The Washington Commanders are winning off the field. Under new owner Josh Harris, the Commanders have sold out all six home games at FedEx Field this season.
Of course, those sellouts come with a bit of a disclaimer, as a late surge by Miami Dolphins fans last week helped sell out FedEx Field. Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill were pleasantly surprised by the amount of Miami fans in Maryland.
The “winning off the field” line is a throwback to former team president Bruce Allen, who proclaimed at the end of the 2014 season that the then-Redskins were winning off the field after a 4-12 season. Interestingly enough, the Commanders could be headed to another four-win season in 2023.
Currently 4-9, Washington has lost four in a row and nine of its last 11 games. The Commanders have been outscored 90-25 in their previous two games.
While Washington limps to the finish line of another lost season, season ticket holders received a notice on Wednesday about their 2024 season tickets. And, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, there will be an average 8.9% increase in 2024.
Several season ticket holders posted about the increase on social media.
I was hoping to relax and not worry about anything #Commanders during the bye week but I just got my season ticket renewal.
Believe it or not prices went up $331 a seat in my section.
It looks like I might have to cancel Christmas this year for the Tailgates đ pic.twitter.com/BqRuYoUy8g— Tailgate Ted (@TailgateTed) December 6, 2023
One fan told Jhabvala it was a bold move by the new ownership group.
“It’s kind of a bold move by Josh Harris,” 20-year Washington season ticket holder Kenny Alvo said. “……..I understand how sports work. Things get pricier. Things get more in demand as every year goes on. But for a franchise that has dealt with what we have dealt with in Washington, it’s a terrible look, I feel, to do it in [season] two of [his ownership].
The Commanders have had trouble filling FedEx Field for years, and if not for the fans of opposing teams, the multiple sellouts likely would not have occurred. While a rate increase appeared inevitable, considering the Harris group’s investments into FedEx Field and the increased demand, the timing isn’t optimal.
In a letter to the ticket holders, current team president Jason Wright outlined the team’s optimism for 2024, noting how the Commanders have five draft picks in the top 100 of the 2024 NFL draft and ample cap space to make roster improvements.