Central Consolidated board OKs $2 increase for most regular-season tickets amid debate over access
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Summary
After a contentious discussion about affordability and streaming, the Central Consolidated School District board voted 4–1 on Feb. 19 to raise most regular-season athletic ticket prices by $2 to help cover rising official and operational costs.
The Central Consolidated School District board voted 4–1 on Feb. 19 to raise most regular-season athletic ticket prices by $2, authorizing higher gate charges for middle- and high-school events to offset rising officials' fees and operational expenses.
Board members heard a presentation from regional activities coordinator Isaiah Valdez, who said the $2 bump was developed jointly with other San Juan County athletic directors to keep the district’s gate revenue roughly in line with rising costs. "We set the price and we want to propose a $2 increase across the board for high school and the middle school," Valdez said.
Proposed changes would move many non-football high-school tickets from $6/$4 to $8/$6, with a separate football pricing structure (adult tickets proposed at $10; students with ID admitted free). Valdez said gate receipts also support officials and athletic operations.
Several board members cautioned about the impact on household budgets and local attendance. Board member Aspis dissented, arguing that rural communities and family budgets differ from urban districts: "I would have to side with no increases until we absolutely have to," she said, noting concerns about attendance and the shift of viewership to streamed coverage.
Supporters said officials’ fees and other costs have risen and district revenue from gate receipts has not kept pace. Board members also discussed streaming options, noting that some districts supplement attendance with paid or free video streaming and that community members sometimes rely on streams for access from hospitals or while traveling.
The motion to adopt the price changes passed on a roll call vote of 4 in favor and 1 opposed. The board directed athletics staff to implement the new schedule for the coming season and to continue outreach about affordability and streaming options.
The change takes effect for regular-season ticketing as posted by the district; district officials said postseason/state-tournament pricing remains governed by NMAA rules.
