A Lot Less Bread For The Circuses

Detroit's sports teams work to lure bargain-hunting fans

"Last season, Mike Kennedy paid $30 per game for four upper-deck Pistons season tickets. But as this season approached, he decided because of the economy -- and the slim title hopes of his team -- it was a good time not to renew.
"We weren't going to renew, but the Pistons called and made it hard to say no," said Kennedy, co-owner of Sentech Services in Bloomfield Hills. "They made us an offer at a ridiculously cheap price, $10 a seat."
Kennedy purchased two season tickets, which he will share with clients.

His situation is an example of what is going on with Detroit sports fans and their four pro teams. As many fans are forced to limit the money they spend on tickets in a struggling economy, teams are trying to find ways to keep them coming to events.
For example:
• The Wings are offering two upper-bowl tickets, two hot dogs and two Cokes to weekday games through December for $48.
• The Lions, who will be blacked out for the second time this season for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams, have established all-you-can-eat and Family Zone tickets. And this Sunday, they will allow fans from 5 to 14 years old to run on the field after the game.
• The Pistons, in addition to lower season ticket costs, offer a number of deals, including one where fans can buy a 16-game plan for less than $6 per tickets.
• The Tigers, who just completed their season, offered tickets and parking for as low as $5."