| 10 March 2010
During the 2009 season, we never had the opportunity to watch a game from the unique "Batter's Eye Seats" at the new Yankee Stadium. Thanks to an awesome deal from Goldstar.com, that is about to change.
A couple of weeks back, we pointed out a pretty good deal on Audi Yankees Club seats through Goldstar.com and many of those dates sold out already. 2010 Yankees Tickets aren't even officially on sale, but today we're pointing you in the direction of a hot deal on "Batter's Eye Seats," as low as $45 per ticket for select dates. Even more exciting is that some pretty good games are available at the bargain-basement price, including a Memorial Day matinee against the Indians. Gameday face value for these seats is $125, so this is $80 off - considerable savings Service fees are fairly steep at around $15 per ticket, but you're still getting a decent deal.
Back in 2009, The Yankees quickly slashed prices on these seats when they realized the $125 price tag wasn't realistic. They offered regular "e-savers," lowering the price to around $75-$80. At the time, we cautioned our readers not to bite and to let the Yankees continue lowering prices. It took nearly a year, but it looks like the Yankees have finally taken our advice and placed the "Batter's Eye Seats" at a more reasonable pricepoint.
A quick note about Goldstar.com - it seems that they work with events and venues to purchase tickets at wholesale costs, and then they make money on their added service fees. Based on that understanding, it seems that the Yankees sold Goldstar these "Batter's Eye Seats" for no more than $45, and most likely even less. There is also an opt-in for MLBAM emails at checkout, so that is likely part of the deal for MLB. Regardless, it just goes to show what the true market value is for these seats, especially for non-premium games.
Even at $60 with fees, these seats aren't for everyone. For most non-premium games, seats directly to your left and right will be going for less than $20 each. For "Stadium Insiders" who want to check out some of the unique seating options at the new Yankee Stadium, its a no-brainer!
Update (1:50 PM): A spokesperson from Goldstar.com has reached out to us to clarify their relationship with the Yankees:
I hope you don't mind but I thought I would chime in about how Goldstar works with its venue partners. Our partners set aside an allotment of tickets to sell on their behalf. The venue then receives the cost of the ticket and we charge a small service fee to our members when they purchase the ticket. So, we don't actually purchase the tickets. Goldstar makes money on the service charge. The average service fee (factor in all 900-1200 events on the site) is roughly $4.50. And, it is free to join Goldstar as you may have seen. We are partnered with about 4,000 venues across the country. Our membership is significantly female and under the age of 40. We’re dedicated to reaching new audiences in all genres of live entertainment. So everybody wins.
Glad we cleared that up!
