CHICAGO — Major League Baseball’s average ticket price rose 2.7 per cent to $27.73 this year for non-premium seats, the steepest rise since a 5 per cent hike in 2009, according to the Team Marketing Report.
Last year’s average of $26.92 was up just 1 cent from 2011, the smallest increase in the survey’s 21-year history. The average went up 1.5 per cent increase in 2010 and 1.2 per cent in 2011.
The average was $78.38 in the NFL last year. It is $61.01 in the NHL this season and $50.99 in the NBA.
Nine MLB teams had average declines and six kept prices flat.
Toronto and the Los Angeles Dodgers raised prices along with their payrolls. The Blue Jays’ average went up 29.6 per cent to $32.98 and the Dodgers by 23.4 per cent to $27.54.
Boston has the highest average at $53.38 after keeping prices flat, followed by the New York Yankees ($51.55) and Chicago Cubs ($44.55).
San Diego has the lowest average at $15.99, with Arizona 29th at $16.89.
TMR’s Fan Cost Index, which includes four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four hot dogs, parking, two programs and two adult-size caps, averaged $210.46, up 1.2 per cent. The FCI ranged from $336.99 for the Red Sox to $151.55 for the Diamondbacks.