David Newman.

Who? Mr. Newman is the Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications. The Mets marketing of themselves is horrible. And I’m putting it mildly.

Did you know:

The Mets are the only team in MLB that does not discount game tickets for full season or partial plan holders? My Saturday+ tickets are the SAME PRICE as if I walk up to CitiField and buy the same games. AND if I walk up, I may get better tickets (see below.)

The Mets tell us that if you’re a partial plan holder (as I have been since 1985), that Row 12 (out of 17) is the closest I can have my seats. Why? The first 11 rows are reserved for ‘full seasons’ and walk-ups. Wait – I understand the full season bit, (although you haven’t sold them yet - how many years will you wait??)  but why are you screwing the people who guarantee you 15+ games every year for a walk-up customer? The way it should be? Put me in row 4 and tell the guy who comes day-of-game “Thank you, your seats are in row 12-17.”

The Mets hold seniorty for ticket holders in zero regard. I have the same ‘perks’ and privileges as another 15 game holder who has had his/her tickets since 2009. My 20+ year loyalty mean nothing. If I want more ‘perks’ I have to get a 40+ game plan. Only the amount of money I spend on tickets counts. I should get priority seating over someone with the same plan that has less seniority. Plain and simple.

Each season, it seems they take away another perk. This year, after 20+years, I no longer get a complimetary copy of the press guide. Why? Because the Mets are “going green” – but I sure as hell  can buy it at the park for $$$. So, if you’re going green, STOP PRINTING THEM, but sorry, that’s a BS excuse. Oh, and if it;’s really “green” send me a PDF and allow me to print it if I want. The link they sent will not allow me to save or print it. WTH?

I have worked with many companies that have put together “user groups” and the Mets are in desperate need of doing this. Grab 10-15 full, partial and walk-up fans, meet with them once a quarter, buy them lunch and listen to their ideas. The Mets must do this. The fans are starting to talk to the front office the only way the front office listens, with their wallets. Attendance is way down for the Mets and they’ll be lucky to draw 2,000,000 to CF this year. Last time they drew under 2 million? 1997 (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teams/metsattn.shtml)

Don’t be stupid Mets folks. Listen to this post.