Getty Image / Chris Coduto
Talk to sports fans about attending games in person, and there’s one consistent complaint. Concessions are too expensive, oftentimes totaling a higher price tag for the ticket themselves.
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishiba is doing something about it. He has slashed concessions prices significantly, making attending a Phoenix Suns game much more affordable.
Ishiba, who played on Michigan State’s 2000 National Championship Team, made his money in the family business, the mortgage industry. He bought the Suns from Robert Sarver in 2022 for $4 billion, and instantly brought in stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in a bid to bring a championship to Phoenix. While that didn’t work out last year, the Suns are off to a solid start this year at 14-11. They’ve had to battle injuries, but when the full team is on the floor, they’re pretty good.
I’m sure their attendance is about to get a boost, too, thanks to Ishiba slashing prices of common concessions. Take a look.
Introducing our $2 Value Menu! 🍿🥤🌭
The most affordable, fan-friendly menu in the NBA tips-off tomorrow and will continue for ALL remaining home games this season! pic.twitter.com/2dvxiQwGIq
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 18, 2024
According to sports business personality Joe Pompliano, this reduces the price of a hot dog, water, and popcorn for a family of four from $98 to $24. That’s a game-changer when it comes to being able to afford tickets to games.
The Atlanta Falcons have similarly low prices, and I wonder if other teams will start to follow suit. So much of their revenue comes from fixed-in television rights deals that they may not to squeeze every dollar out of concessions at games.
Plus, I think a lot of casual fans will have a lot more respect for Mat Ishiba and the Phoenix Suns after this. This was truly a great move.