Luukko said he can never remember that happening. "These people are very loyal, but prices become an issue," said Luukko, who added "the economy has been really tough on suite sales and premium seating."
"More people are sharing tickets now."
Welcome to the era of the ever-dwindling sports dollar. According to the survey of Philadelphia sports fans that the Daily News conducted with the Sport Industry Research Center at Temple University - which indicated that the average respondent spent nearly $1,300 a year on pro sports - fans said the troubled economy had caused them to cut back their spending, including for tickets and merchandise. When asked if they intend to increase their spending when the economy improves, 6 percent said they "strongly agree" with that statement and 41.2 percent said they "agree." Three percent "strongly disagreed" and 15.8 percent "disagreed" with it. The remaining 34 percent said they "neither agree nor disagree."
How expensive is it to attend Philadelphia pro sporting events? In an annual survey of prices across pro sports, Team Marketing Report analyzes just that in its Fan Cost Index, which assumes the following criteria: four average-priced tickets; two small draft beers; four small soft drinks; four regular-sized hot dogs; parking for one car; two game programs; and two least-expensive adult adjustable caps. The Phillies ranked fifth priciest in baseball at $226.46; the Flyers ninth in the NHL at $323.30; the Eagles 15th in the NFL at $387.50; and the Sixers 19th in the NBA at $272.98. The figures for the Phillies and Flyers are higher than the average for their respective sports; the Eagles' and Sixers' figures are lower.
And who is doing the spending?
As would make sense, those with a greater income spend more. The survey found that annual spending broke down this way across the following income categories:
