Orioles eliminating 13- and 29-game season-ticket packages

In an email to season ticketholders, the Orioles announced that they are ending their longstanding 13- and 29-game season-ticket plans and converting them to 20- and 40-game plans in addition to their 81-game plan.

“As we continue working to elevate the fan experience, we’re introducing a refreshed approach to memberships – one that offers more flexibility, greater value, and exciting new benefits,” Orioles president of business operations Catie Griggs wrote in her email.

“Starting next season, the Reserved Membership program will include the full-season membership, a half-season 40-game option, and 20-game partial membership to better match the diverse ways fans enjoy Orioles baseball.”

According to an interview Griggs granted The Baltimore Sun, she estimates the average ticket price will rise about 3 percent next year.

Coming off two straight postseason appearances, the team’s 52-63 record is 24^th among the 30 MLB teams, and the Orioles’ attendance ranks 23^rd in baseball with an average of 22,807. That projects to a season total of 1,824,560, which would be a 20 percent drop from last season’s total attendance of 2,281,129.

The Orioles are beginning an updating of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, which will necessitate the relocation of some longstanding season ticketholders.

In her email, Griggs said there would be benefits.

“With these new options come an enhancement of Reserved Member benefits we think you’ll love, including new Guaranteed Gate Giveaways, so if a game is in your plan, your giveaway is guaranteed – no need to arrive early, just enter via the exclusive member gate,” she wrote.

For popular giveaways, like Hawaiian Shirt or Floppy Hat Nights, some season ticketholders complained that they had to arrive two hours before a game and stand in long lines to ensure they received the giveaway.

The Orioles are also instituting a new program to sell tickets for games they are unable to attend.

“In addition to your existing flexible exchanges, Reserved Members can now also participate in a new Ticket Sellback Program, providing the option to return up to 30 percent of games in their plans before the season for full renewal credit applied to the Reserved Membership program the following year,” Griggs wrote.

“We recognize that these updates mean change, and for some members this may require choosing a new package or considering a new seat location. With the assistance of your new Personalized Renewal Brochure, our membership team is ready to help you find a seat and plan that fits your priorities and budget.”

Season ticketholders must renew by September 12th. The seat relocation period begins on September 22^nd.

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