Is MLB in trouble?

May 12, 19 15:10

Post #1 of 37 Views: 2242

Listening to a Podcast the other day and they were talking about how attendance is down another year (I guess last year was down like 5% and this year another 5%) They were talking about some parks pulling in like 7 or 8k a game only.

A couple questions as I don't really follow baseball, or its finances.
1) Is attendance important (I mean from a relavance standpoint.. do butts in the seat matter)
2) Do they make much of their income from attendance and food?
3) If this is a bad sign how do they fix it? If its about butts in the seats and not $$$ would slashing prices by like 2/3 be a solution?

Just Triing
Triathlete since 9:56:39 AM EST Aug 20, 2006.
Be kind English is my 2nd language. My primary language is Dave it's a unique evolution of English.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [DavHamm] [ In reply to ]

May 12, 19 15:25

Post #2 of 37 Views: 2222

Attendance is down because it is so fucking expensive to go. 100 bucks for meh tickets 12 bucks for a beer. It's easily 200 to go to a game per person. 20 years ago it was 100 bucks per person and that was leaving the game sloppy drunk.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [DavHamm] [ In reply to ]

May 12, 19 15:43

Post #3 of 37 Views: 2196

TV $$!

I wish they'd care about appearance but they don't. And it sucks, because if prices went down 50% and you doubled attendance you'd actually rake in more concessions, jersey sales, programs, all the ancillary stuff.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [windywave] [ In reply to ]

May 12, 19 16:12

Post #4 of 37 Views: 2160

windywave wrote:

Attendance is down because it is so fucking expensive to go. 100 bucks for meh tickets 12 bucks for a beer. It's easily 200 to go to a game per person. 20 years ago it was 100 bucks per person and that was leaving the game sloppy drunk.

It's definitely more expensive. Forty-five years ago, I'd go to Dodger and/or Yankee Stadium a few times each year. Cheap seat tickets (all that I could afford), a beer, and a couple of hot dogs for $20. Last time I went to Yankee Stadium (the "old" one) back in 2000 with my daughter and my nephew, it was over $300 for parking, three seats, three cokes, and a two hats for a mid-season game.

I haven't been to an MLB game since then.

"Human existence is based upon two pillars: Compassion and knowledge. Compassion without knowledge is ineffective; Knowledge without compassion is inhuman." Victor Weisskopf.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [DavHamm] [ In reply to ]

May 12, 19 16:13

Post #5 of 37 Views: 2158

Once us old farts die off, the sport is dead...put a fork in it.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [windywave] [ In reply to ]

May 12, 19 16:35

Post #6 of 37 Views: 2125

windywave wrote:

Attendance is down because it is so fucking expensive to go. 100 bucks for meh tickets 12 bucks for a beer. It's easily 200 to go to a game per person. 20 years ago it was 100 bucks per person and that was leaving the game sloppy drunk.

Wow, where? To see the Jays cheap seat are still $20,00 and behind home plate start at $89.00, beer is $8.75 for a tall can. Food is pretty reasonable to.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [DavHamm] [ In reply to ]

May 12, 19 16:37

Post #7 of 37 Views: 2121

Spend a couple hundred bucks to sit in some uncomfortable seats next to a bunch of drunken idiots and hope you don’t sucker punched in the parking lot by some fucked up gangbangers (Dodger games)?

Pass.

Civilize the mind, but make savage the body.

- Chinese proverb

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [50+] [ In reply to ]

May 12, 19 16:39

Post #8 of 37 Views: 2120

50+ wrote:

windywave wrote:

Attendance is down because it is so fucking expensive to go. 100 bucks for meh tickets 12 bucks for a beer. It's easily 200 to go to a game per person. 20 years ago it was 100 bucks per person and that was leaving the game sloppy drunk.

Wow, where? To see the Jays cheap seat are still $20,00 and behind home plate start at $89.00, beer is $8.75 for a tall can. Food is pretty reasonable to.

Wrigley

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [ruby1] [ In reply to ]

May 12, 19 16:44

Post #9 of 37 Views: 2108

ruby1 wrote:

Once us old farts die off, the sport is dead...put a fork in it.

But are revenues up or down? Are they still making money? It seems players salaries keep going up, So I assume revenues are also?

I mean I guess that's my wonderment. Is it just all the old people still fall asleep to it on their TV's?

Just Triing
Triathlete since 9:56:39 AM EST Aug 20, 2006.
Be kind English is my 2nd language. My primary language is Dave it's a unique evolution of English.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [DavHamm] [ In reply to ]

May 12, 19 16:48

Post #10 of 37 Views: 2102

Just did some simple math on 2018.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/.../MLB/2018-misc.shtml

https://www.statista.com/...verage-ticket-price/

Used the Reds, well just because.

