Bucs prices blitz families of four, according to publication's survey
By JEFF HARRINGTON
Published September 13, 2004
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be coming off a mediocre season, but you wouldn't know it heading to a game.
The average cost for a family of four to attend a Bucs game has risen 7.2 percent from last year to $343.51, according to a survey by Team Marketing Report, a Chicago publication that tracks sports business issues.
That catapulted the Bucs up 11 spots from last season to rank as the eighth most expensive team for a family outing, Team Marketing said. The analysis includes the price of four average-price tickets, two small beers, four small soft drinks, four hot dogs, parking for one car, two game programs and two adult-size caps.
One of the most expensive line items for the Bucs was the cap cost of $20, tied with the Houston Texans and second only to the San Francisco 49ers, which is charging $24.
The New England Patriots, the defending Super Bowl champs, remained the most expensive family outing with a $415.22 tab. Least expensive among 32 teams: Take the family to a Buffalo Bills game for a mere $228.52.
The report said the average ticket price for a Bucs game rose 6.5 percent to $59.38, with an average premium ticket costing $233.13.
The Bucs, which have questioned the methodology behind Team Marketing's analysis before, said it has tried to keep games affordable for fans.
"When we had to make increases in ticket prices, we've tried to make them as minimal as possible," spokesman Jeff Kamis said. He also noted that the Bucs still have a $25 ticket available - "one of the lowest-priced tickets in the league."
