The New York Red Bulls recently launched a holiday ticket promotion for their next season’s home opener. However, upon closer inspection, there is a catch hidden in the fine print. The promotion excludes a game against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF, one of the most anticipated matches of the season. This marketing tactic has garnered attention and sparked discussions among soccer fans.
The Holiday Pack Details
The Red Bulls sent an email to consumers outlining their “Holiday Pack,” which includes two games: the home opener and the highly anticipated derby against their rivals, New York City FC. The ticket prices for the pack vary, ranging from $98 for upper corners/endline seats to $495 for club seats. Excitement for the home opener runs high, but fans must be aware of the hidden caveat.
Missing Out on the Inter Miami CF Game
Intriguingly, an asterisk is placed next to the home opener ticket in the email. At the bottom, in small type, the asterisk is explained, stating that if RBNY plays against Inter Miami CF in the home opener, the ticket will be replaced with a ticket to the Red Bulls’ second home match. This condition has disappointed many fans who were hoping to witness Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF in action during the home opener.
While the Red Bulls’ ticket promotion generated attention, it is not the only MLS team with high-priced tickets when Messi is expected to play. The Columbus Crew, for example, recently announced ticket prices ranging from $382 to $679 for their home game against Inter Miami CF in 2024. This significant price difference is striking when compared to the cost of tickets for ordinary Crew games, which could be as low as $40 during the regular season. The disparity in prices has raised questions among fans about fairness and accessibility.
Lionel Messi, the captain of the World Cup champion Argentina, made waves with his transfer to Inter Miami CF in July. His MLS debut against the Red Bulls showcased his incredible talent, though he has only scored one goal in six league matches. Unfortunately, Messi’s recent injury during Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Brazil adds uncertainty to when fans will see him play again. Despite this setback, fans eagerly anticipate his upcoming full season in MLS in 2024.
Final Thoughts
While the New York Red Bulls’ holiday ticket promotion initially seemed enticing, the exclusion of the home opener against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF disappointed fans. This marketing strategy, common to a certain extent in MLS, raises important questions about fairness and accessibility for supporters. As the league continues to attract high-profile players like Messi, clubs should consider balancing ticket prices to ensure that fans can consistently enjoy the excitement of their favorite teams and players.
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