Minors game proves major value

Whether it's watching the game's top prospects or getting a photo taken with the mascot, there are many reasons to attend a Minor League Baseball game. But the one selling point that that underscores the entire experience is value.

This point was made clear in a survey released Tuesday, which revealed that the average cost to take a family of four to a Minor League Baseball game is $57.70. This figure includes two adult tickets, two child tickets, four hot dogs, two sodas, two beers, a program, and parking. There were 160 affiliated Minor League teams represented in the survey, comprising 14 leagues and six levels of play.

"Minor League Baseball continues to lead the way in providing affordable family entertainment throughout the country," remarked Minor League Baseball president Pat O'Conner. "At a time when many of our fans face the economic and social challenges of the day, we are pleased to offer family-fun, community-oriented entertainment that is so reasonably priced."

More than 80 percent of Minor League teams offer a ticket for $8 or less, with average prices ranging from $8.15 in Triple-A to $5.69 in Class A Short Season and Rookie Ball. These reasonable admission charges compare favorably to other entities that compete for the disposable income of Americans. According to Team Marketing Report's annual Fan Cost Index, average ticket prices in each of the four major American sports range from $26 (Major League Baseball) to $75 (National Football League). Meanwhile, the increasingly popularity of 3D films is pushing average movie ticket prices toward the $15 mark.

Furthermore, value-seeking fans can often find deals at their local stadium that defray the costs to an even greater degree. Many stadiums offer berm seating at a reduced rate, and ticket discounts are often available to both children and elderly fans. The preponderance of recurring specials such as "Thirsty Thursday" (featuring discounted beverage prices) curtails the cost even further.

During his Opening Session speech at the 2009 Baseball Winter Meetings, O'Conner emphasized the need to keep ticket prices low.

"We have the ability to grow our business. But we cannot achieve this growth by raising prices to the existing customer base," he said. "If every club in Minor League Baseball does not have a ticket for $5 or less, they ought to put one in place immediately."

Minor League Baseball's affordability has resulted in steady attendance figures despite a down economy. The industry drew 41.6 million fans in 2009, down just 2.9% from 2008's record-breaking mark of 43.2 million. Five leagues experienced an overall attendance increase, and 16 franchises established new single-season marks.