Nationwide Arena/CBJ Finances Discussion II

[Viqsi]

My question is “why”.....why should they get special subsidies?

That depends on your opinion w/r/t public funding of the arts. Further discussion of same, unfortunately, would potentially fall under HFB's "no politics" rule.

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

Because the tax was levied to support the work of the Arts Council.

And it is for arts activities, not just sporting events held at Nationwide. The biggest piece is that only events in Nationwide will go to Nationwide improvements with a portion of that going to the arts. 100% of the funds raised outside of Nationwide will go to the arts. (i.e. events at the Ohio Theatre, Palace Theatre, etc.) The majority of the funds are going to the arts around Columbus.

Columbus Ticket Fee Proposal - Greater Columbus Arts Council

 

[Monk]

Bottom line is the CBJ should be paying some rent for the arena. Nothing else brng on another title sponsor and use that funding to upkeep arena. Instead they neglected it (CBJ/Nationwide and now the City) and now need a way to pay for it.

I've never understood why major sports teams get away with not paying for the construction/upkeep/rent of stadiums/arenas. I understand the benefit a major team brings to a city, but it still doesn't seem right. Are cities afraid they'll drive away the team and thus the business/revenue it brings in?

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

My question is “why”.....why should they get special subsidies?

Buying a ticket is going to be like renting a car at the airport. The fees, taxes and other parasites cost as much as the product/service.

It's not so much a special subsidy as it is a new funding stream. Municipalities levy all sorts of taxes to support the scope of work that the municipality does on behalf of its residents.

 

[MAHJ71]

I know it's probably the right thing but I'm against it especially since they don't tax OSU.
For me I enjoy going to CBJ games. But prices go up 4-5% every year. I assume they will keep ticket prices neutral next year and just tack on the tax.
Bottom line is the CBJ should be paying some rent for the arena. Nothing else brng on another title sponsor and use that funding to upkeep arena. Instead they neglected it (CBJ/Nationwide and now the City) and now need a way to pay for it.

Per my rep, he's expecting the usual raise in tickets, on top of this 5% that was passed last night.

 

[JacketsDavid]

Per my rep, he's expecting the usual raise in tickets, on top of this 5% that was passed last night.

Well if that's the case I would bet they lose more than usual STH. Just my opinion.

 

[MAHJ71]

Well if that's the case I would bet they lose more than usual STH. Just my opinion.

I don't disagree.. not sure what I'm doing for next season.

Hoping the Bread/Bob situations are more clear come renewal time.

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

People shouldn't be concerned about the 5% cost increase in the tickets. Spend less on overpriced concessions at every game and it will wash out and is probably a lot healthier for you.

 

[MAHJ71]

People shouldn't be concerned about the 5% cost increase in the tickets. Spend less on overpriced concessions at every game and it will wash out and is probably a lot healthier for you.

What if I already don't spend on concessions at the game? Are you gonna suggest I cut my Netflix subscription next?

 

[Bobcat110]

People shouldn't be concerned about the 5% cost increase in the tickets. Spend less on overpriced concessions at every game and it will wash out and is probably a lot healthier for you.

Obviously that must be it. What if people cut their concession budget when 3 years ago the city decided to clock their arena district meters until 10pm? So now instead of parking at free meters on Chestnut or 3rd or spring, fans have to pay $10 for a garage? Or to already absorb the 30%+ increase in ticket prices over last few years?

CBJ are already 24th in the league for attendance. I guess city and CBJ business plan is to keep raising prices and live off the few remaining fat season ticket holders blowing their money on papa johns and bacon on a stick.

I still think the city was already making way more money on the real estate and income taxes the arena district now generates to cover the arena expenses. That area was a dead zone of eyesore weed overgrowth 20 years ago. Downtown was a ghost town at 5:30pm back in the 90’s. This was just an easy money grab by the city. (We’ll do it because every other city does it).

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

What if I already don't spend on concessions at the game? Are you gonna suggest I cut my Netflix subscription next?

