The New York Mets have joined the trend of flexible ticketing, launching a new plan designed to offer fans more control over their game-day experience. This move aims to address declining attendance by catering to the evolving preferences of modern sports enthusiasts despite already being one of the best American sports venues.
What is a Flexible Ticketing Plan?
The Mets’ new flex ticketing plan allows fans to purchase tickets based on a predetermined spending amount, rather than committing to a set number of games or fixed seating locations.
This gives fans the flexibility to choose which games to attend, how many people to bring, and where to sit at Citi Field on any given day. The spending options for the Mets’ flex plans range from under $1,000 to $50,000.
Which teams have a Flexible Ticketing Plan?
The Mets are not the first MLB team to adopt flex ticketing, but their entry into this space is significant. The Seattle Mariners pioneered this approach in 2019, and eight more MLB teams have introduced similar membership-oriented programs. The Miami Marlins are the latest addition, debuting theirs just last month.
The Mets are arguably the most prominent franchise to fully embrace flex ticketing, marking a significant shift in the way tickets are sold without sacrificing the classic ballpark experience.
Why are the Mets adopting a Flexible Ticketing Plan?
The Mets’ decision to introduce flex ticketing comes as they face a puzzling attendance situation. Despite being in the thick of the National League playoff race, the team is struggling to fill seats. They are averaging 28,100 fans per game, 18th in the league, far behind the New York Yankees. This represents a drop of 4,500 fans per game compared to 2023.
Should we expect to see more teams embrace the Flexible Ticketing Plan?
The new flex ticketing plan is a strategic response to the shifting landscape of sports entertainment. By empowering fans to create their own experiences, the Mets aim to reinvigorate their fan base at Citi Field. Whether this approach will pay off remains to be seen, but it represents a bold step in adapting to the changing demands of sports consumers.