Yeah, and $4 for hot dogs
Ticket holders' lawsuit claims Broncos' prices too high
Posted: Tuesday March 09, 1999 11:07 AM
DENVER (AP) -- Three season ticket holders have filed a lawsuit against the
Denver Broncos
claiming the team has overcharged fans for 15 years.
The plaintiffs are demanding that the team lower a 25 percent hike in
ticket prices next season, give refunds for the last 15 years and make
assurances that ticket prices won't skyrocket in the new stadium.
They have asked a judge in Denver District Court for class action status,
which could translate into an expensive problem for the Broncos if the
lawsuit succeeds.
"This case is about somebody standing up for the fans in this business when
all the concerns have been about the players and the owners," said Frank
Coppola, the plaintiffs' attorney.
The lawsuit focuses on a provision in the Mile High Stadium lease that
Broncos owners signed with the city of Denver. The lease requires that
ticket prices "shall not exceed similar charges in comparable facilities
... without written permission of the mayor."
The plaintiffs contend the Broncos never received that permission.
The mayor's spokesman, Andrew Hudson, refused to discuss the lawsuit.
"Since this matter is in litigation and there's a possibility that the city
might be dragged into this, it probably would not be in our best interest
to comment on this at this time," Hudson said.
Broncos officials also declined comment.
During the bid for a new stadium last fall, Broncos officials argued that
the team needed a new facility because Mile High had grown old and
expensive to maintain. They said they needed more revenue from luxury boxes
and concessions to be compete with other NFL clubs.
The Broncos won the campaign for a new tax-supported stadium. Earlier this
year they announced a 25 percent hike in ticket prices for next season. The
average ticket will cost about $41.
Last year, Broncos tickets ranked 24th in price among NFL teams. With the
new increases, Broncos tickets will be in the top eight.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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