You make your budget cuts wherever you feel like making them. If a 100 dollar ticket becoming a 105 dollar ticket is a deal breaker for you, that is your choice. Spending on entertainment is clearly a discretionary spending item for everyone and everyone has their breaking point. I rarely buy concessions at the arena either. I do however support the arts in the city and they are a foundation in all great cities.

People already pay 8% as an entertainment tax in Cleveland, 12% in Chicago and 5% in Pittsburgh for example. This is not a new concept for any city.

 

[Old Guy]

My Center Ice subscription forces me to pay the 20% "Rimer Stupidity Tax". It causes CTE from shaking my head and also causes my ears to bleed.

 

[Viqsi]

My Center Ice subscription forces me to pay the 20% "Rimer Stupidity Tax". It causes CTE from shaking my head and also causes my ears to bleed.

I understand that these symptoms can be prevented with an ordinary pair of earplugs, or, barring that, the "MUTE" button on your TV. Some side effects may occur, tho, such as loss of crowd noise.

I wouldn't know personally, tho, as I developed an immunity long ago.

 

[Mayor Bee]

You make your budget cuts wherever you feel like making them. If a 100 dollar ticket becoming a 105 dollar ticket is a deal breaker for you, that is your choice. Spending on entertainment is clearly a discretionary spending item for everyone and everyone has their breaking point. I rarely buy concessions at the arena either. I do however support the arts in the city and they are a foundation in all great cities.

People already pay 8% as an entertainment tax in Cleveland, 12% in Chicago and 5% in Pittsburgh for example. This is not a new concept for any city.

How many of those other cities have a massive college that generates tens of millions of dollars of ticket revenue annually and yet is completely exempt from that very tax?

 

[Speedy Sanderson]

Ticket tax opponents plan charter amendment, lawsuit to block collection

 

[cbjfan]

CBJ has announced multi-year season ticket plans. If a STH signs up for one of these plans, then they will not be subject to the admissions tax for the term of the agreement (which can be up to 7 years).

Columbus Blue Jackets Multi-Year Season Ticket Plan

 

[1857 Howitzer]

Just signed my 7 year deal with the team today!

 

[cbjfan]

Just signed my 7 year deal with the team today!

Will you be a UFA at the end of the 7 years?

 

[Viqsi]

CBJ has announced multi-year season ticket plans. If a STH signs up for one of these plans, then they will not be subject to the admissions tax for the term of the agreement (which can be up to 7 years).

Columbus Blue Jackets Multi-Year Season Ticket Plan

You'd think for existing STHs there'd be an option for an 8th year...

 

[JacketsDavid]

Pretty smart move by CBJ.
Allows them to increase ticket prices 4% each year for 7 years and as a STH we still feel as though we are "winning" with not paying the tax.
I've not done it yet, honestly I don't trust the CBJ as far as saying that you can discontinue at any time. Hopefully true.

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

What do they mean by no cancellation fees?

If I commit to 7 years but need to stop being a STH in 4 years can I opt out or am I locked into buying season tickets for 7 years?

 

[1857 Howitzer]

What do they mean by no cancellation fees?

If I commit to 7 years but need to stop being a STH in 4 years can I opt out or am I locked into buying season tickets for 7 years?

You can opt out at anytime, but if there is any interruption to your payments you void the deal and any tickets you buy after are subject to the tax.

 

[Long Live Lyle]

You can opt out at anytime, but if there is any interruption to your payments you void the deal and any tickets you buy after are subject to the tax.

So there’s basically no reason to not just say you’re going to buy for the next 7 years then, correct?

 

[1857 Howitzer]

So there’s basically no reason to not just say you’re going to buy for the next 7 years then, correct?

Correct, if you’re already planning to buy tickets I don’t see any down side.

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

I've had them mess up my billing before but it seems much easier to manage that yourself online now in the event you need to change credit cards. I'm assuming one messed up billing cycle and they start charging you the fees then.