Tickets to 2020 Games

[MadThinker88]

Hot off the presses for games 3/28 through 4/30:

 

"In accordance with our ticket policy, Season Seat Holders will receive a credit equal to the purchased value of your tickets. Additionally, Season Seat Holders will receive a 10% bonus credit. (If your account was credited for tickets valued at $200, you will receive a total credit of $220.) All credits can be used towards 2020 single game ticket purchases and/or applied to your 2021 season renewal invoice. You will also receive an offer to purchase tickets to select games at the Season Renewal price. More information on this benefit will be provided to you."

 

Of special note: "For those currently in possession of an Opening Day ticket, originally scheduled for Thursday, March 26, please hold on to your ticket. Your Opening Day ticket will be honored for the first regular season home game played at Miller Park in 2020."

 

Interesting. It sounds similar to the message sent out by the Indians to their fans via email this afternoon. From another poster on a different board:

"Indians sent an email in regards to March/April games. Can either call for a refund or you can use your credits towards future 2020/2021 games and get a 10% bonus credit. Also have for STH that of renew for 2021, price is locked at 2020 prices, get additional 10% bonus credit and another $2LV per seat

[jodo23]

Link to the full policy for March 26-April 30 games: https://www.mlb.com/brewers/fans/2020-update?partnerId=it-1182103-7550-1651371

 

Assuming games are even played in front of fans this year (which at this point seems unlikely), singling out Opening Day seems especially detrimental to ticket-holders, as there's no refund or credit option attached: I'd expect many people to be extremely risk-adverse immediately after the quarantine is lifted, so there may be zero aftermarket value for those ticket-holders that do not want to attend and who try to sell their tickets instead. I could see those ticket-holders being forced to take huge or complete losses by this policy. I'd hope they'd offer refunds or credit towards 2021 to accommodate those who aren't willing to risk full parking lots or stadiums this year. I'm guessing a lot will change with these policies in the coming months, but for now this Opening Day policy seems poorly fleshed out.

[MillerParkSouth]

Kind of lame that I can’t get a refund for my May tickets yet since there’s no chance of those games happening.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

Link to the full policy for March 26-April 30 games: https://www.mlb.com/brewers/fans/2020-update?partnerId=it-1182103-7550-1651371

 

Assuming games are even played in front of fans this year (which at this point seems unlikely), singling out Opening Day seems especially detrimental to ticket-holders, as there's no refund or credit option attached: I'd expect many people to be extremely risk-adverse immediately after the quarantine is lifted, so there may be zero aftermarket value for those ticket-holders that do not want to attend and who try to sell their tickets instead. I could see those ticket-holders being forced to take huge or complete losses by this policy. I'd hope they'd offer refunds or credit towards 2021 to accommodate those who aren't willing to risk full parking lots or stadiums this year. I'm guessing a lot will change with these policies in the coming months, but for now this Opening Day policy seems poorly fleshed out.

 

I have no issue with people selling tickets but nobody is forced into taking a loss. If you bought a ticket to Opening Day that is what you're entitled to. You're not entitled to a sweet resale market. They'll address Opening Day differently in the likely event it never occurs this season.

[markedman5]

Account credit plus 10% to be used for future purchases but no refund is what I saw.

 

I can understand waiting until end of April to deal with this but not giving refunds for canceled games is not going to go over well.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

I don't think this is the final version of this. They will have to adjust if no games take place. They are quite obviously hoping there are games there in July, August or whenever so they can hang on to every dollar they can. People still clinging to refunds when there's been no direction at all from the league are just asking to be disappointed.

[MillerParkSouth]

oh wow, I thought they were allowing refunds like literally every club that I had seen released so far. That is pretty bush to not offer that as an option given the current situation.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

They didn't mention May either, which many clubs did. The lack of refunds doesn't surprise me though. They're clinging to hope there is a season and they can get as many people as possible to use the credits. Refunds will be a last resort.

[BradWI]

Their greed is going to offend many ticket buyers at a time when they are going to need them more than ever over the next year or two. Not smart.

[rickh150]

Terrible. You can't even push your 2020 tickets to 2021? If I have seven games for 2020, I theoretically have to fit all my games into the potentially small amount of games at Miller Park in 2020? Nutso..., Some attending my party are over 70 and will have questionable interest at best to attend a game in Milwaukee this year. Are they crazy?

[OldSchoolSnapper]

They're not going to offer a rollover credit on single game sales for 2021 on April 30 without word the season is cancelled. Why on Earth would they do that and risk games happening in July?

 

This policy will change as this keeps going. May is done. Fans at games in June sounds like a stretch. Possibly any fans at all this year sounds like a stretch. But people are just going to have to be patient.

[rickh150]

They're not going to offer a rollover credit on single game sales for 2021 on April 30 without word the season is cancelled. Why on Earth would they do that and risk games happening in July?

