimore, Cleveland and Pittsburgh, the 2015 home schedule includes the defending NFC champion Seattle Seahawks, the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Rams and San Diego Chargers.