Paying to see the Spurs

It’s no secret to anyone that professional sporting events aren’t cheap, and unless you find some sort of crazy deal, NBA games are no exception.

According to the 2012 Team Marketing Report, the San Antonio Spurs games are one of the more expensive games to go to in the NBA, and they’re only getting worse. The average cost of a ticket to a Spurs game is $58.45, which is $10 more than the average NBA ticket. That’s a 3.7% increase from last year, but you can sit in the cheapest seat for less than league average at $9.50.

You can see for yourself some of the other average prices Spurs fans pay for food and merchandise at the games, and the average cost of a family of four to go to a game. It’s pretty insane!

“Other costs measured in the Team Marketing Report include: beer ($5), soft drink ($3.25), hot dog ($3), parking ($8), program (free) and cap ($21.27). The figures in parentheses are the AT&T Center costs.

“Save for the cap, Spurs fans pay below the league average for all other items.

“The Team Marketing Report compiles a figure it deems the Fan Cost Index (FCI) which is the approximate cost for a family of four to attend a game – four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking for one car, two programs, and two least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps.

“Overall, the league FCI experienced a 4.5 percent increase to $301.06 with the San Antonio Spurs sitting above that figure with an FCI of $319.34.”

The good news is, when you go to the game, you can enjoy the second cheapest beer in the NBA. So if you want to forget about all the money you spent on tickets, or if the Spurs are losing, feel free to drown your sorrows in an ice-cold brew.

What do you think Spurs’ fans? Does the inflated ticket price bother you? Do you mind the increase? Is it worth it to see your favorite team play or would you rather just stay at home and catch the game on TV? Most people will pay for the experience, but man is it getting steep.