Attendance 1,629,356
Average ticket price $21.14
Total $34,444,585.84
Team budget $94,587,500

I assume the rest of the money came from somewhere.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [DavHamm] [ In reply to ]

May 12, 19 17:00

Post #11 of 37 Views: 2090

I'm going to an Angels game this weekend with my 7 year old son, tickets were $20 each. OF course they are not behind home plate, but outfield where maybe we could catch a home run. That is a much better spot for him, close spots where no balls can hit you are lame he says. I haven't been to a game in decades, so I will report back on the food and drink situation, but we plan to have a tail gate party before hand with some friends, they still do that dont they??

I was thinking we would be all in for under a 100 bucks, but maybe I'm dreaming??

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [monty] [ In reply to ]

May 12, 19 17:04

Post #12 of 37 Views: 2087

monty wrote:

I'm going to an Angels game this weekend with my 7 year old son, tickets were $20 each. OF course they are not behind home plate, but outfield where maybe we could catch a home run. That is a much better spot for him, close spots where no balls can hit you are lame he says. I haven't been to a game in decades, so I will report back on the food and drink situation, but we plan to have a tail gate party before hand with some friends, they still do that dont they??

I was thinking we would be all in for under a 100 bucks, but maybe I'm dreaming??

Well you're at 40 bucks right now

20 to park now 60

2 Hot dogs nachos and a soda and two beers 40 bucks

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [windywave] [ In reply to ]

May 12, 19 17:06

Post #13 of 37 Views: 2078

PS get a bag of peanuts

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [windywave] [ In reply to ]

May 12, 19 17:10

Post #14 of 37 Views: 2072

Well you're at 40 bucks right now

20 to park now 60

2 Hot dogs nachos and a soda and two beers 40 bucks //

That was what I was thinking, not really going for any jerseys or other crap I can get on amazon for 1/4 the price. And as long as the beers are not Bud, Coors, or Miller. Too much to hope for an actual nice micro brew, but I would settle for a Sam Adams on tap and be happy with that...Do they still make their hot dogs a foot long, with a ton of condiments to make it an actual meal with veggies?? I remember the foot long Dodger dogs, I would put it in a big box, cover it with relish, onions, sauerkraut, and mustard. All the essential food groups in one box!!!

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [monty] [ In reply to ]

May 12, 19 17:25

Post #15 of 37 Views: 2051

monty wrote:

Well you're at 40 bucks right now

20 to park now 60

2 Hot dogs nachos and a soda and two beers 40 bucks //

That was what I was thinking, not really going for any jerseys or other crap I can get on amazon for 1/4 the price. And as long as the beers are not Bud, Coors, or Miller. Too much to hope for an actual nice micro brew, but I would settle for a Sam Adams on tap and be happy with that...Do they still make their hot dogs a foot long, with a ton of condiments to make it an actual meal with veggies?? I remember the foot long Dodger dogs, I would put it in a big box, cover it with relish, onions, sauerkraut, and mustard. All the essential food groups in one box!!!

Dude a foot long would probably be 14 bucks (Never neen to a game in LA but that is my guess)

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [windywave] [ In reply to ]

May 12, 19 17:51

Post #16 of 37 Views: 2028

I found this little tidbit, seems pretty reasonable to me..I may be able to get two!!!

The average price of a hot dog at MLB games has increased since 2010 from 3.79 U.S. dollars to 5.01 dollars in 2018. The price of beer, however, has decreased since reaching a high in 2012. The average price for a beer at an MLB game in 2018 was 5.98 dollars.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [windywave] [ In reply to ]

May 12, 19 20:54

Post #17 of 37 Views: 1938

windywave wrote:

Attendance is down because it is so fucking expensive to go. 100 bucks for meh tickets 12 bucks for a beer. It's easily 200 to go to a game per person. 20 years ago it was 100 bucks per person and that was leaving the game sloppy drunk.

And every game is available from home. I think I'm paying $168 for the season.

I was watching the A's game today, a beautiful Sunday afternoon. They are planning to build a new stadium. They panned around, the place was empty. Listed attendance was just shy of 19k. I'm betting actual was more like 10k. I live 2 hours'ish from Cleveland but with the price it would take a big game to get me there.

Not sure what the answer is. Actual revenue is still going up. No team has been sold for a low price so the money is still there.

