Dollar surcharge on Crunch tickets
SYRACUSE -- The controversy over the scoreboard at the Onondaga County War Memorial is taking on a new twist. One lawmaker is proposing a dollar surcharge on Crunch game tickets to pay for it.
The Crunch say the scoreboard at their home arena is outdated and needs to be replaced. A new one would cost 750-thousand dollars but county lawmakers are reluctant to put up taxpayer money. The dispute could cause the Crunch to move to another city with a more modern facility. So legislator Sam Laguzza is proposing that the Crunch fans pay for the scoreboard through a dollar surcharge. "I am trying to make sure the Crunch stay here." Laguzza explained, "Along with this revenue source for a scoreboard, we've got to talk to the crunch and say listen, we just put this in motion, do you want an extended contract."
The prices for a Crunch game typically range from $13 to $17 dollars depending on your seat. The team says it's among the lowest in the professional sport. Owner Howard Dolgon does not feel an extra dollar for a ticket will force a drop in attendance, but he says it goes against the team's promise to freeze prices for at least another year, especially with a struggling economy. "It's a little big surprising that they're picking this time to add a dollar ticket charge." Dolgon told Action News.
Laguzza's dollar surcharge for Crunch tickets goes before the County Legislature's Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday.
