There Used To Be A Ball Park

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Posted By: Bruce Dorskind

A number of people have inquired about the dramatic rise in Yankee ticket
prices.

The Yankees, when they built a new stadium. made a fundamental decision that
those ticket holders (about 1500 folks) who had the best seats in the 55,000 seat stadium would
experience a dramatic rise in prices.

Remember folks this is New York. Many firms have receptionists earning
$80,000 to $100,000. Dinner at a coffee shop and a movie for two is $120
A modest two bedroom apartment on the Upper West or Upper East Side rents
between $5,000 and $10,000 per month.

New York can not be compared to the rest of the country

The opportunity to earn millions is greater here than the rest of America combined
but with a city income tax, state income tax, sky high prices and cut throat competition
for everything from a seat in temple, a pair of Manolos (Sex and the City) to a hailing a
taxi, you either love or leave it

Over the past five years (2004-2008) the face value of our Yankee tickets has gone from
$80 to $110 to $150 to $250. It appears that next season (they have redesigned the
seating arrangements) tickets will be somewhere between $325 and $750.

While we think that is a "hefty" raise in prices, this is America- and if you want to
have an $50M infield (remember the A's of the the early 1900's and their $100,000 infield)
and $150M pitching staff (we look forward to having Ben and CC pitch in the Big Apple)
somebody has to pay for it.

We read Joe Brennan's post. His story is true... However, that was one person's opinion.

Everyone is surprised by the scope of the increase, but the Yankees will sell out.
With a little bit of luck we will field the best team in baseball. As fans we know
winning is everything and when you want the best...just like ultra high grade baseball cards
there is a price to pay.

Bruce Dorskind
America's Toughest Want List