Is It Too Expensive To Be A Detroit Sports Fan?
“It’s only going to get more expensive as they… build these big arenas.”
There’s a lot of excitement in the sports world surrounding the opening of Little Caeser’s Arena in downtown Detroit. It will mean a new home for the Red Wings and the return of the Pistons to the city.
It was announced last week that the arena will host the 2020 Men’s Frozen Four and the 2022 NCAA Division One Wrestling Championships.
Little Caeser’s Arena is set to open its doors in the fall and Pistons season tickets are reportedly selling at a higher rate than just about any other team in the NBA. The cheapest seats are also increasing by more than 40 percent in price.
With a 40 percent poverty rate in Detroit, rising ticket prices can make it difficult for families to attend games and enjoy the overall stadium experience. Detroit Free Press sports reporter Carlos Monarez spoke with long-time radio personality Bill McAllister on Detroit Today about the cost of going to a game.
“For sports, for sure, it’s expensive,” says Monarez.
“It’s only going to get more expensive as they, you know, build these big arenas. They have to finance them.”
According to Monarez, ticket, concession and merchandise, all purchased by fans, are key sources of team revenue that ultimately go back into paying star players sizable contracts.
“It is the fan’s money. Someone has to pay for that contract, it’s not just free money,” he says. “How do the Lions make that money? By charging fans.”
To hear the full conversation, click the audio player above.
