The Astros have been struggling since
opening day to get fans up in the stands. A team that used to be
known for its family appeal is quickly becoming the last place a
family would spend the night let alone its money.
With the recession, families are
cutting back. Affording tickets to the game is expensive enough, but
then add on to that a team that is struggling to even win games,
uncalled for treatment of families and the expense of food, the
Astros seem like a no-win situation for any family.
At a recent game, a husband sat with
his wife and two boys in the front row of the first base side of the
field. For those unfamiliar with Minute Maid Park, where the Astros
play, fans are pretty close to the action.
A ball was hit down that line and
instinctively he grabbed in his glove. This time the ball had been
called fair. The man was told by another fan that it was called fair
and he immediately dropped the ball. The runner of course was given a
double because of fan interference.
Any individual that close to the ball
and field would have done that same thing. My thoughts were that the
fan should be rewarded because if he did not stop the ball, the
runner was sure to get a triple because neither Lance Berkaman (first
baseman) or Hunter Pence (right field) was even moving towards the
ball.
Instead the Astros escorted the dad out
of the stands. His wife and kids sat confused as to what was going on
and where they were taking him. I sat in shock that the Astros had
stooped so low to make a father look bad in front of his sons.
Then the news was let out that the
Astros is the only, yes ONLY, Major League club to not allow outside
food into the stadium. Every other major league baseball organization
allows visitors to bring food, drinks and snacks into the stadium.
I felt like I had been duped for all
these years. The main reason we can't afford a game is because of the
food issue. It is outrageous. You have to take out a loan on your
house to afford to feed a family of four basic dinner.
The Houston Chronicle article that
broke the story had a condescending quote from owner Drayton McLane:
"Banning outside food at Astros games 'has been kind of a tradition
in Houston,'" said Astros owner Drayton McLane, who purchased the
team in 1992.
What family would want that tradition?
You know it would be different if the food was reasonably priced, but
it is so expensive.
Since this story broke, the Astros has
offered an all-you-can-eat seat for $20 to try and quiet the
response. Seriously? A family of four would still be paying $80 for
seats that are still nosebleeds. Add to that the junkiness of the
food and how is this a good deal for families?
My favorite quote in the story was by a
Mariners employee. In Seattle, "There is a healthy market of hot
dogs, kettle corn, peanuts, etc., on the streets surrounding the
ballpark on game days," said Mariners spokeswoman Rebecca Hale.
"I've seen people come through turnstiles with stacks of pizza
boxes, and once I saw several college-age boys carrying a six-foot
sub sandwich through the gate."
That is such an awesome memory. Can you
imagine having that opportunity. The Astros contend that they offer
cheaper tickets than the other ball parks. The sad truth is the
cheaper ticket is for nosebleeds and standing room only for kids.
Once you add on food, you are spending twice as much. Besides, what
kid is going to sit through a three to four hour game during dinner
time and not want something to eat.
There are just too many empty seats
right now at the games. Do the Astros honestly think they are not
doing something wrong? Or is it the one out of 30 baseball
organizations that is doing it right? I think not.
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