It is the time again for the release of the Fan Cost Index (FCI)*, which compares the price for a family of four to attend a major league baseball game across the 30 franchises.
The St. Louis Cardinals just made the top third of the clubs, coming in at number ten. The club’s FCI of $214.72 represents a decline of 1.2 percent compared to 2008, when the Cardinals had the seventh-highest FCI.
Their current ranking of tenth is the Cardinals’ lowest placement in the FCI since at least 2002 and also their first year-to-year decline during that period.
| Busch III | Busch II | ||||||
| 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |
| StL FCI | $214.72 | $217.28 | $209.23 | $207.21 | $177.66 | $170.45 | $164.04 |
| StL YTY | -1.2% | 3.8% | 0.8% | 10.6% | 4.2% | 0.9% | 6.6% |
| MLB rank | 10 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| MLB avg. | $196.89 | $191.75 | $176.55 | $171.19 | $164.43 | $155.52 | $148.66 |
| MLB YTY | 3.2% | 8.3% | 3.8% | 4.1% | 5.6% | 2.0% | 3.3% |
| #1 FCI | $410.88 | $320.71 | $313.83 | $287.84 | $276.34 | $263.09 | $248.44 |
| Team | Yankees | Boston | Boston | Boston | Boston | Boston | Boston |
| #30 FCI | $114.24 | $136.91 | $123.42 | $120.35 | $119.85 | $108.83 | $94.62 |
| Team | Arizona | TB | KC | KC | KC | Montreal | Montreal |
The new ballpark itself is no longer driving increased prices for Cardinals fans. In fact, in 2006, the first year of the new Busch Stadium, the team’s average ticket price was actually slightly higher at $29.78 than this season’s $29.43.
The Cardinals are one of just three of the 12 clubs with an above-average FCI that show an FCI decline year-to-year. The other two are the San Francisco Giants and Washington Nationals.
The average FCI across MLB of $196.89 represents a 3.2 percent increase over last year. The best value in the game is the $114.24 it takes to see the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Not surprisingly, the New York Yankees in their new $1.5 billion new Yankee Stadium palace have the highest FCI at a whopping $410.88. They knocked the long-time leader and their AL East rival, the Boston Red Sox, out of the top spot.
The other teams in the NL Central rank as follows: Chicago Cubs (third), Houston Astros (11th), both with above average FCIs. The other three are clustered near the bottom: Milwaukee Brewers (26th), Cincinnati Reds (27th) and Pittsburgh Pirates (29th).
* The FCI, developed by Team Marketing Report, is made up of the prices of two adult and two child average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking for one car, two game programs and two least expensive, adult-size adjustable caps.
Not every group of four are going to spend this much money, but the FCI provides valid and consistent year-to-year comparisons across 30 teams.
Clean MRI is good. This knee has had an operation previously to remove some torn ligament, if I remember the story. Lohse in his rookie year got his knee blown out by a hot dogging Eric Milton during the division clenching celebration. With everything covered with plastic, old Eric did the
slip n slide into Lohse doing a interview at his locker. Twins covered it up because it made them look so stupid it seems. Cards probably shuffle the rotation a bit to buy a few extra days.
Didn’t know about the Milton incident, WC. One of those things most embarrassing for all. It is good Kyle seems ok now though. He is a very important part of this team.
Astros come in at eleventh most expensive, huh?
Gotta love those guys. At least the Cubs have a reason to root for their team.
Brian, I made an appeal on the Scout site for Easton to behave in a more civilized manner and Koth thought enough of it to ban me. I do resent his erasing the message though. In it I made an appeal to the other moderators to review his complaints. I am aware of possible conflicts for you, so don’t worry it. Kindly inform the board of my departure if thats the case.
Though my name is still listed there, I have not been an active moderator of the Scout board since late last year. I suggest taking up any issues with Ray Mileur. Email me if you need contact information.
That explains a few thing I think. The quality of moderation there has deteriorated to such a degree, I found myself attempting to defend RC in his reappearance. He hardly needs it though. I had most of them on ignore anyway. I hope you will invite RC over here should the opportunity arise. I have run into Ray already. No need to go there. Lets let that moment pass.
Moderating is a difficult, thankless job. This site has hundreds more readers than commenters such that the problems have yet to emerge here. I hope it will remain that way.
Being the astute guy that he is, I imagine RC is already aware of this blog. Everyone is welcome to post here (as long as they remain within the site’s posting guidelines).
I’m sure you’re up to the task. And thanks in advance. (: