Affordability the theme of Padres ticket pricing in 2010

"Affordability for our fans is a key thing moving forward." -- Padres Vice Chairman/CEO Jeff Moorad

Jeff Moorad uttered those words back on March 26, when he had an introductory press conference at home plate in PETCO Park to announce his partnership's agreement to acquire the Padres franchise from John Moores over time.

Moorad is a man of his word.

The Padres put their money where their mouth is Thursday when they set the ticket pricing for 2010.

Every full season ticket packages will be reduced or steady from the 2009 prices. And that's not just clever marketing wording -- it's the reality. Tickets are more affordable: 86 percent of full-plan pricing is at a more affordable level than 2009.

"When we closed our transaction, I said affordability was a critical goal of our ownership group," Moorad said in the Padres press release. "We are now providing our fans with more affordability, more options and enhanced value. We are excited about next season and inspired by the loyalty and emotional attachment of Padre fans.

"We proactively asked our fans what was important to them, and they told us that this economy has affected everyone and affordability was a priority. We listened, and we're responding. We want to do everything we can to make it easier for fans to watch what will continue to be an energetic, athletic and youthful brand of Padres baseball.

"I speak for everyone in the organization in saying that we can't wait for Opening Day 2010."

You can view the entire Padres press release at padres.com to get further details of 2010 prices. Or check out Corey Brock's news story on padres.com with quotes from Padres President/COO Tom Garfinkel.

Individual game tickets are not yet on sale, but the Padres announced Thursday that 60 percent of 2010 individual game ticket prices will be more affordable. Thousands more will remain steady.

Here are some of the highlights of the details announced Thursday:

• All full season plans will represent a 35 percent discount from individual game prices.
• There will be 25,509 full-season seats at $22 and below.
• There will be 17,374 full-season seats at $14 and below.
• There will be 8,374 full-season seats at $11 and below.
• There will be 5,793 full-season seats at $9.
• There will be 8,095 individual game tickets at $14 and below.
• There will be 19,676 individual game tickets at $21 and below.

As part of the streamlining of the ticketing proces, the Premium and Advanced pricing will be eliminated. Season ticket holders will find a more flexible payment-plan structure.

Season ticket holders have been receiving the literature on the new pricing in recent days. Padres ticket reps can walk you through any details that you have questions about.

The pricing map for individual tickets will be forthcoming.

FJ