Former Season Ticket Holders - MLSE is missing you

[Pookie]

Here's a nice offer:


If you haven't been to BMO Field yet this season, here's what you're missing:


A newly renovated stadium
Jozy Altidore
Sebastian Giovinco
​A club riding a 3 match win streak who knocked off the top club in Major League Soccer last weekend

​
Here's your last chance to rejoin the club as a Season Seat Holder beginning with David Villa and NYCFC's first ever visit to BMO Field on June 20th.
50 new locations have been opened up at 2014 renewal prices beginning at $536/seat*. Act quickly as this offer will end on Friday, June 12th at 5PM.



I was thinking of how I would reply.

Dear MLSE,

I am enjoying the soccer this year but I am not missing being a season seat holder. I am enjoying seeing the team on my own terms at prices that I determine are reasonable and when I find it convenient to get to your multiplex. A pair of tickets you deem worth $47 each, I'm getting both for $20. Tickets you deem worth +$80, I am also getting for $20.

But I was always going to follow this team and adding two expensive players isn't what would bring me back. You see, we ended our relationship not because of performance. But because I didn't find any economic value to hold season seats and I really didn't get the sense that you were serious about the team.

I contributed quite a bit to your annual profit over the years, through merchandize and even through the Marlies' packs. Remember those days? Your desire to expand and create the Multiplex has created an abundance of supply and I'd rather buy from a supporter/fan than directly from you. I could literally buy seats to every home game, without being afraid of being stuck with tickets, at about half what you are charging. There's probably an old presentation hanging around on the shared drive at MLSE, just search under "Supply & Demand", you might find it amusing.

And honestly, I still don't get the sense you are serious about the team. Oh sure, you can spend money on a couple of guys. You can even spend money on new stadiums… well, not all of it as you still look for handouts where possible from government sources. But are you serious about football?

Tim Leiweke was engaged with a U-Sector fan, saying repeatedly "Do you like Seba?" in response to this fan's concern about the Argos coming in. I really wish the fan would have responded with "Yes, I like Seba, can you tell me why you like Grey Cups?"

It's a shame really. I'm in no rush to get back into a relationship with you. I can see that you are trying… sort of. Your staff certainly are. I think you have to earn my trust back and honestly a "3 match win streak" isn't the kind of thing that is going to make up for a slanted economic equation and a distrust that I have about how serious you are about the game.

It's sad that you think that it would. That those 2 massive issues that are incredibly important to fans could be swept under the rug with a few wins.

Good luck though.

[TFC07]

That's good enough response, Pookie. :)

[jloome]

LOL, it takes a lot to get me to admire a nice sardonic face slap.

[MartinUtd]

Was a season ticket holder in years 1-5. By year 6 I used that money to fly to LA and Seattle for the CCL and 1st MLS match. That LA game is my single best memory for TFC and I owe it all to cancelling my season tickets.

Shout outs to TFC-Buffalo for giving me a ride back from Carson ($80 cab ride one way) and the 100 person entourage Luis Silva brought to the game (and eventually merged with the away support).

[Super]

They sold around 20,000 season tickets this season. I don't think they're looking to lower prices across the board anytime soon - aside from a few deals here and there. I do have to say that I find $500+ a bit much for MLS, period, and I'm thankful to have south end tickets that only set me back $200. That's a bargain. $500+, not so much. Having said that, if they sold out the entire stadium at $200 a seat that wouldn't even cover Seba's salary. We'd be deep in the red. It costs a lot of money to have nice things..

[Joe Kool]

Good response. Pretty sad to look at their list of what is supposed to tempt people to come back....especially the 3 game win streak. They are really reaching. People will show up like Pookie said at a discounted rate anyway when they want to. I thought about doing the same for next year possibly but right now my tickets in the south end are reasonable and I like where I sit so I will decide at renewal time. There is no value in having seats anymore if you can't make it to most games because they are really hard to sell even at a cheap price. Luckily right now I can make it to most games but if that ever changes I will not waste my money with unused tickets.

[Cashcleaner]

Pookie, that reply is absolutely perfect.

[brad]

They sold around 20,000 season tickets this season. I don't think they're looking to lower prices across the board anytime soon - aside from a few deals here and there. I do have to say that I find $500+ a bit much for MLS, period, and I'm thankful to have south end tickets that only set me back $200. That's a bargain. $500+, not so much. Having said that, if they sold out the entire stadium at $200 a seat that wouldn't even cover Seba's salary. We'd be deep in the red. It costs a lot of money to have nice things..

A lot of those 20k SSH's are paying the cheaper "temporary" year one price rollback. So it's not easy to compare the demand from existing SSH's to potential new seats, since there is such a skew in pricing between the two.

I'd buy seasons today for my year one light grey pricing. I won't buy them at the current rate because I can go to every game for a little more than half the cost.

[Qman]

A lot of those 20k SSH's are paying the cheaper "temporary" year one price rollback. So it's not easy to compare the demand from existing SSH's to potential new seats, since there is such a skew in pricing between the two.

I'd buy seasons today for my year one light grey pricing. I won't buy them at the current rate because I can go to every game for a little more than half the cost.

no way i'm buying full season's again.
I convinced a few of my buddies for go to the last game. While they stood outside looking for cheaper scalper tix, they were given free tix in the new deck. Then they called me and came down and watched game beside me in 107 since my section is less than half full.

No way their are 20k SSH ... thats more of TL's marketing BS. Its been about 15k butts in seats for last few games.

[ensco]

My intensity level was too high as an SSH.

Since I gave up my seats, I jump in and out, when I feel like it. It's OK if I miss games. I am thrilled when they win, and shrug off losses.

[Brooker]

As ensco said, I jump in and out when I feel like it.

I really do miss all the people in the bunker... but then again a lot of the familiar faces are gone...

Thems the breaks. First world problems, I guess.

[mastermixer]

I'm excited that TFC is starting to turn things around, however I wish the club would be a little more humble and just have the performances speak for themselves and let things happen organically.

[Redcoe15]

http://i43.tinypic.com/2aez9xu.jpg

[Derko]

I'm excited that TFC is starting to turn things around, however I wish the club would be a little more humble and just have the performances speak for themselves and let things happen organically.


Agreed but that is MLSE and we as TFC Supporters have known that from TFC's inception. Leaf Fans have known that for a lot longer. :deadhorse:

Same story different thread. I think we are stuck with it, or we don't attend and it will fold. I personally don't want TFC to become another Toronto Blizzard or Chivas USA. Just my thoughts.

[Derko]

You can become too wrapped up in the politics, but whatever Free Speech Free Country. Just wondered how many whom where involved in the silent, black shirt protest missed the Seba goal, or did not cheer? Pardon me for being cynical.

[Wagner]

Pookie, the Supply and Demand line is gold.

[Red CB Toronto]

I'm excited that TFC is starting to turn things around, however I wish the club would be a little more humble and just have the performances speak for themselves and let things happen organically.

I think Seba is a very humble, letting his performances on the pitch speak for themselves !!

[Jack]

You can become too wrapped up in the politics, but whatever Free Speech Free Country. Just wondered how many whom where involved in the silent, black shirt protest missed the Seba goal, or did not cheer? Pardon me for being cynical.
I don't think very many missed that goal. We were silent, not absent. I know that in 112 we applauded it, but maintained our no singing/chanting mandate until the 23:13.

Sending a consistent and clear message is not being wrapped up in the politics, it is standing our ground on something that is important to us. Our message was transmitted and noted by media and the front office. The lack of south end chanting and singing was notable. You could hear the difference on the broadcast quite clearly once we started chanting and singing after Dichio. We spurred discussion and brought to light the fact that a lot of TFC supporters were not happy with the decision. This got air time on some big sports talk radio where our position vis a vis the damage to the field could be clarified..

[markusp]

Gotta say that I splurged this year for season tickets at a lot higher rate that $536 per seat and find it worth it. I have been attending games for the past 3 years by buying multi packs etc. but having seats 13 rows up from the pitch gives you an entirely different perspective of the game. Most multi-pack seats were up in rows 25 to 30 and sitting that far back seemed to take me out of the game somewhat. This is my own personal opinion based on the past 3 years of attendance.

Would I love paying less for seats? Absolutely. But I haven't found a way to get the seats I want in the section I want for really any cheaper than what I am paying today. For the home opener, I needed two extra seats to bring my kids since it was Mothers Day and those seats cost me more than my own through stub hub. I may burn a game or two by having other commitments lined up but otherwise love attending every game that I can, rain or shine.

[Derko]

I don't think very many missed that goal. We were silent, not absent. I know that in 112 we applauded it, but maintained our no singing/chanting mandate until the 23:13.

