May 24, 2016
In a season mired by rebuilding and last-place play, the Cincinnati Reds have introduced a new ticketing system with the intent of filling the seats at Great American Ball Park through the summer. Being dubbed the Reds Summer Ballpark Pass, the ticketing option grants access to all 15 home games between Sunday and Thursday in June and July.
And the grand total? A paltry $59.
The ticket offer comes in the wake of poor attendance through the first 27 home games of the season, where the Reds rank 25th in the Majors averaging just over 22,100 fans per game, according to ESPN.com. The belief is that cheaper, bundled tickets will generate more interest for fans to attend as well as the appeal of premium opponents like the Washington Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs.
The bundle also includes a June 26 game against the San Diego Padres, which will hold Pete Rose's Number 14 Jersey Retirement Ceremony prior to first pitch.
Fans can purchase up to 10 passes using the MLB.com Ballpark App. No physical tickets will be granted, as those who are interested in the ticket bundle must user the mobile interface to purchase the offer and gain access to the stadium. Tickets will be uploaded to the app day-of-game and include seating in either Field Box, Mezzanine, View Level or potential Standing-Room Only dependent on the game.
While playoff hopes seem like an afterthought as June approaches, the Reds have yet to see a significant dip in ticket demand on the secondary market this season. In fact, Cincinnati Reds tickets are the most expensive they've been since at least 2012, with the average resale price for home games at Great American Ball Park listed at $55.53. Over the past five seasons, only the 2013 season - the year following the team's last NLDS appearance - exceeded the $50 average at $51.86 through 81 home games.
So is the newly-enlisted Ballpark Pass worth the investment? Using the cheapest ticket to each of the 15 included games on the secondary market, the grand total clocks in just north of $100. Though fans won't know their particular section until the day of the game, the Reds Ballpark Pass is most certainly worth its exceptionally low price tag.
The on-field return may put that worth into question, however.