I'm beginning to think that we are much more fucked than I thought.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [DavHamm] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 6:53

Post #18 of 37 Views: 1825

I can only speak for Toronto but there are a lot of baseball fans in this city but they aren't willing to go watch garbage.

The Jays are in full tear it down mode and the team is crap.

If they become good again, the fans will show up. Jays were selling out virtually every game in 2016.

How does Danny Hart sit down with balls that big?

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [50+] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 6:58

Post #19 of 37 Views: 1818

50+ wrote:

windywave wrote:

Attendance is down because it is so fucking expensive to go. 100 bucks for meh tickets 12 bucks for a beer. It's easily 200 to go to a game per person. 20 years ago it was 100 bucks per person and that was leaving the game sloppy drunk.

Wow, where? To see the Jays cheap seat are still $20,00 and behind home plate start at $89.00, beer is $8.75 for a tall can. Food is pretty reasonable to.

When was the last time you went to a game? Beer at Jays game is $12 for a tallboy. Unless you want to line up at the one location on each level that has cheaper prices. Then you'll miss three innings waiting for beer.

Cheapest seats I see for a Jays/Padres game coming up is $28.

How does Danny Hart sit down with balls that big?

Last edited by: BLeP: May 13, 19 7:23

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [monty] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 8:06

Post #20 of 37 Views: 1755

monty wrote:

Well you're at 40 bucks right now

20 to park now 60

2 Hot dogs nachos and a soda and two beers 40 bucks //

That was what I was thinking, not really going for any jerseys or other crap I can get on amazon for 1/4 the price. And as long as the beers are not Bud, Coors, or Miller. Too much to hope for an actual nice micro brew, but I would settle for a Sam Adams on tap and be happy with that...Do they still make their hot dogs a foot long, with a ton of condiments to make it an actual meal with veggies?? I remember the foot long Dodger dogs, I would put it in a big box, cover it with relish, onions, sauerkraut, and mustard. All the essential food groups in one box!!!

Just FYI- our family went to Petco Park a couple weeks ago. That is a fantastic park for kids. My 7 year old played wiffle ball for an hour in their mini-diamond inside of Petco. Also, fantastic food and beer choices.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [Uncle Arqyle] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 8:20

Post #21 of 37 Views: 1739

I was thinking that sounds great, but where the hell is Petco park?? I looked it up, and it is the old Jack Murphy stadium I guess? Anyway, definitely within our driving zone, so will check it out. Thanks for the tip. I also have Dodger stadium close by, but wondering about the traffic situation getting in and out of there, maybe just on weekends...Anyone been there lately??

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [monty] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 8:36

Post #22 of 37 Views: 1720

monty wrote:

I was thinking that sounds great, but where the hell is Petco park?? I looked it up, and it is the old Jack Murphy stadium I guess? Anyway, definitely within our driving zone, so will check it out. Thanks for the tip. I also have Dodger stadium close by, but wondering about the traffic situation getting in and out of there, maybe just on weekends...Anyone been there lately??

No...Petco is in downtown SD. The old "Jack Murphy" (was Qualcomm, now "SDCCU Stadium" is near SDSU in Mission Valley.

Don't want you going to the wrong place ;-)

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [DavHamm] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 8:59

Post #23 of 37 Views: 1683

I think the games are too long and too slow. Plus, without a hard salary cap the sport lacks parity.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [monty] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 9:04

Post #24 of 37 Views: 1679

monty wrote:

I was thinking that sounds great, but where the hell is Petco park?? I looked it up, and it is the old Jack Murphy stadium I guess? Anyway, definitely within our driving zone, so will check it out. Thanks for the tip. I also have Dodger stadium close by, but wondering about the traffic situation getting in and out of there, maybe just on weekends...Anyone been there lately??

Like Tom said, its in Downtown SD. I paid $10 to park close by in a garage. I was really impressed with the setup.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [BLeP] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 9:09

Post #25 of 37 Views: 1673

BLeP wrote:

50+ wrote:

windywave wrote:

Attendance is down because it is so fucking expensive to go. 100 bucks for meh tickets 12 bucks for a beer. It's easily 200 to go to a game per person. 20 years ago it was 100 bucks per person and that was leaving the game sloppy drunk.

Wow, where? To see the Jays cheap seat are still $20,00 and behind home plate start at $89.00, beer is $8.75 for a tall can. Food is pretty reasonable to.

When was the last time you went to a game? Beer at Jays game is $12 for a tallboy. Unless you want to line up at the one location on each level that has cheaper prices. Then you'll miss three innings waiting for beer.

Cheapest seats I see for a Jays/Padres game coming up is $28.

