JC / Railbird

BC to Cut Ticket Prices, Meet With Fans

11/8/08 Update: Inspired by the election outcome, Dana wrote about Self Appointed Fan Committee and the upcoming meeting with the Breeders’ Cup, at which fan issues with the event will be discussed, over on the Blood-Horse. Give the BC feedback: “The door is open and they’re ready to listen but it’s up to you to shove your foot in the door and make your voice heard.” (And thanks to all those who have submitted!)

Sports Business Journal reports this week that the Breeders’ Cup is considering ticket price cuts for 2009:

Tickets this year were priced from $20 to $1,200, and many of them were bundled so that customers had to buy tickets for Friday and Saturday. [CMO Peter Land] said event officials are eyeing $300 and $400 two-day tickets, which were seats in the grandstand reserve section, as candidates for price reductions and to be broken into separate tickets.

We have heard from some of our constituents that our pricing was high, so we are going to address it,” Land said (SBJ subscription required).
One requested change that won’t likely come to pass is moving the Distaff/Ladies’ Classic/Filly & Mare Classic to Saturday. The Breeders’ Cup plans to run all the distaff divisions on Friday again next year.
But perhaps the BC can be persuaded to consider alternatives?
On the eve of this year’s event, the Take Back the Race petition was sent to BC officials with 242 signatures, and Land responded with a gracious note, writing, “We certainly like to hear from our fans.” That wasn’t just politesse. A mid-November meeting is being organized by BC VP Peter Rotondo and my SAFC co-collaborator Dana Byerly of Green but Game (who had the pleasure of first chatting with Rotondo last month) at which fans will get a chance to air their concerns with BC officials. Unfortunately, only a small group will be in the room or on the call, but that doesn’t mean anyone has to feel left out. Take a few moments to tell the Breeders’ Cup what’s on your mind: Visit Self Appointed Fan Committee and share your thoughts on anything BC related. Whether about saddle cloths, the race schedule, wagering, camera angles, or Hank Goldberg and his piggy bank, we’ll make sure all submissions are passed along. Fans have the attention of the BC; take advantage of the opportunity.


1 Comment

The bundling of tickets to include both days was really problematic for a lot of attendees — and also contributed to a glut of single-day tickets offered for sale on eBay, Craigslist, and the like. Perhaps Breeders Cup should consider offering a choice of purchasing one day only, or both days at a reduced rate. It might even help fill the stands on Friday.

Posted by Mary Forney on November 3, 2008 @ 4:46 pm