How do scalpers for bad teams make money?

[RivaLiva]

I have always wondered this question. I grew up a Cleveland through the 90's and have seen my share of bad teams. Whenever my Dad and I would walk to the stadium from our parking lot every block it seems like people are selling tickets or asking for tickets. I didn't realize until last year that many of them are co-workers and that they all know each other.
I am not living in Cincy who is going through a baseball slump. My main question is how does a scalper for a team like the Cincinnati Reds make money? Some of the gates are pretty decent but when they attract 20K to a game there are plenty of decent seat available.

Why would I pay more with a scalper when I can buy a better, even or maybe worse seat then at the window?

I know the point is when the team gets good agian it's going to be a hot ticket, but when a team is a celler dweller what happens? And there are still plenty of people out selling even though they are doing so bad.

[XXXNoahXXX]

Scalpers often buy their tickets off people below face value and sell at face value.

Or some even get bulk deals from the stadium.


Last time I went to a Celtics game I got a $10 face value ticket for $8.50.

woo hoo!

[David H]

Actually I live in Cincinnati, and there was an article in the paper a few weeks ago about scalpers. Basic gist of the story is that when a team sucks (such as the Reds) buying tickets from scalpers is a buyer's market(no kidding...). It mentioned in the story that it's possible, especially during a season like this, for the scalpers to lose money.

So I guess your answer is, they don't. At least not every night.

[Yo Adrians!]

[ QUOTE ]
Actually I live in Cincinnati, and there was an article in the paper a few weeks ago about scalpers. Basic gist of the story is that when a team sucks (such as the Reds) buying tickets from scalpers is a buyer's market(no kidding...). It mentioned in the story that it's possible, especially during a season like this, for the scalpers to lose money.

So I guess your answer is, they don't. At least not every night.

[/ QUOTE ]

This would seem to be the end of the thread. Good answer.

[Yo Adrians!]

... Although the Green Bay Packers could be 2-11, and scalpers still would make way over face value for tickets for a Packers' home game at Lambeau Field. The season-ticket wait list is, like, at 75 years, and everyone wants to see Brett Favre play once.

When Favre retires, who knows. But for now, they could not win a game all season, still sell out every game, and scalpers would get at least $80-$100 per ticket on a $65 face value ticket.