Watch CBS News

Steelers Implementing New Variable Ticket Pricing Policy

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Steelers' fans, in the past, have paid the same price for a ticket no matter if it was the pre-season, regular season or a game against a high-quality opponent.

But that's all about to change in 2014.

Season ticket holders have received letters about the new variable ticket pricing policy.

Under variable pricing, the cost of a preseason ticket will drop 20 percent or more depending on the seat location.

"I think that's a good thing because it's hard to get rid of preseason tickets," said Tom Carlin, a Steelers' fan. "If you don't go, you just give them away."

But during the regular season, fans will pay different prices for the same seat. One price will be called gold, the other will be black.

The difference between gold and black will depend on the opposing team's records.

What this means is that tickets for games with Kansas City and New Orleans - teams with good records the previous season - will cost more than games against teams like Cleveland and Tampa Bay.

"But based on records from last year, how do you know if a team is going to be good or not, considering the Steelers didn't make the playoffs last year," said Lindsay Wickert, a Steelers fan.

Variable ticket pricing is expected to raise season ticket packages anywhere from 2.5 to 4.5 percent.

The Steelers say it will allow fans to get the best value for their tickets. But some fans worry about games against lesser opponents.

"Season ticket holders are kind of handcuffed," added Sean Hoffman, another Steelers' fan. "What are you going to do? Sell them to somebody else and sucker them into buying them."

RELATED LINKS:
More Steelers News
More Reports by Bob Allen

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.