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http://www.stltoday.com/sports/colu...cle_b04bf2f7-854b-5d58-8273-d2f1d69dc12c.html
Bernie: Rams hold the line on season-ticket prices
Bernie Miklasz bjmiklasz@post-dispatch.com
In a letter to the team's season-ticket holders, Rams chief operating officer Kevin Demoff announced that the team isn't raising the price of season tickets and disclosed plans to improve the game-day experience at the Edward Jones Dome in 2014.
Here's part of what Demoff wrote to the fans:
"First, we are in the process of overhauling all of the food and beverage service throughout the entire building. Improved choices, better quality and a commitment to improved local food offerings will be highlighted in every concourse.
"Second, to address cell service within the Edward Jones Dome, new antennas are being built to improve wireless coverage throughout the building.
"Finally, the first time you hear our team introduced in pre-game, the sound will be crystal clear through the new sound system being installed in the building this summer."
The improvements will be appreciated by the customers. Demoff and his staff are to be commended for trying to enhance the environment at The Ed. Truth is, the Rams don't have much to work with at the Dome and there's only so much that they can do. At they're trying to make the best of it. And they are listening to the fans' complaints.
Of course, there were few complaints about The Ed between 1999 and 2001, when the Rams were averaging 32 points per game, winning two NFC Championships and capturing Super Bowl 34. Back then it was considered a football madhouse that rattled visiting teams. That's what winning does for everyone.
The finest improvement the Rams can make is to put a winning team on the field. The franchise hasn't had a winning record since 2003. Demoff sounded off on that theme in his note to the season-ticket base.
I appreciate the way Demoff set higher expectations for 2014.
"Anything short of a playoff berth in 2014 will be a disappointment, and the work towards a home playoff game in the Edward Jones Dome is well under way," Demoff wrote. "In fact, as I write this letter, we are headed to Indianapolis (for the scouting combine) to continue preparations for what should be one of our most exciting drafts in ages."
Later, Demoff added: "The time has come for our young Rams to grow up..."
I'm probably burying the lead here, but the Rams aren't raising the price for 2014 season tickets. But there will be an increase (yet unspecified) on single-game prices.
More Demoff: "As we continue to build the fan experience at the Edward Jones Dome, we want to continue to make it one of the most affordable experiences in the NFL. As a result, there will not be an increase in season ticket prices from last season. However, we will be raising single-game prices in order to increase the savings for our season ticket holders. Additionally, we will be allowing fans to recognize savings on their season tickets if you renew your season tickets by March 14."
Will the Rams retain _ or even build on _ their season-ticket base? With the long losing streak, the Rams having an escape clause and the option to terminate their stadium lease after the 2014 season and owner Stan Kroenke remaining coy about his future intentions, the product isn't an easy sell right now. But the Rams have made progress in their two seasons under head coach Jeff Fisher. And in his letter to the fans, Demoff made it clear that he expects better results in 2014.
Bernie
Bernie: Rams hold the line on season-ticket prices
Bernie Miklasz bjmiklasz@post-dispatch.com
In a letter to the team's season-ticket holders, Rams chief operating officer Kevin Demoff announced that the team isn't raising the price of season tickets and disclosed plans to improve the game-day experience at the Edward Jones Dome in 2014.
Here's part of what Demoff wrote to the fans:
"First, we are in the process of overhauling all of the food and beverage service throughout the entire building. Improved choices, better quality and a commitment to improved local food offerings will be highlighted in every concourse.
"Second, to address cell service within the Edward Jones Dome, new antennas are being built to improve wireless coverage throughout the building.
"Finally, the first time you hear our team introduced in pre-game, the sound will be crystal clear through the new sound system being installed in the building this summer."
The improvements will be appreciated by the customers. Demoff and his staff are to be commended for trying to enhance the environment at The Ed. Truth is, the Rams don't have much to work with at the Dome and there's only so much that they can do. At they're trying to make the best of it. And they are listening to the fans' complaints.
Of course, there were few complaints about The Ed between 1999 and 2001, when the Rams were averaging 32 points per game, winning two NFC Championships and capturing Super Bowl 34. Back then it was considered a football madhouse that rattled visiting teams. That's what winning does for everyone.
The finest improvement the Rams can make is to put a winning team on the field. The franchise hasn't had a winning record since 2003. Demoff sounded off on that theme in his note to the season-ticket base.
I appreciate the way Demoff set higher expectations for 2014.
"Anything short of a playoff berth in 2014 will be a disappointment, and the work towards a home playoff game in the Edward Jones Dome is well under way," Demoff wrote. "In fact, as I write this letter, we are headed to Indianapolis (for the scouting combine) to continue preparations for what should be one of our most exciting drafts in ages."
Later, Demoff added: "The time has come for our young Rams to grow up..."
I'm probably burying the lead here, but the Rams aren't raising the price for 2014 season tickets. But there will be an increase (yet unspecified) on single-game prices.
More Demoff: "As we continue to build the fan experience at the Edward Jones Dome, we want to continue to make it one of the most affordable experiences in the NFL. As a result, there will not be an increase in season ticket prices from last season. However, we will be raising single-game prices in order to increase the savings for our season ticket holders. Additionally, we will be allowing fans to recognize savings on their season tickets if you renew your season tickets by March 14."
Will the Rams retain _ or even build on _ their season-ticket base? With the long losing streak, the Rams having an escape clause and the option to terminate their stadium lease after the 2014 season and owner Stan Kroenke remaining coy about his future intentions, the product isn't an easy sell right now. But the Rams have made progress in their two seasons under head coach Jeff Fisher. And in his letter to the fans, Demoff made it clear that he expects better results in 2014.
Bernie
