Season ticketing packages have long been a diehard fans’ go-to when planning to attend games on a regular basis. But small market teams can struggle to sell enough season ticket packages. This season, the Oakland Athletics are ranked third-to-last in average attendance in MLB. Next season, the A’s will be trying something new: scrapping season tickets in favor of a membership-based ticketing plan for 2019.
“This morning we announced we are cancelling our season ticket program and will no longer offer season tickets in the traditional format,” explained the Athletics in a statement on Monday. “We are introducing A’s Access, a new membership program.”
Along with offering general admission access to games and reserved-seat plans, A’s Access will include perks like reduced prices on concessions, merchandise, and parking, as well as customizable payment plans.
Those who join A’s Access—memberships go on sale Friday—will get first crack at 2018 postseason tickets. The team’s last postseason berth was in 2014 and, as of Tuesday, the A’s sit just one game back in the American League Wild Card standings.
“To better meet the evolving needs of our fans, we are changing our approach to membership,” explained A’s COO Chris Giles in an article on SFGate.com. “This flexible model is designed to serve both fans who want a more traditional reserved-seat plan and those who desire a more flexible and social experience.”
SportTechie Takeaway
Season ticketing systems won’t go away, but for teams that struggle to consistently bring in fans, this could be an interesting alternative. A few months back, the Los Angeles Clippers also introduced a unique ticketing initiative. Through FanSight, they began allowing users to view potential seat options on their mobile device with a 360-degree 3D view.