From a local Tampa rag:
‘Tampa Bay Buccaneer officials still aren't explaining their Friday night announcement that ticket prices will be raised for 2005, marking their third straight increase and one that comes on the heels of a 5-11 season.
‘But the $2-$5 jump per ticket (is) the fifth time in the past seven seasons Tampa Bay has upped admission costs.
‘The Bucs individual tickets (are) now at $71, $64, $54, $49, $40, $35 and $29. In its Friday release, the team said its $29 general seat ticket is still one of the lowest in the league.
‘Numerous attempts by the Times Friday to contact the Bucs about the increase were unsuccessful. Late Monday, Bucs communications director Jeff Kamis would say just this: "We want to continue to put the best product on the field possible, while remaining in line with ticket prices of other teams around the league."
‘A look at ticket prices since the team moved into Raymond James Stadium in 1998 shows a steady rise. For instance, a seat in Section 328, in the corner of the upper level, went for $22 in '98 but will cost more than double that, $49, in 2005. The cost of a seat in section 149 in the end zone has gone from $41 in 1998 to $59 in 2004 and will cost $64 next season.
‘David Palmer, president of the Tampa Bay Bucs Booster Club in Tampa, "I've been a season ticket holder since (the first year in) 1976 and I'm not happy, but that's the way it goes," said Palmer. "What makes me unhappy is that they're comparing our ticket price to teams in other cities. But I live here, and my wage scale is based on this area. What it comes to is that they hold all the cards."’
And people wonder why we are opposed to this takeover!