For the first time in a decade, NBA franchise the Phoenix Suns (pictured) is capping its season ticket scheme, PayPal SixthMan Memberships.
The season ticket cap at 12,100 memberships means that 5,000 seats are being held open for fans that are unable to invest in a full season ticket and would like to purchase single game tickets. Tickets will also be more available for those involved in community projects, and programs sponsored by players, Suns partners and charities that would like to watch games at Footprint Center. In July last year, material science company Footprint took over the naming rights for the Suns’ home arena.
Suns president and chief executive Jason Rowley said: “It was an important decision to cap membership so we can extend seating to more fans every game to cheer on their team firsthand, and experience everything the transformed Footprint Center has to offer.
“The Valley has really turned out for us, and we want to make sure that every fan who wants to watch the Suns play in person gets that opportunity.”
All lower arena membership seating has been sold out already, with only 170 memberships remaining for upper-level seating. Once the capped 12,100 membership slots have been filled, The Suns will add tiered waiting lists for lower and upper bowl seating.
Kyle Potting, senior vice president of ticket sales and services, added: “We have the best fans in the NBA, hands down. We celebrate those who have made an investment in the organisation, our PayPal SixthMan members, who are here game after game and living up to their namesake, and we’re committed to making memories for those fans whose one game a year should last a lifetime.
“Combined, they show up loud and proud to represent the Valley at every game, making Footprint Center the most dreaded venue to visit for opposing teams.”
Footprint Center has recently undergone a $250m (£184m/€220.5m) transformation with fan engagement at the heart of each decision, including the implementation of more than 8,000 sq ft of LEDs. Newly renovated bars and clubs and gaming opportunities round up some of the major changes.
James Jones, general manager, said: “I’ve been saying this for a while now, ‘it’s a good time to be a Suns fan’. The Footprint Center transformation not only makes for an exhilarating experience for fans and members, it translates to a home court advantage for our players.
“Add the state-of-the-art Verizon 5G Performance Center to our upper hand and you can start to appreciate why the benefits of membership have never been more valuable.”
Image: Josh Knowles/CC BY 2.0/Edited for Size
