So incredibly sad

You probably know, I'm a huge hockey fan and have been a Houston Aeros season ticket holder for I don't remember how many years....

On February 1st, all season ticket holders got an email about tickets for the 2012-2013 season.   In that email, it says "...proud to tell you that our season ticket prices are going down..." (italics and underlined just like in the email).    Yay!!   I love when ticket prices go down.

A few days later, we got our statement in the mail... a 50%, yes FIFTY, INCREASE.  WTF?   In the games over the weekend, the in game ops people are pushing season ticket packages for next year.

On twitter, David Burke, the Houston Aeros President, posts this:   "I love hearing in-game season ticket renewal drops in February #startearly #bestpractices".

I replied with this the following morning: "I thought 'our season ticket prices are going down'.. Mine went up 50%, yes FIFTY.  WTH?".    To which I got a direct message asking me to email him.   So, I sent him an email.

Here's my beef.

#1.  You can't slap a 50% increase on people and expect them to be OK with it.   I get that it's a business, and they need to make money.   I expected an increase, especially after the Aeros made it to the Calder Cup finals last season.  But 50%? 

#2.  Don't send me an email telling me that the prices went down when I'm getting an invoice with a 50% increase.    You would think they'd be smart enough to only send that email to those that are positively affected by the so called decrease, not the others.   What a way to cause an uproar with your long time season ticket holders!!

Bad business!!

I did get a reply from him, that basically says "F you.  Take it or leave it.".  Or, more specifically:

"...We have made a commitment that all season ticket holders will be paying the same amount and that because of their commitment, will be paying the lowest possible price. All of our season ticket pricing has been decreased. In fact, one area has decreased over 12 percent in comparison to this season’s posted pricing.

There are situations, such as yours, where people were given a “deal” on their tickets. I will never question why decisions were made in the past, but instead move forward with what we can control now..."

Again, I get it.  It's a business.  But is it really necessary to hit us with 50% all at one time?    Can't we get there a little more gradually and a lot less painfully?    We are talking about season ticket holders who have been around for years...  Why the hell would you just want to piss them all off and take the risk of losing their business.   It's not like the Toyota Center is a sell out every night and people are waiting in line for seats to open up!

For those of you who go to the games, you'll know there's a chant after every goal the Aeros score:  "1.2.3. He shoots.  He scores.  Hey <goalie name>, you suck".  Well, on Sunday, that chant was "1.2.3 Hey David Burke, you suck."   I don't lead the chant.  I don't have anything to do with the chant.  The point is, there are several season ticket holders who are pissed.  The question is how many will actually do something about it?

I'm one.  We are 2 seats who will not be renewed next season.  I know it won't hit David Burke's pockets, but if I don't stand up for what I believe, I can't bitch about it either!   I'm so incredibly sad that I won't be going to Aeros games next season.   It sucks.

So, I got to looking and calling around, and guess who has reasonable prices for hockey... the TEXAS STARS!   Yes, it's a drive.  Yes, I'll spend more money in gas.   We have family and friends who live in Austin, so we won't have to worry about hotel expense.   We are probably going to get a partial season for the stars next year, and we'll make a couple trips to Dallas for some NHL action.   I guess this way, it will be a whole lot easier to follow the prospects!


I'm so sad.  I feel like a traitor!

UPDATE:  A follow up