Case Study 1: "All you can eat" seats in baseball games
Baseball is one of the most popular sport activities in the United States and millions of fans attend matches every year. In order to satisfy the requirements of the all fans, the concept of the so - called "All you can eat” seats were introduced in 2007 at Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles). After purchasing of these seats, fans have within the ticket price, (respectively for an additional fee to the ticket price), unlimited possibility to consume food and drinks (hot dogs, popcorn, hot or cold beverages, etc.). An analysis of the profitability of these seats concluded that during the 9 innings of the match, the consumption of food and beverages is the highest in the first of two innings. During next innings of the match, the consumption gradually decreasing and in the last inning is almost zero. The behavior of fans is similar in all stadiums that offer such a service. Of course, the price for such a seat varies and depends mainly on the prestige of the baseball club and the range of food and drinks included in the "all you can eat" seats.
Tasks:
• Explain which law of economics applies to "all you can eat" seats for baseball matches and explain whether such consumers? behavior is common or it is a behavioral anomaly.
• Explain why food and drink consumption is the highest in the first of two innings and the lowest in the last inning of the match.
• How would you determine the price of the ticket for “All you can eat” seats?
• In which case would you be willing to buy such a seat? Explain how do you make your decision.
• When would you not buy such a seat? Explain how do you make your decision.