Boston Sports Then and Now

The Invitation.

Just when you thought the Patriots would turn the corner, they let their season ticket holders down yet again. This time in the guise of a Season Ticket Holder Focus Group.

I was estatic! I have been a season ticket holder since 1994 and I have been cheering on the Flying Elvis for 16 years. Finally, the Patriots wanted to hear my opinions and experiences sitting in Section 336.

The $100 Pats Pro Shop sweetner was a nice hook for people to fill out the questionnaire to be “considered” for the focus group too. However, I was more excited to have the organization finally lend me their ears.

Not so fast.

After filling out the focus group information and getting time off of work, I get an email today saying that I wouldn’t be needed(after two of my inquires about additional information went unanswered). To lessen the blow they offered me $10 off of a $50 purchase at the Patriots Pro Shop.

They were nice enough to even include a convenient link as well!

You have to be friggin’ kidding me!

Nice parting gift, I guess you ran out of Turtle Wax!

You basically tell me that my opinion is not valuable enough for your precious little focus group and now you want me to buy some merchandise!?

I am a marketer and I know nothing is more important than the voice of the consumer. However, when you continue to take those buyers for granted, it’s going to bite you in the backside sooner or later.

The Rejection.

A lot of companies have loyalty programs such as Borders and Bob’s Stores, you spend money and they give you benefits like coupons and special offers. What do the Patriots give their loyal customers?

A commemorative pin? No thanks, I have had my fill of pins. The four I have received over the last 16 years has been so “thoughtful” and I am more than content with my “valuable” collection.

Who wears pins anymore?

I try to put them on my hat but they drill into your scalp and god forbid someone hits this death dagger on your head. They act like the cattle gun that kills cows on contact.

Thanks Kraft family, I am all set.

Mr. Kraft being an ex-season ticket holder, who sat in that sorry excuse for a stadium, wouldn’t you think you would be the one who would feel for the season ticket holders?

I would think you would be the one to throw us a bone or two.

Nope.

Sorry Charlie.

He rather take his riches and build Patriots Place. An entertainment complex built by and fueled by Season Ticket Holder money. Thousands of dollars generated by preseason tickets that go unused, but bet your bottom dollar they are paid for.

Every season, I go in knowing I am going to lose $360. No one goes to preseason games anymore. No one wants to buy them for $89 each when you are perched in the third ring of Saturn (aka Section 336).

No one wants to see third stringers play on a Thursday night.

However, as season ticket holders, we are forced to walk the preseason plank and buy these games. The Patriots don’t even have a ticket exchange program for the preseason. Basically, you are stuck making a donation to the Patriot Place fund.

I am not asking for the world here. I just want a little something for being loyal customer for 16 years.

I would be content with discounts on parking for certain games. A gift card based on how many years you have been a season ticket holder or even a free friggin’ beer!

Anything at all.

Just don’t take me for granted because fans come and go.

Just look around the sports world and even in the most popular league in the world.

The NFL.

Just look at the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Diego Chargers who almost had home games blacked out this past season.

Mr. Kraft, we have given you our hard earned money even in a tough economy, just find it in your heart to give a little back.