 

This policy will change as this keeps going. May is done. Fans at games in June sounds like a stretch. Possibly any fans at all this year sounds like a stretch. But people are just going to have to be patient.

 

It sounds now like the ENTIRE schedule will change if there is a season. I haven't heard of any talk with the schedule staying the same with potentially 30,000 plus fans at the game either. Brewers fans are ticked... just looks really bad. Even if they gave no refunds and 2020 ticket $ could only be used for 2021, that would still be bad.

 

The harsh reality is that many, maybe even the majority of people, have no intentions of going into a crowded or even half filled stadium in 2020, no matter what MLB decides. Many could really use the refund for necessities.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

People counting on their ticket money for necessities shouldn't have significant funds tied up in baseball games. A harsh truth but a truth nonetheless.

 

It will all be moot. This is an evolving policy and the news on the season goes in seven directions a day. When they have actual information to work with, they'll adjust accordingly. They are in the same touch and go world as all of us right now.

[Fear The Chorizo]

Terrible. You can't even push your 2020 tickets to 2021? If I have seven games for 2020, I theoretically have to fit all my games into the potentially small amount of games at Miller Park in 2020? Nutso..., Some attending my party are over 70 and will have questionable interest at best to attend a game in Milwaukee this year. Are they crazy?

 

Take a breath and be patient...or maybe people just shouldnt drop as much money next year on tickets if getting refunded for these games cancelled for previously unforeseen circumstances ASAP saves foreclosing on a home. I get that 99 percent of us are in a fiscal crunch, myself included, but it's been 7 weeks since this thing went bonkers. Give mlb some time to sort out how the hell they are going to make this work when there still isnt anything close to goalposts established for how the rest of 2020 will look for them on the calendar.

 

Covid has destroyed plenty of business models, including how pro sports teams generate revenue - give then time to adjust, and be realistic about what teams will actually be able to provide ticketholders for this volume of cancelled games knowing they arent sitting on heaps of cash. As much as people dont want to admit it, ticket sales dollars have already been spent or are earmarked to be spent during this year by all of the mlb clubs to help pay all sorts of operating costs not even associated with player payroll...and a big chunk of it has gotten tossed into the player payroll kitty that pays players through may whether there are games played or not during that time. Clubs will give ticket refunds eventually, but they will need to take out loans or find capital in other ways to do so. If TV revenue doesnt start showing up with games being played, there will be teams in fiscal trouble before too long.

[rickh150]

People counting on their ticket money for necessities shouldn't have significant funds tied up in baseball games. A harsh truth but a truth nonetheless.

 

It will all be moot. This is an evolving policy and the news on the season goes in seven directions a day. When they have actual information to work with, they'll adjust accordingly. They are in the same touch and go world as all of us right now.

 

 

Man, these guys have it together... great plan... and I'm being serious.

 

https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/cubs/cubs-outline-ticket-refund-policy-games-postponed-through-may-coronavirus

[rickh150]

Terrible. You can't even push your 2020 tickets to 2021? If I have seven games for 2020, I theoretically have to fit all my games into the potentially small amount of games at Miller Park in 2020? Nutso..., Some attending my party are over 70 and will have questionable interest at best to attend a game in Milwaukee this year. Are they crazy?

 

Take a breath and be patient...or maybe people just shouldnt drop as much money next year on tickets if getting refunded for these games cancelled for previously unforeseen circumstances ASAP saves foreclosing on a home. I get that 99 percent of us are in a fiscal crunch, myself included, but it's been 7 weeks since this thing went bonkers. Give mlb some time to sort out how the hell they are going to make this work when there still isnt anything close to goalposts established for how the rest of 2020 will look for them on the calendar.

 

Covid has destroyed plenty of business models, including how pro sports teams generate revenue - give then time to adjust, and be realistic about what teams will actually be able to provide ticketholders for this volume of cancelled games knowing they arent sitting on heaps of cash. As much as people dont want to admit it, ticket sales dollars have already been spent or are earmarked to be spent during this year by all of the mlb clubs to help pay all sorts of operating costs not even associated with player payroll...and a big chunk of it has gotten tossed into the player payroll kitty that pays players through may whether there are games played or not during that time. Clubs will give ticket refunds eventually, but they will need to take out loans or find capital in other ways to do so. If TV revenue doesnt start showing up with games being played, there will be teams in fiscal trouble before too long.

 

You should post this on Brewers Facebook.... it would be a hit tonight.

 

The right way to do this whole thing is the issue, whether it's a little money or a lot. And yes, some people could use the extra few hundred dollars right now for something or someone important, believe it or not, whether rich or poor.

 

The big picture is those games being played in April (or May) are not happening in any form. There is no makeup date. Just give the money back.... say it's coming in a month if need be to get your ducks in a row. The stinkin Cubs are sending the money back to your credit card, and you don't even need to contact the ticket office! They are giving a 5% additional credit to some who choose to have it roll over to future games, 2021 included.

