It is often said that loyalty comes at a price, and this is true, especially in the world of MLB. This morning, Game 1 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Arizona Diamondbacks was underway with the Phillies coming out on top. Game 2 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) was also played between Dusty Baker’s Houston Astros and Bruce Bochy’s Texas Rangers wherein Bochy’s boys prevailed.

They made fans focus on another reality apart from the results- ticket prices. Fans throughout the country had questions about the massive price disparity between these two high-profile encounters.

Six Times The Price!

While the ‘get-in’ price for the Phillies game was $278, it was in heavy contrast to the meager-sounding $40 price of admission for the Houston game. Yes! That is an astounding 595% difference! But what is so magical about the Red Pinstripes that demands such a price?

Believe it or not, it seems to all boil down to two significant factors: fandom and star power. Passion and loyalty run high among the Phanatics! Another reason for the same is Bruce Harper a name which is a magnet enough on his own. Not every team including the defending champions, can boast of such a base. The Phillies got it all and big names cost big money.

But do the fans seem to mind? Not everyone. As in the case of a diehard Philadelphia Phillies fan who was quoted by CBS News saying “The Phillies are the hottest ticket in town right now. Actually, they are the hottest ticket in the country.” However, for several other fans, the cost of loyalty ranges from significant to unaffordable. CBS News also quoted another Phillies fan, stating “My husband looked into it, and we just couldn’t afford it. So we’ll be watching it from home.”

Cost of being a Philadelphia Phillies Fan

Although it is common knowledge that in the world of sports, ticket prices may vary depending on several circumstances. What caught the attention of sports fans was the enormous contrast between these two events. 

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When we look at the changes in American spotting culture, ticket prices are only a small, albeit significant part of the bigger picture. Irrespective of the prices, the sold-out crowd during the Philadelphia Phillies’ first game against the Marlins is signal enough that fans who can afford it will pay exorbitant prices to watch their teams in action. This can entirely be termed as a sign of the fan’s undying enthusiasm for the sport. Do you think Phillies ticket prices are fair? Would you be willing to pay the same? Let us know!

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