Concessions.........

An observation........
As someone who has been in the foodservice industry for 25+ years and has a pretty good grasp on how the leading event concession vendors (Centerplate, Sodexo, Levy, etc.) operate, I was pleasantly surprised to see the prices at Augusta National Golf Course during my recent visit to the Masters. Here is a picture of the selections board:

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As you can see, nothing cost more than 4 bucks for an import beer that came in a very nice 16oz. plastic tumbler with the Masters logo. I saved all of mine to add to my souvenir collection.
It was hard to fathom that I bought a whole lunch with a beer cheaper than the price of one craft beer at Louisville Slugger Field. Not only was it very, very affordable, everything was quite tasty and of the highest quality.
Now, if they can do this at the most prestigious golf major, where I guess an estimated 17,000-20,000 were in attendance on the day I was there, why can't everyone else?
Why do I feel like I have to take out a 2nd mortgage on my house every time I go to a Reds game?

However, notwithstanding the cheap bill of fare, the thing that really set the whole experience apart for me, was the level of service that the staff provided.
Everyone and I literally mean EVERYONE on the entire staff; from the ticket takers, the course volunteers, the people in the pro shop and the even the concession workers, all had a big smile on their face and seemed genuinely interested in making yours and the other patrons experience the best it could be. Even the kids picking up trash would smile and say "Hope you're enjoying your day!"

It stood in very stark comparison to the generally lackluster, insipid overpriced food offerings and indifferent, unmotivated staff that normally work most of the concession stands at Churchill Downs or Louisville Slugger Field. If you have ever tried to get a beer, or anything for that matter, at the concession stands at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indy, you would probably agree with me, that it is the absolute worst concession operation I've ever been privy to.
Why is great service and affordable prices at this one event seem to be the exception rather than the norm?
Just food for thought.

Always been like that at the masters. I have heard that even the pro shop/gift shop prices are reasonable.

Still broadcast (nearly) commercial free. No live TV coverage until the afternoon. Very limited corporate sponsorships. The one thing that they have budged on is allowing women into the ranks of membership.

I absolutely completely agree with you. Those prices are extremely reasonable. I, too, am fed up being ripped off. At Broadbank arena in Nashville last year, they wanted $8 for a domestic beer and $5.00 for a cup of soda. Going to United Arena in Chicago at end of May to see the ROlling Stones, and I expect the beer prices to be just as outrageous!!

It will only get worse. Augusta National and the masters do it differently. As long as new venues are funded with public dollars and rely on corporate sponsorships, it will only get worse. The goal of those places is to make as many dollars as humanly possible. With Augusta, profit is not the motive. If they need money for something, they split the costs amongst the members.

Amazing isn't it? I had the pleasure for going to the Masters 4 years in a row. My great uncle was a golf pro who played in the Masters in the 40s and his tickets were available to me. The level of service is truly awe inspiring. I think they can keep the prices low because the club is in control of the whole shootin match. They set the rates for CBS's coverage and I know that ain't cheap. In a sense they subsidize it all and are not interested I bilking their patrons. They have always strived to provide an outstanding sporting event at a reasonable price. Or it could be guilt over their past policies in regards to minorities and women. But I doubt that

Glad you got to go Dan. It is truly an amazing event.

I'm glad you had a great time! When we used to live in South Carolina, I had several chances to go and always thought the same things that you did. The concession prices were always extremely reasonable, I don't think they've gone up more than $.50 per item since I was last there in 1993! You even had some wonderful weather this year, which is not always the case. The only thing that I found was a hassle at all was a parking which is extremely limited at the course.

Parking is an issue at almost every PGA event. Those courses were not designed to handle tens of thousands of people. And for 345 days a year, they are just regular country clubs where the only parking problems are wondering who that new luxury vehicle belongs to.

Its what happens when profit isnt an issue.

Augusta National has enough money, they arent concerned about it. Its why they went entirely commercial free a few years back due to threatened boycotts of their sponsors.

Hard to boycott people who dont exist.

Augusta National does things in their own time and for their own reason.