I didn't want to do it, I didn't want to cover the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium. Mainly because anyone that watches any of the sports channels or any of the NBC network has seen plenty of Jerry Jones and the Palace in Dallas (as some call it).
This $1.15 billion (yes, with a B) stadium is the definition of opulence, as it boasts a high-end steakhouse, tex-mex food, and something called a Cowboyrito. If you are thirsty, you can drop 12 bucks on a Patron margarita in the club lounge, or you could try a frozen Cowboyrita for 14 bucks (Cowboyrita? Seriously?).
I found it very interesting reading the Bloomberg article covering the stadium, especially when they estimated that it will cost $200 per person to go to a game. Yes, that is an average and it takes the high-end tickets into account, but I would be interested to see how much it costs for other teams. We the fans can't afford to go to these palaces and enjoy a game thanks to the ticket prices. I would love to see a game in Dallas Stadium, the new Yankee Stadium, or Citi Field in New York -- but I have a mortgage to pay.
That is a major chunk of cash for one person, imagine taking a family of four to the game. Anyone want to argue that professional sports teams are out of touch with the general public? Seriously, it is getting to the point that the only people that can afford to go to the games are the filthy rich.
Oh, want another piece of evidence that owners don't care? How about the 30,000 fans that plunked down $29 for a standing room only party pass? First, it was unsafe. Second, that is ridiculous -- as some of the people were nowhere near the field and could only watch the game on the gigantic jumbotron at the middle of the field. Sorry, but I would rather spend my Sunday at home watching my team of choice (the Bengals) on my modest television where my Diet Cokes don't cost me $5.50 per six-pack.
As sports fans, we are being forced into watching the game from home and not enjoying having drunken fools dump beer on us every time they breath. I have to admit, it sure didn't look like it was fun on that Cowboy party deck -- the fans should have saved their money and stayed home, but they wanted to be there. I guess I can't blame them, but I also can't blame them if they were rather upset at the situation they were handed.
The true blue-collar fan cannot afford to go to the game anymore, thanks to ridiculous ticket prices -- which are driven by ridiculous player salaries, so it is a vicious circle. The more money that a team charges, the more money they make, and the better players they can sign -- leading to wins. We have reached a place in sports where the Golden Rule is applied, he who has the gold makes the rules (and charges what he wants).
As for my sports money? Right now the best value is about a two-hour ride up 71 North to Columbus to watch the Blue Jackets play hockey. I can see an NHL game for roughly $25 -- I can eat and drink (pop) on the way to the arena. If I am going to spend my money, I am going to spend it wisely. Of course, watching a hockey game in hi-def is nice, so staying home to watch the game saves money -- so it doesn't drive my wife too crazy.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-25-2009 @ 5:27PM
Lee Gibson said...
You should also mention that it costs $75 to park at this monstrosity, and that Arlington, the suburb where it's located, is the largest city in America with no public transportation of any kind. So you have to drive if you want to get there at all.
9-25-2009 @ 10:54PM
MB said...
Ticket prices are not driven by player's salaries. Ticket prices are driven by the market and the fact that the owner's are in the business of making a profit along with wining championships.
9-26-2009 @ 12:38PM
Stephen said...
I think Obama should take over professional athletics. All professional sports would be called Obamaball. He could have his own Obamatron (which replays nothing except Obama propadanda). The admission would be the same for everyone (don't the broke, homeless citizens deserve to see a game too?) $.50 each. Each player would get the same amount of salary per game, $100, (Because that's fair). There would be no penalties, just a "stern warning" from Obama telling the player of what might happen if he doesn't stop his naughty behavior. (That'll teach'em).
YES WE CAN! (Because Nancy says we can)
The defination of Obama is "lie, to preach an untruth, to be so stupid that you think if you tell the same lie enough times, the people will believe it"
You're an Obamer!
Obama, cheat and steal
Teach your kids at an early age, not to Obama.
9-26-2009 @ 1:23PM
salmo60 said...
Let's review the historical facts; Bush aka Satan, gins up phony war, thousands of American service persons needlessly killed, Billions of dollars wasted and driving the American economy into the tank. Millions of Arabs hate the US, spawing more hard core terrorists who are willing to do anything to harm this country. Nice job Satan! Now blame that on Obama, Stephen.
New republican health care plan...don't get sick!
9-27-2009 @ 3:43AM
jaime said...
you cant compare football games to other sports like baseball and basketball. there are only 8 home games- EIGHT! The average fan will probably go to 1-2 games a year. the price is high for football, but come on, over 100,000 people attended the season opener. People will go, Jerry will sell out the place.
Live professional football is a rarity- unlike baseball where there are games every other day- over 80 home games.
People will always pay to see the cowboys in that huge stadium- especially when there are only few games a season
9-27-2009 @ 3:46AM
jaime said...
and by the way- i think baseball salaries outnumber footballs- at least for this season the NFL has a salary cap- baseball doesn not- hence Yankees, Red Sox exorbitant salaries.
and seriously who really wants to watch hockey? its a third tier sport compared to football, baseball, basketball- even college football.
i like watching hockey live- its a blast- but it is nothing like watching a sold out baseball game and football game