On Wednesday, Rays President Brian Auld spoke with the Hillsborough County Commissioners. Along with political matters (which are better covered by Shadow of the Stadium), Auld commented on the impact of the Rays Honor Pass program, which allows military and former military members two free tickets to every Rays game for the rest of the season.
(By the way, they really need to stop saying an Honor Pass ticket for the service member and "their partner or loved one". They can bring a friend as well.)
According to Tampa Bay Times writer Steve Contorno,
Let's explore the impact:
During the games mentioned, Rays attendance was as follows:
According to Auld, there were an average of 1,666 Honor Passes per game and 10,000 total. That is 8.4% of the total attendance during the six game span.
The Rays currently have 27 home games remaining. Using the average thus far, we can predict 42,982 more Honor Passes will be used, bring the total to 52,982.
However, two things may happen. The novelty may wear off and less Honor Passes may be used OR following average month attendance trends in the last two years, August attendance will exceed July attendance and more Honor Passes will be used.
September attendance will probably hinge on whether or not the Rays are in the playoff hunt. Although the Rays are not at home for Labor Day, there is a home game on September 11th, which may mean additional military attendees.
It will be interesting to see how many military and veterans use the Honor Pass in the coming months. Their usage may drive the future of the promotion.
(By the way, they really need to stop saying an Honor Pass ticket for the service member and "their partner or loved one". They can bring a friend as well.)
According to Tampa Bay Times writer Steve Contorno,
During his presentation about the veterans programs, Auld said more than 10,000 current and former servicemen and women have already taken advantage of the free tickets in just six home games since the program started July 24.
Let's explore the impact:
During the games mentioned, Rays attendance was as follows:
- 17,838
- 24,327
- 18,613
- 13,348
- 16,326
- 28,057
- Total: 118,509
- Average: 19,751
According to Auld, there were an average of 1,666 Honor Passes per game and 10,000 total. That is 8.4% of the total attendance during the six game span.
The Rays currently have 27 home games remaining. Using the average thus far, we can predict 42,982 more Honor Passes will be used, bring the total to 52,982.
However, two things may happen. The novelty may wear off and less Honor Passes may be used OR following average month attendance trends in the last two years, August attendance will exceed July attendance and more Honor Passes will be used.
September attendance will probably hinge on whether or not the Rays are in the playoff hunt. Although the Rays are not at home for Labor Day, there is a home game on September 11th, which may mean additional military attendees.
It will be interesting to see how many military and veterans use the Honor Pass in the coming months. Their usage may drive the future of the promotion.