Mets Set Head Scratching Deadline for Season Ticket Holders
Posted by Steve Sidoti
Last season was my first as a Mets Season Ticket Holder. I knew ever since ground broke on Citi Field that I wanted to have have my own seat and be apart of something special. The key bullpen additions in J.J. Putz and Francisco Rodriguez made that decision a no-brainer. Unfortunately, we know how things turned out for '09 Mets, with injuries, and a miserable final two months.
Now we turn to a new season, which follows three disappointing ones with no playoff appearances.
Things have to be different right? The team will do what it takes to win after what has happened. But then again, I said the same thing the last three off-seasons. I do give this team another chance and I know Omar Minaya's job is on the line this time, as well as the fans trust in the team.
The Mets seem to be pretty confident things will change. We heard what Jeff Wilpon had to say soon after the '09 season concluded, but that is nothing compared to what the team is doing to its season-ticket holders.
Below is a letter that I recently received from the team...
"Dear Mets Season Ticket Holder:
Many thanks for your continued support of the Mets. We greatly appreciate your loyalty. With the return of our key players and the necessary changes we will make to our roster, we believe we will field a championship-calibar team in 2010. As Ownership recently said, we demand and expect better, and you - as a Season Ticket Holder, the most loyal of our fans - deserve better."
The letter then goes on to say that Season-Ticket Holders have until December 4th to decide if they are to keep their current seats and plan. December 4th? The Winter Meetings won't even have started. My plan was to wait things out, you know, give a call in once a week demanding a huge addition or two. Basically, if I do not pay 20% of my total by their "deadline", I will lose my seats and my account. That is sure confidence on their part that things will work out, or is it?
I am now faced with a decision with this deadline in three weeks. I will have to talk things over with my fellow ticket holder, but I will conclude this by mentioning some of the "new benefits" the team will be providing for its Season Ticket Holders. Some are enticing to say the least.
Exclusive Opportunities include; Behind the Scenes Tour of Citi Field Including Clubhouse and Dugout in December, Team Workout Day in April, Expanded Club Access, Early Saturday/Sunday Ballpark Entrance, Port St. Lucie Special Privilege, and Mets Anthem Search Auditions .
Enhanced Appreciation and Recognition include; "Thank You" Gift, Mets Yearbook, Mets Magazine Opener Edition, Season-Ticket Holder of the Game, Season-Ticket Holder of the Month, "Take the Field with the Mets" Days, Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Day, and Season Ticket Holder ID Card.
Special Saving and Offers include; Merchandise Discounts, Group Sales Discounts, Extended Automatic Payment Plan, Paul McCartney Citi Field Concert DVD Offer, Sponsor Offers, and Discount Offers to "Partner Attractions."
Personalized Service and Communications include; Dedicated Season Ticket Holder Account Rep., Ticket Services Staff, Season Ticket Holder Page on Mets.com, Targeted Email Messages, Player Chats, and Player Blogs.