[rickh150]

People counting on their ticket money for necessities shouldn't have significant funds tied up in baseball games. A harsh truth but a truth nonetheless.

 

It will all be moot. This is an evolving policy and the news on the season goes in seven directions a day. When they have actual information to work with, they'll adjust accordingly. They are in the same touch and go world as all of us right now.

 

The harsh truth is that it is not the Brewers money without the scheduled April game being played or rescheduled, and we all know that isn't happening. Our beloved team has no rights to it.

[MrTPlush]

Maybe people just want their money back for a product they can't even utilize? Not everyone needs $300 or whatever right now...doesn't mean the team should just hold it hostage. I could at least use that money for something else right now if I wanted and buy tickets again when people are allowed in the stadium. Every other team I have seen announcing a plan offers refunds...most even automatic. The Brewers? Giving everyone a credit...sad and borderline pathetic.

 

For the record I have season tickets and will let it just rollover into next years invoice...I really don't care about the money or need it. However, people should be getting a refund on games that have passed and not happened if that is what they want. When the entire season is likely canceled (as far as fans in the stands) are they really going to refuse refunds and simply credit to 2021? Hopefully they at least give 10% credit for hoarding everyone's money for over a year...Brewers deserve everything coming their way from angry fans.

[monty57]

I agree that it's a bad idea for the Brewers to not offer a refund. I hate to say it, but they are really screwing their fans by only offering the credit.

 

I have a July East Coast trip planned with the family, going to six different parks. I'm still clinging onto hope that the games will happen, but it's good to see that the teams are offering a refund if the games aren't played. There's no way I would use a credit for a future game.

 

By the way, Boston is by far the best run ticket office I dealt with. They were the first on sale, easiest to manage, and they are sending an email to all ticket holders so the fans don't even have to visit the site or call the ticket office for their refund.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

You wouldn't get a refund for a rainout, so I find it quite a reach to expect a refund at this point in time. Without any announcement on the schedule or season that is basically what they're working with. They're still clinging to a small hope of playing these games.

 

People need to put their pitchforks away until something is actually set in stone, which nothing is even close to happening yet. It is a massive overreaction to be calling the team greedy thieves etc. right now.

[MrTPlush]

Considering most teams (all so far I have seen...though I doubt the Brewers end up the only credit only policy) have offered refunds...most if not all automatically. So, yah, I believe it is perfectly reasonable to expect a refund if one wanted it since fans of other teams are getting one.

 

Brewers are being greedy, these aren't rainouts, and they shouldn't be treated as such. Other teams are looking at it logically...many are already issuing refunds for May. The Brewers are okay screwing their fans for every last dollar they can during a worldwide pandemic. If every other team was following the same plan, fine...but that is not the case. I am not sure what their goal is, but I don't think it is worth ticking people off. Before they weren't refunding because MLB wouldn't let them...now they are hoarding everyone's money under their own power. They could refund, quite easily, as others teams are showing.

[madbad2000]

I dislike the split between opening day and other March/April games. I bought tickets for opening day specifically because I was travelling for that event. I cant do that at all right now or later this year. Since I live in the South, the only option for me is refund. If I have to take a credit, I will basically be forced to give my tickets away to family in the area. Good for them, bad for me.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

I guess I don't see waiting a couple weeks for more info before rolling out a solidified plan as reason to riot but I am apparently in the minority. I feel with about 99% certainty that the policy they've announced isn't the final one and that people who want their money back will be able to get it.

 

I know this sentiment won't go over well but refunding tickets is much less of a big deal to the Cardinals, Cubs and Red Sox. I saw that the Twins are also offering single-game refunds but that the Indians policy was very similar to MKE's. I just think that the team is hoping for a full picture of what they're facing before making a refund announcement. At a certain point the calendar will force their hand though.

 

I don't believe for a second that they won't offer any refunds, though. If it comes to that I'll criticize with everyone else. They were given the power to issue refunds by MLB yesterday. It's been one day.

[madbad2000]

I guess I don't see waiting a couple weeks for more info before rolling out a solidified plan as reason to riot but I am apparently in the minority. I feel with about 99% certainty that the policy they've announced isn't the final one and that people who want their money back will be able to get it.

 

I'll second that thought. I think it is a bit of overreaction. I get the argument, but I'm with you Snapper.

[Baldkin]

I guess I don't see waiting a couple weeks for more info before rolling out a solidified plan as reason to riot but I am apparently in the minority. I feel with about 99% certainty that the policy they've announced isn't the final one and that people who want their money back will be able to get it.

 

They've had 6 weeks to come up with a plan.

 

Their plan is, "We're not going to do anything, but we'll offer you 10% extra for a product you may never be able to utilize."

 

That simply is not acceptable.