Last August, I've never bought beer at my seat, always go to one of the kiosk's, just checked and you are right must be May long weekend, Monday against Boston is $22.00.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [windywave] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 9:21

Post #26 of 37 Views: 990

windywave wrote:

50+ wrote:

windywave wrote:

Attendance is down because it is so fucking expensive to go. 100 bucks for meh tickets 12 bucks for a beer. It's easily 200 to go to a game per person. 20 years ago it was 100 bucks per person and that was leaving the game sloppy drunk.

Wow, where? To see the Jays cheap seat are still $20,00 and behind home plate start at $89.00, beer is $8.75 for a tall can. Food is pretty reasonable to.

Wrigley

You want cheap..... go on the south side you can get in for $7 and basically sit anywhere—-on Wednesdays Hot dogs are $1-
If you want to get sloppy drunk upgrade to “patio party” for $45 (cheaper when offfered on Groupon)—you get unlimited beer/wine (and crap food) for about 2 hours (1 hour before game up to 3rd inning, you can take 2 beers to your seats).

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [windywave] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 9:41

Post #27 of 37 Views: 978

windywave wrote:

monty wrote:

Well you're at 40 bucks right now

20 to park now 60

2 Hot dogs nachos and a soda and two beers 40 bucks //

That was what I was thinking, not really going for any jerseys or other crap I can get on amazon for 1/4 the price. And as long as the beers are not Bud, Coors, or Miller. Too much to hope for an actual nice micro brew, but I would settle for a Sam Adams on tap and be happy with that...Do they still make their hot dogs a foot long, with a ton of condiments to make it an actual meal with veggies?? I remember the foot long Dodger dogs, I would put it in a big box, cover it with relish, onions, sauerkraut, and mustard. All the essential food groups in one box!!!

Dude a foot long would probably be 14 bucks (Never neen to a game in LA but that is my guess)

Dodger dog is $6.75.

The better deal however is with their minor league affiliate in Cucamonga. $10 tickets and $3 beer ($4 for something that's not piss) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A-ball isn't close to major league quality. But you're close to the field, get to interact with players, etc. Everyone once in a while, a Dodger plays a game or two on a rehab assignment. And you get to see young talent. I remember watching both Bellinger and Seager there.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [monty] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 9:44

Post #28 of 37 Views: 973

monty wrote:

I was thinking that sounds great, but where the hell is Petco park?? I looked it up, and it is the old Jack Murphy stadium I guess? Anyway, definitely within our driving zone, so will check it out. Thanks for the tip. I also have Dodger stadium close by, but wondering about the traffic situation getting in and out of there, maybe just on weekends...Anyone been there lately??

Dodger stadium is a great park to watch a game, but the traffic can be a pain. You kind of need to make in an entire day -- Saturday afternoon somewhere in LA with the game in the evening.

A better bet is minor league ball. Rancho Cucamonga Quakes are inexpensive, fun for kids, and a good chance of catching a foul ball.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [BLeP] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 9:44

Post #29 of 37 Views: 970

BLeP wrote:

I can only speak for Toronto but there are a lot of baseball fans in this city but they aren't willing to go watch garbage.

The Jays are in full tear it down mode and the team is crap.

If they become good again, the fans will show up. Jays were selling out virtually every game in 2016.

I've taken the kids to a game the last 3 years, and it's a good time. Given how long the game is, it's good value for money. Having said that, I'm not taking them this year because I expect that the quality of play is going to be worse for the same price. Plus I can watch Vlad strike out from the comfort of my living room.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [j p o] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 9:50

Post #30 of 37 Views: 961

j p o wrote:

windywave wrote:

Attendance is down because it is so fucking expensive to go. 100 bucks for meh tickets 12 bucks for a beer. It's easily 200 to go to a game per person. 20 years ago it was 100 bucks per person and that was leaving the game sloppy drunk.

And every game is available from home. I think I'm paying $168 for the season.

I was watching the A's game today, a beautiful Sunday afternoon. They are planning to build a new stadium. They panned around, the place was empty. Listed attendance was just shy of 19k. I'm betting actual was more like 10k. I live 2 hours'ish from Cleveland but with the price it would take a big game to get me there.

Not sure what the answer is. Actual revenue is still going up. No team has been sold for a low price so the money is still there.

I hate watching baseball on TV. You can't see any of the strategies for each batter or how the pitcher reacts except for what they want you to see. I like to see how the infield and outfield rotate on batters and get a better look at what is going on during the pitcher's wind up. Watching the base coaches giving a huge amount of signals to say next to nothing but still really cool to see. You really don't see much on TV except for the pitcher and catcher, that's boring as hell.

