{"id":75591,"date":"2014-07-21T19:50:48","date_gmt":"2014-07-21T19:50:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rcntv.rcn.com\/?p=75591"},"modified":"2023-04-14T15:01:29","modified_gmt":"2023-04-14T15:01:29","slug":"behind-the-mic-free-admittance-is-so-much-cheaper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.astound.com\/atvn\/behind-the-mic-free-admittance-is-so-much-cheaper\/","title":{"rendered":"Behind the Mic: Free Admittance is so Much Cheaper"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

One of the really nice perks about my job is the free admittance to sporting events. Granted, I have to \u201cwork\u201d once I get there, but purchasing a ticket to an event is pretty foreign to me. Add to that the fact that I have a good seat; I get to talk to the players and the coaches; I can converse with the fans; and, sometimes, I even get free food. It\u2019s all good.<\/p>\n

There are some sporting events, however, I would like to attend ONCE in my life and to do that, I would probably have to buy a ticket like any other fan. So I investigated the price (in 2013) to attend some of the events on my list (obviously, in the manner I am accustomed to):<\/p>\n

1. The Masters golf tournament \u2013 a four-day pass would cost me $4,486. I would need to travel to Augusta, Georgia, find lodging, eat for four days, and pay exorbitant prices on the grounds. I am guessing a total price around $6,000.<\/p>\n

2. The Super Bowl \u2013 the average face-value price for a ticket for the Ravens vs the 49ers in 2013 was $1,210. Tickets were sold, it was reported, for as much as $316,000.<\/p>\n

3. The BCS College football championship \u2013 For this one, I think I would like to sit in a luxury box suite. After all, I am used to broadcasting college football from a nice suite with free food and drink available. The best price I could find was $250,000 for the accommodations. I would be able to invite some friends \u2013 maybe I could get a half dozen to kick in $50,000 each. I am not against making a profit here.<\/p>\n

4. Game 7 of the NBA Championship \u2013 that happened in 2010 when the Lakers met the Celtics. To sit at courtside (why would I want to sit anywhere else?) required that I purchase two tickets minimum for a cost of $115,000.<\/p>\n

5. Major League Baseball\u2019s All-Star game \u2013 Another event where if you wanted to sit behind home plate, you needed to purchase two tickets. That would set you back $7,200. I wonder what a hot dog and soda would cost me. Maybe I could sneak in my own peanuts.<\/p>\n

My list may differ greatly from yours. So allow me to quickly give you some \u201cballpark\u201d figures for some other major events:<\/p>\n

Championship boxing \u2013 ringside – $30,940.
\nStanley Cup Final \u2013 average price in 2013 – $1,380.
\nWimbledon Championship Finals \u2013 If you are \u201cunfortunate\u201d to have a British finalist
\n(Andy Murray in 2013), and decided to buy a ticket the day of the final, it would set you back $65,000.
\nOpening Ceremonies for the Olympics \u2013 only $4,000.<\/p>\n

AND, if you got caught up in the World Cup this year and were wondering what it cost to attend the championship final \u2013 a mere $990. The problem here is you have to get to Brazil \u2013 from my house, it was @$3,000 for flight and hotel!<\/p>\n

My top five would cost me around $375,000 or so just for the tickets. My air-conditioned house, comfortable recliner, hi-def TV, and easy access to snacks and drinks have me reconsidering attendance. With the money I\u2019ll save, I think I\u2019ll Google the nearest Porsche dealership.<\/p>\n

ABOVE THE EARS (SOME MUSINGS)<\/strong><\/span>
\n1. The Derek Jeter<\/a> All-Star salute last Tuesday night was very special. I particularly loved the late Yankee PA announcer Bob Sheppard\u2019s introduction of Jeter. It was the perfect touch, along with allowing Jeter to run off the field in the fourth inning.<\/p>\n

2. An interesting side note on Jeter\u2019s career. Dan Szymborski of ESPN has created a formula called ZiPS (sZymborski Projection System) which takes the first three years of a player\u2019s career and projects his career numbers (here are Jeter\u2019s projection numbers followed by his actual numbers as of July 19 in parentheses). For Jeter, he would have projected a .289 batting average (.311); 2,947 hits (3,411); 418 doubles (534); 114 triples (66); 263 HR (258); 1,287 RBIs (1,287); 336 SB (355). Very impressive projection system if you ask me.<\/p>\n

3. I love the British Open. Links golf is just different; the TV time is done to allow you to do other things on the weekend; and it is a Major. It was great to see Rory McIlroy<\/a> play so well again and even his fellow players were happy for him. Sergio Garci<\/a>a finished second, but now has played in 64 majors without a win. He and Lee Westwood<\/a> (66 majors) endure the title of \u201cbest players to never win a Major\u201d.<\/p>\n

4. It was a sponsor\u2019s dream on Sunday at the British Open when the top three golf corporations were so visibly represented \u2013 Rory McIlroy represents NIKE; Sergio Garcia represents Adidas; and Ricky Fowler<\/a> represents Puma. Pretty much equal time for all.<\/p>\n

5. Two more interesting British Open tidbits \u2013 1) McIlroy\u2019s former fianc\u00e9e, Caroline Wozniacki<\/a>, also won her WTA tennis championship in Istanbul on Saturday. They were to be married in November. Rory broke off the engagement with a three-minute phone call. 2) A fan kept yelling \u201cSergio is going to catch you\u201d at McIlroy after every shot. McIlroy had a fan removed by security at the 15th hole. No one was sure if it was the same fan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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