Angels become latest team to use variable ticket pricing

Thursday December 12, 2002

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) The World Series champion Anaheim Angels, set to increase their payroll by 33 percent, are raising ticket prices for next season. Most increases range from $6 to $2.

Anaheim also became the latest pro sports team to turn to variable pricing, charging an extra $5 for most single-game tickets for 20 games. Six games vs. the New York Yankees and three each with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are among those affected.

At least seven other teams the Yankees, Mets, Giants, Rockies, Indians, Cardinals and Cubs so far have announced ticket plans that vary by opponent.

Even while The Walt Disney Co. proceeds with plans to sell the Angels, the company has approved a payroll rise of about $20 million, up from last season's $63 million.

``The ticket prices go up to offset some of the payroll increase,'' Angels spokesman Tim Mead said. ``It's our intent to keep this team intact. There's a cost involved to do that.''

Anaheim's average ticket price was $11.79 last season, according to the Team Marketing Report. That was third lowest in the majors, ahead of only Montreal ($9 U.S.) and Minnesota ($11.78).

(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)