Houston Astros Need To Get A Clue When It Comes To Winning Fans
Posted: Thursday, June 18, 2009
by Laura Trahan
The Astros have been struggling since opening day to get fans up in the stands. A team that used to be known for its family appeal is quickly becoming the last place a family would spend the night let alone its money.
With the recession, families are cutting back. Affording tickets to the game is expensive enough, but then add on to that a team that is struggling to even win games, uncalled for treatment of families and the expense of food, the Astros seem like a no-win situation for any family.
A ball was hit down that line and instinctively he grabbed in his glove. This time the ball had been called fair. The man was told by another fan that it was called fair and he immediately dropped the ball. The runner of course was given a double because of fan interference.
Any individual that close to the ball and field would have done that same thing. My thoughts were that the fan should be rewarded because if he did not stop the ball, the runner was sure to get a triple because neither Lance Berkaman (first baseman) or Hunter Pence (right field) was even moving towards the ball.
Instead the Astros escorted the dad out of the stands. His wife and kids sat confused as to what was going on and where they were taking him. I sat in shock that the Astros had stooped so low to make a father look bad in front of his sons.
Then the news was let out that the Astros is the only, yes ONLY, Major League club to not allow outside food into the stadium. Every other major league baseball organization allows visitors to bring food, drinks and snacks into the stadium.
I felt like I had been duped for all these years. The main reason we can't afford a game is because of the food issue. It is outrageous. You have to take out a loan on your house to afford to feed a family of four basic dinner.
The Houston Chronicle article that broke the story had a condescending quote from owner Drayton McLane: "Banning outside food at Astros games 'has been kind of a tradition in Houston,'" said Astros owner Drayton McLane, who purchased the team in 1992.
What family would want that tradition? You know it would be different if the food was reasonably priced, but it is so expensive.
Since this story broke, the Astros has offered an all-you-can-eat seat for $20 to try and quiet the response. Seriously? A family of four would still be paying $80 for seats that are still nosebleeds. Add to that the junkiness of the food and how is this a good deal for families?
My favorite quote in the story was by a Mariners employee. In Seattle, "There is a healthy market of hot dogs, kettle corn, peanuts, etc., on the streets surrounding the ballpark on game days," said Mariners spokeswoman Rebecca Hale. "I've seen people come through turnstiles with stacks of pizza boxes, and once I saw several college-age boys carrying a six-foot sub sandwich through the gate."
That is such an awesome memory. Can you imagine having that opportunity. The Astros contend that they offer cheaper tickets than the other ball parks. The sad truth is the cheaper ticket is for nosebleeds and standing room only for kids. Once you add on food, you are spending twice as much. Besides, what kid is going to sit through a three to four hour game during dinner time and not want something to eat.
There are just too many empty seats right now at the games. Do the Astros honestly think they are not doing something wrong? Or is it the one out of 30 baseball organizations that is doing it right? I think not.
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