Cleveland Cavaliers News: You Can Hit the LeBron James Lottery
As if there were any questions as to the impact that LeBron James has on the Cleveland Cavaliers and the NBA, the Cavs have announced that they’re going to be selling tickets to their games (non-season tickets) in a way that’s never been seen before — through a lottery system.
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During the 2013-14 season, the Cavaliers were No. 16 in the NBA in home attendance, averaging 17,329 fans (84.3 percent capacity). On the road, they were No. 18 (90.4 percent). In LeBron’s last season in Cleveland (2009-10), the Cavs drew 20,562 fans per game (100 percent capacity). On the road that season, the Cavaliers were one of only two teams (Lakers) to average more than 100 percent capacity on the road.
This season? According to the team press release, they sold out of season tickets less than eight hours after LeBron decided to take his talents back to the shores of Lake Erie. The remaining tickets are going to be sold in a way that’s new — and pretty cool, really.
Instead of the scalpers getting a chance to scoop everything up in order to turn around and fleece the masses, the public is going to have a chance to buy them at face value from the team. Here’s what Cavaliers CEO Len Komoroski had to say:
"There was an internal desire to make sure we could get as many different fans in to see our games as possible. These fans have been with us for the good times and the bad and we want the tickets in their hands instead of the brokers, who are going to buy them with the intention of taking them, reposting them and selling them for a profit."
Here are some highlights of the program:
- Fans can apply to have their name inserted into the drawing
- Each month, fans who get chosen will have 12 hours to choose a game for the upcoming month
- Fans will be limited to six tickets per game
- Fans who win lottery will be unable to participate for next two months
All in all, it’s a great program that gives everyone an opportunity to buy tickets at a fair price. When a team like the Los Angeles Lakers come to town, instead of being forced to pay $800 to a scalper, some lucky fans will be able to get in without skipping their mortgage payment that month. Whether they take that opportunity to turn around and scalp them is another thing altogether. There’s no word on if the tickets would be transferable or not, but considering fans from any state can participate, we can safely assume that’s a possibility.
Still, the chance to see LeBron, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving face off against elite teams in the NBA without breaking the bank? It’s a great move by the Cleveland Cavaliers organization.