Utah Jazz fans claim new seating policy causes VIP seats to drop in value
By APSaturday, June 5, 2010
Utah Jazz fans sue over new seating policy
SALT LAKE CITY — A group of well-heeled Utah Jazz fans has sued the team’s corporate parent, claiming a new seating policy has caused their VIP seats to plummet in value.
Members of the Jazz 100 Club, in their complaint filed Friday in 3rd District Court, are seeking more than $19 million in damages.
The dispute stems from a January policy change allowing all season-ticket holders to also transfer ownership rights to their seats in EnergySolutions Arena.
Previously, only 220 courtside seats that were held by the 50 to 60 club members could be sold or bequeathed, an exclusivity that increased their value.
Club members say their seat positions that once sold for as much as $200,000 now go for $20,000, a drop of 90 percent.
Jazz officials say they take the matter seriously.
