Call me a cynic. In fact, I'll call myself a cynic just to be fair. I came across this article about the Superbowl and it spoke to me about something larger. (I hope the NFL doesn't come after me for using the word "Superbowl.")
Fans with tickets miss Superbowl
For a quick summary, some fans who had purchased tickets for the Superbowl were unable to take their purchased seats because they weren't ready/safe in time for the game. As a mea culpa, the NFL refunded three times the purchase price of the tickets, allowed the fans to go on the field after the game, and the fans will be "guests" of the NFL at next year's Superbowl (if there is one, which is what got me thinking...), among other perks including merchandise, food and beverages, although probably not beer.
So now I'm going to give you my completely biased, cynical opinion on this whole situation, and the NFL's intentions. (Btw, does believing we shouldn't have a Columbus Day make me a cynic?) So, upon reading the article I couldn't help but think that something was awry. The NFL was going above and beyond the call of duty with these perks.
The generosity they showed to the ticket holders didn't match the image I've gotten from the NFL lately. They appeared to be a caring, responsible organization. This would mean they put fans, and players first, profits and bottom lines would fall in line accordingly, but wouldn't be the drive behind critical decisions.
But what are we used to? A league that wants to increase the length of the regular season from 16 games to 18 games. Why? Very clearly to boost revenues, and not one single other reason. When I read about players who are paralyzed, or who have difficulty walking after playing years in the NFL I can't think of a single good reason to extend the season for two more grueling games besides a lust for MORE money. Never-mind that the owners are multi-millionaires and potentially billionaires. Never-mind the fact that the NFL is a billion dollar meal ticket. When is enough, enough?
So, for those that follow NFL news, you know that the current collective bargaining agreement is ending and there may be a potential lockout if the owners and the players union cannot agree on a myriad of subjects. And this is where the Superbowl mistake comes in. What better P.R. can the NFL get with its fans than what this turned out to be. Going over the top to correct a mistake that was only made for one reason, that dirty little word comes up again, GREED. They tried to pack as many people as humanly possible into that game, and again, for those who follow the news, ticket prices were ridiculous, then resell ticket prices were even worse.
So, in an attempt to bolster their image before the upcoming labor negotiations, the NFL went over the top. Which takes me back to intentions. To me it just feels like the NFL is trying to pull the wool over our eyes, paint themselves in this positive light. Yes these people missed watching the Superbowl, and should be compensated appropriately. But, since when did the NFL put fans first, before revenues? What about all the controversy surrounding the NFL network, and the cable subscribers who don't have the option to get the network without switching to satellite television, what about the regular black-outs that occurred throughout this season. What about the fact that teams have been known to abandon cities when they don't get "sweet" deals where tax payers assist in paying for a new stadium? I'm not buying it.
Ok, now I'll get off my soapbox.
Fans with tickets miss Superbowl
For a quick summary, some fans who had purchased tickets for the Superbowl were unable to take their purchased seats because they weren't ready/safe in time for the game. As a mea culpa, the NFL refunded three times the purchase price of the tickets, allowed the fans to go on the field after the game, and the fans will be "guests" of the NFL at next year's Superbowl (if there is one, which is what got me thinking...), among other perks including merchandise, food and beverages, although probably not beer.
So now I'm going to give you my completely biased, cynical opinion on this whole situation, and the NFL's intentions. (Btw, does believing we shouldn't have a Columbus Day make me a cynic?) So, upon reading the article I couldn't help but think that something was awry. The NFL was going above and beyond the call of duty with these perks.
The generosity they showed to the ticket holders didn't match the image I've gotten from the NFL lately. They appeared to be a caring, responsible organization. This would mean they put fans, and players first, profits and bottom lines would fall in line accordingly, but wouldn't be the drive behind critical decisions.
But what are we used to? A league that wants to increase the length of the regular season from 16 games to 18 games. Why? Very clearly to boost revenues, and not one single other reason. When I read about players who are paralyzed, or who have difficulty walking after playing years in the NFL I can't think of a single good reason to extend the season for two more grueling games besides a lust for MORE money. Never-mind that the owners are multi-millionaires and potentially billionaires. Never-mind the fact that the NFL is a billion dollar meal ticket. When is enough, enough?
So, for those that follow NFL news, you know that the current collective bargaining agreement is ending and there may be a potential lockout if the owners and the players union cannot agree on a myriad of subjects. And this is where the Superbowl mistake comes in. What better P.R. can the NFL get with its fans than what this turned out to be. Going over the top to correct a mistake that was only made for one reason, that dirty little word comes up again, GREED. They tried to pack as many people as humanly possible into that game, and again, for those who follow the news, ticket prices were ridiculous, then resell ticket prices were even worse.
So, in an attempt to bolster their image before the upcoming labor negotiations, the NFL went over the top. Which takes me back to intentions. To me it just feels like the NFL is trying to pull the wool over our eyes, paint themselves in this positive light. Yes these people missed watching the Superbowl, and should be compensated appropriately. But, since when did the NFL put fans first, before revenues? What about all the controversy surrounding the NFL network, and the cable subscribers who don't have the option to get the network without switching to satellite television, what about the regular black-outs that occurred throughout this season. What about the fact that teams have been known to abandon cities when they don't get "sweet" deals where tax payers assist in paying for a new stadium? I'm not buying it.
Ok, now I'll get off my soapbox.
