I always wanted to know exactly what if any revenue the Mets would rake in because of the All Star Game. It looks like I got my answer today. While the event will rake in revenue of a hundred million dollars or more in sponsorships, advertising and merchandising, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com says this:
How much of the revenue that the Mets will get from hosting the All-Star Game will help their financial situation — hopefully allowing them to use that extra money for the following offseason?
Hosting the All-Star Game will be no financial boon for the Mets — at least not in the way you’re describing.
The All-Star Game is an event run by Major League Baseball, not the hosting club. MLB will cover all of the Mets’ expenses in running the event, and any revenues on top of that go to the league, not to the Wilpons.
The Mets’ financial gain comes from their ability to bundle season-ticket packages with the right to purchase All-Star tickets at Citi Field, including admission to the Home Run Derby and other events. Depending on how many people that incentivizes to buy season tickets, such sales can certainly improve the franchise’s bottom line. But they are the only direct monetary benefit the Mets will receive.
Those ticket strips are priced astronomically and I’m not so sure the incentive for them is going to drive season ticket sales all that much. I’m a firm believer that the product on the field still matters where season tickets sales and partial ticket plan sales are concerned.
I am looking forward to the event even though I’ve stopped caring about the All Star Game in 2006 when two young Mets were the hottest up and coming players in the majors. The Mets had six All Stars that year.
That said, I’m excited to watch this one because I’ll get to see many All Stars who were once my favorite Mets players. It will be nice to see them back in Citi Field again.