Sending a consistent and clear message is not being wrapped up in the politics, it is standing our ground on something that is important to us. Our message was transmitted and noted by media and the front office. The lack of south end chanting and singing was notable. You could hear the difference on the broadcast quite clearly once we started chanting and singing after Dichio. We spurred discussion and brought to light the fact that a lot of TFC supporters were not happy with the decision. This got air time on some big sports talk radio where our position vis a vis the damage to the field could be clarified..

I appreciate the protest and the show of displeasure, it just worries me when we stop cheering for the team on the field, and booing when they do not perform that it may impact the field. That is all.

Cheers

[C.Ronaldo]

Was a season ticket holder in years 1-5. By year 6 I used that money to fly to LA and Seattle for the CCL and 1st MLS match. That LA game is my single best memory for TFC and I owe it all to cancelling my season tickets.

Shout outs to TFC-Buffalo for giving me a ride back from Carson ($80 cab ride one way) and the 100 person entourage Luis Silva brought to the game (and eventually merged with the away support).


"im his bro, im not entourage"

or something like that

[Jack]

I appreciate the protest and the show of displeasure, it just worries me when we stop cheering for the team on the field, and booing when they do not perform that it may impact the field. That is all.

Cheers
And believe me, those of us who do our best to lead/organize/inspire the supporters are fully cognizant of this. We definitely try to limit anything that would hurt supporting the 11 on the field. I believe, on the whole, that the players understand that those 23 minutes of silence were directed at management and that we are behind them all the way.

[TOBOR !]

Not sure what the Argos have to do with Grey Cups.

I think the best response to MLSE would be none at all.

[Pookie]

Not sure what the Argos have to do with Grey Cups.


You can't host Grey Cups without a CFL configured field. If you are going to the expense of converting to a CFL field, you need a CFL tenant to play there on the days/years where you are not hosting Grey Cups.

Well, technically you don't need a tenant. But having one increases your annual revenue. And there you go.

[tfcocd]

Gotta say that I splurged this year for season tickets at a lot higher rate that $536 per seat and find it worth it. I have been attending games for the past 3 years by buying multi packs etc. but having seats 13 rows up from the pitch gives you an entirely different perspective of the game. Most multi-pack seats were up in rows 25 to 30 and sitting that far back seemed to take me out of the game somewhat. This is my own personal opinion based on the past 3 years of attendance.

Would I love paying less for seats? Absolutely. But I haven't found a way to get the seats I want in the section I want for really any cheaper than what I am paying today. For the home opener, I needed two extra seats to bring my kids since it was Mothers Day and those seats cost me more than my own through stub hub. I may burn a game or two by having other commitments lined up but otherwise love attending every game that I can, rain or shine.

While I took what I could get in 07 and 08, have been in rows 8 - 11 in dark grey or red since and would have to agree. I like having my own seats and the vantage point. There are many familiar faces in the section and I look forward to every game I am able to attend.

[cmonyoureds]

I've historically always told them the same thing every time they've called/e-mailed:

I no longer spend my money in your building.
My entertainment dollars for the club are now being spent on roadtrips.
Yes, I realize under the single entity structure this will equate to some money in your pocket, however I'm not going to opt into another 5 year cycle of "supply and demand" decision making.

[BuSaPuNk]

There really getting desperate to fill the stadium at any cost now. This just got sent in the SSH email

ADDITIONAL TICKET OFFER
Exclusively for Season Seat Holders, purchase all remaining June games at*50% off. Discount applicable on upper bowl light red, upper bowl dark grey, and upper bowl medium grey locations.Offer code: SSH50

[Pint]

There really getting desperate to fill the stadium at any cost now. This just got sent in the SSH email

ADDITIONAL TICKET OFFER
Exclusively for Season Seat Holders, purchase all remaining June games at*50% off. Discount applicable on upper bowl light red, upper bowl dark grey, and upper bowl medium grey locations.Offer code: SSH50

cheapest of that lot is still $28 for med grey...

[OgtheDim]

Those are all in the Upper East Bowl.

[Red CB Toronto]

The new upper bowl was not built for TFC, simple as that. They are trying to get creative in attempt to fill it. I would not be surprised if they rethink the pricing for it in 2016. Remember how ridiculous the pricing was for the first year of the North stand and it was empty all the time. The next year it was greatly reduced and lots of people picked up seats in it.

[OgtheDim]

I'm glad the banding experiment across the East bowl has been unsuccessful. Less likely to band the Upper West side.

Should just mirror the west.

[Detroit_TFC]

The new upper bowl was not built for TFC, simple as that. They are trying to get creative in attempt to fill it. I would not be surprised if they rethink the pricing for it in 2016. Remember how ridiculous the pricing was for the first year of the North stand and it was empty all the time. The next year it was greatly reduced and lots of people picked up seats in it.

Yes, in hindsight the FO got the pricing all wrong. Should have value priced them this season, then once roof/canopy/thingy is on, people there might be willing to pay more.

Not sure why a 30K stadium needs so many price points, especially with the advent of dynamic event pricing.

[Auzzy]

Indeed, I was worried they would transfer the new East pricing to the West (with some kind of transition period or "loyalty" BS). That would screw me up, I'm in light grey in the West. I was even hoping to move down a bit closer, at the same price, at a relocation (but didn't manage to do that for this year). Doesn't look like they will be able to do that anytime soon.

Overall I'm still worried what will happen if TFC starts winning consistently. Is there enough demand for close to 30k of expensive seats in Toronto, even if the team does well?

[TFC07]

Indeed, I was worried they would transfer the new East pricing to the West (with some kind of transition period or "loyalty" BS). That would screw me up, I'm in light grey in the West. I was even hoping to move down a bit closer, at the same price, at a relocation (but didn't manage to do that for this year). Doesn't look like they will be able to do that anytime soon.

Overall I'm still worried what will happen if TFC starts winning consistently. Is there enough demand for close to 30k of expensive seats in Toronto, even if the team does well?

Yes, but not sure about expensive part though.

But winning TFC can bring back that excitement and positive vibe like good old days (in first few years) at BMO field.

[TFC07]

The new upper bowl was not built for TFC, simple as that. They are trying to get creative in attempt to fill it. I would not be surprised if they rethink the pricing for it in 2016. Remember how ridiculous the pricing was for the first year of the North stand and it was empty all the time. The next year it was greatly reduced and lots of people picked up seats in it.

It sure wasn't built for Argos or concerts either.

TFC being main tenant (who use BMO field the most and have their logos all over the place), most likely are part of reason why there's an increase in seating capacity. It doesn't make sense to invest in $100 million if TFC isn't part of reason for rebuilding BMO field.

[OgtheDim]

Whole things changes with a roof next season. Atmosphere will be enhanced, which will draw people.

I'm torn in that I'd like to see more people show up.

But then even as TFC continues to win, there has to be some effort by MLSE to get bums in the seats. That will dampen down the "well we won a lot so the price is going up a lot" thinking.

[ensco]

Whole things changes with a roof next season. Atmosphere will be enhanced, which will draw people.



Maybe a little. Or maybe not.

[Mark in Ottawa]

Great response Pookie.
I wondered about this because I got the same sales pitch and I was only ever a Partial SSH.
Coming from away meant I routinely had a few tickets I couldn't use each season and couldn't even give them away in the end.
O well ... at least my "Ransom Pack" tickets for the Marlies got used by RPB members in the end.

Dropping the partial pack saved me a bundle but not living in Toronto meant it was/is still not a spur of the moment decision to attend TFC matches.

Now that we have an NASL club here I am taken back to the early days of TFC support ... a small dedicated enthusiastic crew who just love the game and want to be a part of it with other like minds. Sure the football is not exactly top drawer but the camaraderie certainly is.

[Red CB Toronto]

Great response Pookie.
I wondered about this because I got the same sales pitch and I was only ever a Partial SSH.
Coming from away meant I routinely had a few tickets I couldn't use each season and couldn't even give them away in the end.
O well ... at least my "Ransom Pack" tickets for the Marlies got used by RPB members in the end.

Dropping the partial pack saved me a bundle but not living in Toronto meant it was/is still not a spur of the moment decision to attend TFC matches.

Now that we have an NASL club here I am taken back to the early days of TFC support ... a small dedicated enthusiastic crew who just love the game and want to be a part of it with other like minds. Sure the football is not exactly top drawer but the camaraderie certainly is.

Plus you have a nice little group of TFC alumni on the Fury to support !!

[Mark in Ottawa]

Plus you have a nice little group of TFC alumni on the Fury to support !!
True. I am shocked at how many TFC "alumni" are now playing in the NASL.

As well we also have some RPB members who occasionally drop by to see a Fury game here in Ottawa.
Great to have them with us in Section W at Lansdowne Park.

[Red CB Toronto]

True. I am shocked at how many TFC "alumni" are now playing in the NASL.

As well we also have some RPB members who occasionally drop by to see a Fury game here in Ottawa.
Great to have them with us in Section W at Lansdowne Park.

I will be back up in Ottawa for sure this season, had such a great time in The W last season !!