Rangers Fans Join Lottery To Buy Opening Day Tickets
ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - The Texas Rangers are now in Arizona, preparing to defend the American League championship and fight their way back into the World Series. But here in North Texas, baseball fans are eager to snag tickets to the team's Opening Day matchup against the Boston Red Sox. Do you plan to buy tickets to the game?
Well, it's not necessarily that simple.
You have the money in your hands. You've already taken the day off of work. But without a little luck on your side, you'll be watching the Rangers kick off their new season from the comfort of your living room couch. That's because the tickets are being distributed to fans through a lottery system.
Monday marks the important deadline for Rangers fans. Those looking to join the lottery have until Monday (February 21) at noon to register for the chance to purchase up to four tickets to the team's home opener on April 1. More than 75,000 fans have already signed up to be a part of the lottery, a team official said. The organization would not say how many seats will be available to the general public – but Rangers Ballpark in Arlington only holds about 51,000 people.
If the lottery system makes you nervous, there are two ways that die-hard Rangers fans can guarantee that they'll be in the crowd on Opening Day. First, you can purchase season tickets. Or, the other option comes in the form of 10-game ticket packages – a collection of tickets to 10 pre-determined games throughout the duration of the season. Each package comes with a free ticket to Opening Day. Both season ticket holders and 10-game package purchasers will be accomodated prior to lottery winners.
"Obviously, season tickets are important for the Rangers, and it allows us to be competitive," said Rangers vice president of ticket sales Todd Taylor. "I think everyone enjoyed last year with the performance. And one way to do that is to have strong fan support – not just Opening Day, but through the years."
Plus, given that the Opening Day game is against the Red Sox – who typically draw larger crowds on their own – the demand for these tickets is even higher than in years past. Plenty of Boston fans will certainly be looking to find a spot in the crowd as their team begins a new season with high expectations.
For the most part, fans have been supportive of the lottery system. "They have limited seating and they're trying to be as fair as possible," said Rangers fan Kathy Helms. "I understand that."
So, get out your lucky Rangers jersey and start praying to the baseball gods. The drawing is scheduled to take place by Tuesday, with winners being notified by e-mail on Wednesday. And even then, Opening Day tickets are still first come, first served. Good luck, Rangers fans!