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Re: Is MLB in trouble? [ruby1] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 9:54

Post #31 of 37 Views: 961

ruby1 wrote:

Once us old farts die off, the sport is dead...put a fork in it.

That's what I used to think, but, not so sure anymore. Wifie and I have a 20-pack for the Brewers at Miller Park. We have all Friday night games. I have been shocked by all the yutes ("Uh ... did you says 'yutes?'") in the stadium. Packed with yutes and young families. But, then again, I do watch on tv and see all the empty seats in many stadiums.

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Re: Is MLB in trouble? [JSA] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 10:16

Post #32 of 37 Views: 942

We just joined little league this year, and the coach said that the league hadn't been this big in years. So I did a quick search;

https://globalsportmatters.com/...-for-casual-players/

Seems to go along with his observation, across the entire country. I know in my N=1 case, we will be going to games now, ones I haven't been to in over 30 years. So besides the kids getting more involved, passive participation is really growing. It looks to me like there is going to be a good market for the game going forward, in spite of troubles the game has had in the recent past...

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [monty] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 11:19

Post #33 of 37 Views: 900

I paid $229 for four seats in second row behind dugout with good parking for the Rockies.
My kid has never gone to a game and not gotten a game ball. The benefits of friends with great season ticket seats.

It’s pricy but the seats don’t get better than that. We go one or two times a season.

ETA both my daughter and I have started playing softball in the past three years. It seems to be a slightly saner option for sports relative to soccer- with more room for a laid back recreational participation level.

Last edited by: Moonrocket: May 13, 19 11:29

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [DavHamm] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 13:34

Post #34 of 37 Views: 845

Every once in a while I can get SF Giants tickets for $2 plus a small fee through SeatGeek.

Tomorrow they are playing the Blue Jays and the tickets start at $5.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [monty] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 15:08

Post #35 of 37 Views: 830

I read an article last year, and I'm trying to search for it but cannot yet find it, that talked about football's continued fall from grace would lead to larger participation in the other major sports with baseball perhaps gaining the most. Reason that baseball would gain more traction than basketball was the simple fact that there are more players on a baseball team than basketball. The article was also hopeful (for baseball's sake) that the further decline in those playing football would lead to increased popularity with baseball among African-Americans since the percentage of MLB players that are African-American is far lower than it had been in the 70's-90's.

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [ChiTownJack] [ In reply to ]

May 13, 19 15:30

Post #36 of 37 Views: 820

ChiTownJack wrote:

windywave wrote:

50+ wrote:

windywave wrote:

Attendance is down because it is so fucking expensive to go. 100 bucks for meh tickets 12 bucks for a beer. It's easily 200 to go to a game per person. 20 years ago it was 100 bucks per person and that was leaving the game sloppy drunk.

Wow, where? To see the Jays cheap seat are still $20,00 and behind home plate start at $89.00, beer is $8.75 for a tall can. Food is pretty reasonable to.

Wrigley

You want cheap..... go on the south side you can get in for $7 and basically sit anywhere—-on Wednesdays Hot dogs are $1-
If you want to get sloppy drunk upgrade to “patio party” for $45 (cheaper when offfered on Groupon)—you get unlimited beer/wine (and crap food) for about 2 hours (1 hour before game up to 3rd inning, you can take 2 beers to your seats).

As a life long Cubs fan and former north side resident I would agree with this. You also have some incentive to walk around the park (inside the stadium) to check out the various statues and history around them. Not a whole lot of that inside Wrigley.

Tailgating down there is pretty fun as well. You could argue that Wrigleyville is one giant semi-tailgate but there is something about having a dedicated tailgate area.

Re: Is MLB in trouble? [windywave] [ In reply to ]

May 20, 19 9:30

Post #37 of 37 Views: 730

Well you're at 40 bucks right now

20 to park now 60

2 Hot dogs nachos and a soda and two beers 40 bucks
Update:
So we did the game yesterday, and just got in-between the rain storms. Great tailgate party, loaded up on all the usual fixins there, and kids got to walk the field. It was $10 to park, $5.50 for a hot dog, and $15 for a 24oz double IPA. I was good with one beer, since I started at 11am(not a morning/noon drinker) so I was able to hit my under $100 target for the day. It was super fun, sun came out, but home team lost(but one the first two games on the series). Have to say though, 7 and 8 year olds really do not watch the game much, it is all about the snacks, big boards, fireworks, waves, and messing around with each other. They did have fun going down to the bull pen and getting autographs. Will definitely go back for some more games, but not taking the whole family, at least not for a few years...

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