Audio By Carbonatix
While the NFL lockout storms toward mediation, the Dallas Cowboys are proceeding with business as usual.
At least when it comes to business.
Season-ticket holders this month were mailed invoices for the 2011 season, requiring balances paid in full by May 1. The bill comes with a caveat, of course:
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“In the unlikely event that any games are missed … and they are not re-scheduled … you will receive a refund to your original method of payment.”
A couple of fans have contacted me grousing about the policy.
But turns out the Cowboys are merely one of 11 NFL teams requiring its season-ticket holders to pay personal seat licenses, and requiring season-ticket holders to pay for tickets in full even with a lockout in place. The New York Giants, for example, require PSLs, but are deferring ticket payments until the labor dispute is resolved.
What does it mean?
A guy who paid an initial $32,000 PSL for two season tickets on the 20-yard line must by May 1 pay his yearly fee of $7,555 ($6,800 for tickets to 10 games, $750 for parking and a ridiculous $5 handling fee) or risk losing the right to those seats in the future.
In other Cowboys business news, the lockout is affecting enthusiasm for the upcoming season. Either that or the economy. Or perhaps it’s the 6-10 season in 2010.
Whatever the reason, former quarterback and current Channel 11 sports anchor/Cowboys radio analyst Babe Laufenberg each year helps a Jesuit High School fundraiser by auctioning off a game in CBS’ radio suite, an experience highlighted by a quarter watching Babe and Brad Sham call the game on the air.
Last year’s winning bid: $8,000.
This year’s winning bid: $5,000.
Ouch.
