Could the 2016 MLB All-Star Game Be the Cheapest Midsummer Classic Ever? The 87th edition of the MLB All-Star Game will make its way to Petco Park next Tuesday, bringing 68 of the world's biggest and brightest players together in the heart of San Diego. The Midsummer Classic is known for its annual showcasing of the league's best athletes, but it appears that the fanfare is already beginning to subside for this year's game in Southern California.
That is, at least in terms of ticket demand on the secondary market. According to online aggregator TiqIQ, the average resale price for 2016 MLB All-Star Game tickets began to drop following the announcement of both league rosters Tuesday night and has continued that trend over the last 48 hours. On Tuesday afternoon the average price for tickets was $790.42. By mid-day Thursday, tickets were averaging $679.76, marking a 14% slide since the roster reveal.
A price dip on the secondary market isn't rare in the days leading up to the game. However, with this year's affair already posting an unusually low average price, it could potentially be the cheapest-priced All-Star Game since at least 2010, when TiqIQ began tracking resale ticket data. It is currently the third-cheapest on average over the last seven seasons, trumped only by 2010's game at Angel Stadium and 2011 at Chase Field.
This year's game has a ways to go if it hopes to claim the title of cheapest All-Star Game ever, but it's average price is on pace to drop substantially more before first pitch Tuesday night. Should the average price continue on a 14% skid every 48 hours, it will land just north of $450 by Tuesday afternoon, making it the second cheapest average behind 2011's game in Arizona.
Don't salivate too much, fans. While the average price continues to tumble in the days leading up to the All-Star Game, it will still cost a pretty penny just to get past the gates at Petco Park on Tuesday. The cheapest ticket to the big game is now listed from $231 in Section 227. That is up $10 from Wednesday's get-in price of $231 in Section 223. Make sure to pack a pair of binoculars if sitting in either of those sections - they'll grant a view of the action from the nosebleeds behind the right field foul pole.
So why is this year's game experiencing such a radical price drop? For one, Southern California is no stranger to hosting the Midsummer Classic. The game has been played there six times over the last 40 years, more than any other region in North America during that time. Such a recurrence can certainly have an impact on ticket pricing, as was the case for 2010's game in Anaheim (listed above). The minimal representation the Padres will have could be affecting prices, too - first baseman Wil Myers was the only Padres player selected to participate in the game.
Still, there are plenty of reasons to get excited for Tuesday night despite the lack of hometown heroes on the bill. From the long list of Chicago Cubs to David Ortiz's final All-Star appearance, there will be no shortage of star power in San Diego next week.
And for those still searching for tickets, attending might just come at record-low price points.