The National Basketball Association (NBA) is not immune to the effects of the volatile economy . . . though perhaps some of its teams are.
While the NBA itself had to cut 10 percent of its staff to make up for losses, one of its most storied franchises, the Los Angeles Lakers, has experienced the highest rate of returning season ticket holders in the NBA, with 99 percent renewing. The Celtics franchise has also held its own in securing season ticket sales for the 2008-2009 campaign.
However, teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets, and Charlotte Bobcats have not been as fortunate. Their sorrow may well prove to be fans' gain. These teams are actively working to make up for ticket drop-offs by offering gift packages, delayed ticket payments, and other promotions to draw in more ticket sales.
The Bucks plan to combat season ticket declines by offering up renewal gift packages with four different options to choose from, including incentives like an autographed jersey signed by a star player, or up to $400 credit in Bucks concessions, merchandise, or a combination of both.
The New Jersey Nets, on the other side of the court, have taken a different approach and plan to rebound from falling season ticket sales by a "buy now, pay later" incentive. This promotion allows purchasers to watch games without paying for the tickets until January 5, 2009.
The Charlotte Bobcats have a ticket package called the "Perfect 10 Pack". The bundles covers games played against some of the better teams in the NBA, including the Miami Heat, New Orleans Hornets, Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trailblazers, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, Lakers, and the Philadelphia 76ers. The idea is to attract fans by bundling an assortment of the most potentially exciting games.
Will ticket sale slumps be short lived? Perhaps -- let's face it, people love their sports. But, in the meantime, there are definitely deals out there in many arenas.
Have you found any bright spots in the slowed economy -- any great deals on your favorite sports teams? Feel free to share them in the comments section, below.
