Just an example, I take my 2 boys and 5 friends each year and the total cost this year for tickets, food, hotel (3 rooms) gas and tolls was over $4,000 and that is before anyone bought any souvenirs.  If you add that in then it goes up to about $4,500 for a 3 and 1/2 day weekend. 

Some nice touches that may attract people would be giving those who purchase a ticket package a voucher for 1 souvenir T-shirt of their choice per ticket.  While they would lose some money in concessions, they would more than make that up in additional ticket sales. 

Add a complimentary tailgate tent in the fanzone that includes water, soda and light snacks for anyone buying a group of ticket packages greater than 30.  Then they can have the option of adding additional food and beverage choices for additional cost.  This would make the fanzone an even bigger event and almost everyone would add some food and drinks for a per head price, say hotdogs and 1 choice of beer for $10/per person, etc….  Wrist bands with your group number could be shipped with the tickets so only those with wristbands can enter the “tailgate zone”  .

Include more into a package deal option and you will get more attendees.  It has to be made more special that all the other events earlier in the year, like the Big City Classic or the Face Off Classic.  Right now the final 4 is just another of the big lax events for the year.  so only the real enthusiasts make the commitment to go.

But I’, not opposed to the package deal either.  Maybe they should offer both!