Season Ticket Holder Package Disappoints
by Scott Kessler on Mar 22, 2011 1:57 PM EDT
in Editorials
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PrintWhen the Philadelphia Union announced that the team would substitute what it called "commemorative" season tickets for a new card system, fan interest was piqued on what changes would be added.
A loyalty points program was soon thereafter released to the public and there was an excitement over Twitter, Facebook and soccer blogs or forums about the prizes that season ticket holders could receive. Easier access into the stadium, the possibility of being able to load money onto card in the future and various other gimmicks to appease the season ticket holder fanbase.
Fact is that the team fell flat on providing their fanbase with something special for patronage, even while ignoring that some fans have yet to receive season ticket packages or tickets less than a week from the first home game.
The cards that the team has provided as a replacement for the glossy, classy and 'collectible' tickets from their inaugural season are plain, uninspiring, uncreative and rather boring. Something that was promised as a card to keep as a collectible is less appealing than my ATM card from my bank.
Secondary disappointment was found in the "surprise" that season ticket holders would find in their packages. In the words of the Sons of Ben at Stoney's Pub in Delaware during the Houston Dynamo game, "Who wears short scarves?"
After the jump, we'll take a look at what a rival - DC United - gave to their season ticket holders. It may just surprise you.
A paper package, bland card and underwhelming scarf were still all part of a new experience. I do thank the Union for recognizing that season ticket holders are the backbone behind the success of any sports franchise and deserve to be rewarded for supporting a team.
However, when one takes a gander at what other teams gave their fans, it becomes hard to accept that the Union's package was the best that the young franchise could muster. DC United's package blows the Union's away. Here's a fan's list of what he received from United:
Scarf, hat, tickets, pin, lanyard and pass (for what, I don't know), discount cards, Ledo Coupons, 2 patches, and a banner.
via Mountainia of BigSoccer.com
It also came in a nice box, packed and organized:
via @GotFutbol
What do you think? Did the Union do a suitable job with their season ticket holder package or after seeing what another team (a rival, even) provided make the Union's package fall flat?
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Weak sauce
Saving money doesn’t have to mean scrimping.
"Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
- Benjamin Franklin
This is pretty disappointing, that is a ton of crap that would be cool to sport around and wear, especially with everything in the MLS store costing so much.
The one upside is, we spent about 70 bucks less than the cheapest DC season ticket holder, and in comparison of the least expensive seats (Supporters sections vs. Spectator @ DC), we have an extremely better view of the game. Hard to argue with that I guess.
http://www.dcunited.com/sites/default/themes/dc_united/images/olsens-army/stadium-trans.gif
Season Ticket Holder - Supporters Section of the Philadelphia Union
RU RAH-RAH
http://www.thisisforphiladelphia.com/blog/
Mini-scarfs.
My cats are both extremely satisfied with the Union Season Ticket Holder Gift Package.
That explains a lot
"Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
- Benjamin Franklin
I imagine if Ed ran for government office...
He’d be like her in this episode of the Simpsons:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn2OPhLTZgw&feature=related
Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank
by Scott Kessler on Mar 22, 2011 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow Scott, excellent post. I was blown away by that DCU package. But that is a good point that the tickets cost considerably less.
Editor at The Brotherly Game. Madridista de corazón. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @joeysamuel
The argument against that is the following:
-The team just added $3 million in profits from BIMBO alone.
-The team had one of the highest averages for attendance last year.
-The team was one of the leaders in merchandise sales last year.
Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank
by Scott Kessler on Mar 22, 2011 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Easy.
I’m not the crazy cat lady, I just live with her.
the short scarves were a disappointment for me, too
especially since I paid $5 for a normal-sized, very official Union scarf, on sale at Macy’s last fall, which kept my neck very warm this past winter
but enough with the scarves, already – this is Philadelphia, it’s MLS, it’s springtime, and soon it will be summer – we don’t need no stinkin’ scarves – the whole scarf thing is kinda poseuresque
now a snood, that’s progressive…
It doesn't matter to me.
Commemorative season tix? The inaugural season is over. Theres nothing to commemorate. At this point, I would just throw out the ticket after the game anyway. Considering the price difference, those are really expensive hats, scarves and patches that the DC fans are paying for. I’m happy to trade the swag for a cheaper ticket. And as an Eagles season ticket holder since 1985, I’m used to getting nothing with my tickets anyway.
Eagles tickets are great. If they were my season tickets, and not my Dad’s, I’d keep every single one I used – which I have.
Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank
by Scott Kessler on Mar 22, 2011 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Lame
Good idea, bad execution. A lightweight scarf for summer with a pocket was a good idea. As someone who carried a scsrf in 100 degree heat, this would have been appreciated They should have at least made it a usable size. I agree with Scott that the Union does have enough revenue to have done a better job here. They could have at least put a decent graphic on the cards. I am really beginning to question what is going on with the Union’s marketing.
I wanted a card I would be proud of holding onto. Sigh.
Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank
by Scott Kessler on Mar 22, 2011 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Front Office Disappoints
Yes, the scarves, wrong length and all, sucked. The cards don’t look good either.
I will say tough, that if you read the loyalty point program, there is some cool stuff. You can get a seat upgrade next year for the same cost you’re paying now. But, I would say my loyalty was already proven when I dropped 2K on 4 seats and a parking pass.
Where’d you get seats that your dropped $2000 on this season? Wowza.
Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank
by Scott Kessler on Mar 22, 2011 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Doop
After seeing everything that DC United season ticket holders get, I’m ready to take a doop on my season ticket package. Disappointing. But, at least we don’t have to root for DC United, so, that’s one tremendous upside.
Meh
Having the card be rather bland was a little disappointing. On twitter I saw where someone suggested a “Design The 2012 Season Ticket Card” contest – that would be pretty rad. The short scarf is just perfect for my kid – or hanging in your cubicle/office for those of you sans enfants.While it would be better if it fit me (since I’m the one that shelled out the loot for the tix not my kid), it’s better than getting nothing (like most sports franchises give their season ticket holders) or jacking the price up to pay for the tchotchkes and swag like DCU got.
Besides DCU fans should get something akin to hazard pay.
Cards & Scarves
So now I have two season ticket cards that look almost exactly like my health and dental plan cards and two small scarves for hanging on door knobs. Kinda like last year’s ‘fan appreciation’ specials – discounted tickets so season ticket holders could bring non-season ticket holder friends to a game for a cheaper price – I’m underwhelmed.
Despite our disappointment, I don’t think any of us are season ticket holders for the free stuff or cool looking cards. An amazing soccer specific stadium (hands off, Villanova football!), a team full of incredibly generous and engaging players, and a spot among 18k+ dooping for a professional soccer team 20 minutes from home is enough for me…
…as long as we make the playoffs this year.
MK
This. My family got the package and I was expecting much so I wasn’t disappointed
by gingerredboy on Mar 22, 2011 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions
It would take a lot more than all of that swag for me to buy season tickets to watch DC United.
Goodies are fun, but unnecessary. I get the season ticket package to have tickets to each game, not because I might get some pins and a banner.
I’m happy with the season ticket package I got, because it will let me go and watch the team I love play the game I love.
Can't get the best of everything
You think that DC fans would rather take a lousy plastic card and scarf to have their home games played at a place as PPL Park?
All that nice gear, and those fans still have to sit in RFK 17 times this year.
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