That magical group known as the Kansas City Chiefs
Submitted by the_watchd0g on December 20, 2009 - 5:56pm
So we survived the first blackout of a Chiefs game since 1990, and there wasn't a riot in the streets. I guess that means it's a good thing.
However, it's been a bad year for them, from another sad win/loss record to less than stellar ticket sales, to the almost blackout last weekend, and this weekend's blackout. It's also not just the fact that the team's record sucks, but how some of those games were lost. The thing that bothers me the most, however, isn't the fact that the Chiefs are continuing the tradition of suck, but the cost of going to a game is insane these days. The tickets are some of the most expensive in the NFL already, but definitely outrageous for a team that hasn't gone to the playoffs because of skill and not luck since Dick Vermeil was coach.
According to TeamMarketing.com, the Chiefs Fan Cost index (FCI) is 8th in the NFL at an average of $445 for a family of four., with the ticket price being 9th most expensive on average. in the NFL. The only point that shines for the the ticket prices, is that the premium tickets are the second lowest in the NFL. Concessions are also in the mid-range to high side, which adds to the FCI.
How TeamMarketing.com figures the FCI -
"The Fan Cost Index™ comprises the prices of four (4) average-price tickets, two (2) small draft beers, four (4) small soft drinks, four (4) regular-size hot dogs, parking for one (1) car, two (2) game programs and two (2) least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps. Costs were determined by telephone calls with representatives of the teams, venues and concessionaires."
I take issue that Carl Peterson was so proud of the Chiefs mediocrity that he allowed ticket prices to skyrocket. Furthermore, I'm disappointed in Scott Pioli for the fact that he's probably going to continue the proud tradition of gouging fans at the gate for mediocre football. If the cost for tickets, and the overall fan cost index would go down, I don't think as many people wouldn't mind spending a Sunday out at Arrowhead. However, when the average family of four can expect to spend upwards of $350 (parking, tickets, concessions) and even more so if they want a program or souvenirs, attendance will remain down as long as the record isn't a winning one.
Source for FCI info - http://teammarketing.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/News/nf...
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Seems to me that the blackout actually spared Chiefs fans of the sickness from watching the Chiefs' horrible defense give up a Browns franchise rushing record that has stood since the Jim Brown days, and the Chief's horrible special teams from giving up TWO 100 yard+ TD returns by Cribbs.
Thank you blackout!
Way to point out the silver lining, Pete. :-P
LOL
Merry Christmas!
<:-{|}
Ho.Ho.Ho.
It seems to me from the articles I've read that the organization thinks they have awesome fans that aren't buying tickets because of the recession. It's been awhile since I've had a desire to see a Chief's game in person with free tickets and even longer since I've been able to afford to purchase tickets for them. I don't think the recession has much to do at all with people at the game. If the Chief's were winning and in the running for a playoff spot, they would have a sold out stadium no problem. The recession isn't the problem, it's the 6 wins in the last 3 years that's the problem.
Yeah, I kind of figured they'd be in denial and blame the recession... instead of their crappy playing.
Fortunately, when the economy comes back, the Chiefs are very likely to still continue "the tradition of suck". Maybe then we'll have a few more blackouts and they'll get a clue.
They do have awesome fans, but they're far outnumbered by the fair-weather fans that have changed camp to the Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, or other teams that actually win games. While I still haven't given up on the Chiefs, it's become much harder to watch them play over the last several years.
Also, you have to remember that even awesome fans aren't going to want to watch their team lose every week, when they can spend the money they would have spent at the game on a brand new HDTV.
Watchd0g, GO COWBOYS!!! Sorry just had to throw that out there.... I agree, I like the Chiefs but I find it hard to watch a constant losing team.... I won't go to the games b/c of ticket prices..... I would much rather take my kids to a theme park then pay those dang prices anymore.....
You had to like the Jolly Ranchers, didn't you? :-P
Watchd0g, yes I did... Got a problem with that? LOL.....
The Cowboys aren't as bad as it can get. There's always the New England Cheaters... I mean Patriots.
Good one Watchd0g.... I'm not a Patriots fan...... My hubby is major Jets fan, but he is from Brooklyn, NY.....
Exactly, I like the Chiefs quite a bit, but after so long of them losing, I would rather watch competitive games. The losing gets old after awhile.