Vancouver Whitecaps FC CEO Paul Barber told media he's sorry for being a short man and for not being Italian, but he could not apologize for the provincial government's HST tax increase set to hit sports ticket buyers July 1.
The Whitecaps unveiled their new MLS team logo and announced club season ticket pricing for their inaugural 2011 season Monday morning at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
"It is what it is," said Barber. "We don't make taxes, but we've taken into account the taxes that people have to pay and arrived at a price we think is affordable for everybody."
Fans wishing to purchase season tickets can do so Saturday, June 12 at 10 a.m. PST. Season ticket packages start at $319 for at least 17 matches at the club's new home, BC Place, which is currently undergoing renovations.
A $50 deposit is needed to secure a stake on season tickets, but the full amount is not payable until after HST rolls in July 1.
"Our ticket prices are ‘starting from,' it's not solidified right now," said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi.
"In order to take advantage of that [buying tickets before July 1] you'd actually have to buy the product which we don't have on offer right now, other than through deposit."
All sports fans who place a deposit on tickets will pay 12 per cent tax on their tickets instead of the old five per cent tax.
For Whitecaps FC season ticket buyers that means for the most basic $319 package, they will fork out $357.28 instead of $334.95 – a difference of $22.33.
"Unfortunately the HST is something that everyone is dealing with in lots of different businesses and its part of our pricing," said Barber.
The Whitecaps based their pricing strategy on the belief of making soccer affordable for families. However, if fans want to pay big bucks for prestige seating that will be available too.
"I think at that price point it gives everyone chance to come and watch the game," said Barber. "If people want better seats, better views, there's going to be different price points they can go to that are higher
Barber believes the entry level pricing is ideal for getting kids, parents and families cheering at games and to make watching Whitecaps MLS soccer a community experience.
Whether families are buying the most affordable tickets or company executives are hosting in box seats, everyone has to pay the new HST if they wish to attend any professional sporting event.
Lenarduzzi doesn't have any helpful advice for ‘Caps fans wanting to escape HST, other than to say the organization tried their best to develop fair pricing.
"We feel that in terms of our starting prices, it's affordable regardless of what HST does to it."
