ReutersSince the product on the field hasn’t been as good as expected, and the opponent isn’t compelling, the Chargers are trying something new in an effort to move unwanted tickets for Sunday’s game against the Panthers.
They’re using Groupon.
That’s right, the online coupon service, which specializes in half-price dinners and maid services and dance classes for suburban moms.
According to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego, the team said it was the first time it had used an outside service to try to move inventory.
The Groupon package includes “endzone-level seating” and a $20 voucher for concessions for $68. To buy the same tickets normally via Ticketmaster, the same ticket is $68, with an $8.25 convenience charge and without the food coupon.
When the online deal launched Monday, they needed to sell 13,000 tickets for the Panthers game by Thursday to avoid a third straight blackout and fourth in the past six games. Since 2010, eight of their 16 home games which weren’t in prime time have been blacked out.
It’s a move that comes off as a little desperate, but they’re far from the only team cutting prices or taking unusual steps to move tickets in December for teams out of the playoff hunt.
Channel Finder
Pathetic.
Good thing they fired Schottenheimer.
They should be giving away trading cards that include small patches of Norv Turner’s dignity.
Sports can’t defy the basic laws of supply and demand. Keeping prices “high” (a relative term) and then blaming consumers for not buying is an economic issue almost solely found in sports. Here in Tampa, the Bucs yesterday announced 2013 season ticket prices. No increases, and they reduced the nosebleeds by $5. But that’s not enough. Why would you keep prices the same when not enough consumers are buying? Maybe some markets can do this. But some clearly cannot.
In your face Reid Hooper.
The product on the field hasn’t been as good as expected? By whom? The same people that try to will the Chargers to the SB every year?
At this point in the season I look forward to the blackouts so that instead we get to see on local TV what real football looks like.
Why does everyone keep mentioning Marty? That was over 7 years ago! Get up to date and stop repeating pointless information.
This is an excellent idea. If I were a chargers fan id be all over it.
68 bucks to watch rivers throw picks… Cmon you know you want to…cmon..
John Spanos, LOL!
The San Diego Super Groupons!
Marty is mentioned because he WON ! ! At San Diego, And KC..
Yeah Marty won all season long, till the playoffs then his run run pass playcalling and conservative -play not to lose -always lost.
What exactly did Marty win besides a first round exit at the hands of the Pats?
get outta here with that. Marty has won as many SB’s as Norv.
Get real.
Are they going to do this for the Raider game?Ill go if they do