Deeds: Entertainment bargains abound as economy slows

Idaho Center general manager Craig Baltzer remembers a boss once telling him that when times get tough, entertainment spending is the first place folks cut back - but it's also the first place they return, the boss man added, because people grow weary of being cooped up at home.

"That was the old man general rule that I learned," Baltzer says. "I always felt it to be somewhat true."

Sounds reasonable. But as the nation's economy sputters, purveyors of entertainment are striving to avoid consumer cabin fever in the first place.

The National Football League cut playoffs ticket prices by 10 percent this year. Ticketmaster - legendary for gouging fans with extra costs - recently announced it will eliminate convenience fees for a series of Eagles concerts.

Thrifty Idahoans can find deals on everything from hockey games to rock concerts and entrees at restaurants. Notice the increase in buy one, get one free ads?

Cynics might view this as a much-needed market correction. Having a good time certainly doesn't come cheap anymore. Ticket prices have bloated uncontrollably for years, particularly for concerts and major pro sports.

As much as it hurts members of the entertainment industry, stepping back and re-examining their respective business models may be the best thing that ever happened to them.

Whatever the case, handing a few bucks back to consumers is an excellent short-term public-relations move. When the Knitting Factory Concert House offered $10 tickets to seven gigs, it not only looked generous, it kept the nightclub on people's radar. It also boosted ticket sales to shows that weren't selling so hot.

The Knitting Factory hasn't committed to more $10 shows, however: "It was an overwhelming success, absolutely," talent buyer Mark Dinerstein says. "Will we do it again? I think we'll have to re-evaluate in 2009 and see how things really look."

Economists predict a rough one. But, so far, the entertainment industry is staying relevant. Megaplexes keep selling overpriced popcorn: "Quantum of Solace" set an opening-weekend record for the James Bond franchise.

Select arena concerts remain solid: Trans-Siberian Orchestra's crowd of about 7,500 at the Idaho Center on Nov. 10 was smaller than last year's, but it still trumped attendance in other larger markets.

For now, the touring industry still has the pedal to the metal. The Idaho Center's winter-spring lineup in 2009 - which includes everything from a multi-day "Walking with Dinosaurs" family event to a reported Rascal Flatts-Jessica Simpson concert - probably will be more active than it was in 2008.

Some arena acts (so far, not ones coming to Idaho) are choosing to downsize their light and video productions so ticket prices can be reduced. Instead of taking 20 gas-guzzling semi trucks on tour, they might take out a dozen.

That makes sense. If tickets happened to drop by 5 or 10 bucks, most fans probably could do without seeing Rascal Flatts levitate over the audience like the group did in 2007. And Simpson? Most male fans would argue that less is more, at least in the wardrobe department.

Americans still long to go out and enjoy themselves when wallets get pinched. The difference is that nosebleed seats start looking sexier than they used to.

The Idaho Steelheads have restructured pricing this season. The best seats got costlier, but many others edged down. The Steelheads also began offering promotions such as Wednesday "Ladies Night" ($3 drink specials, $15 lower bowl seats) and are continuing the successful Friday "4 for $44" (four tickets, Pepsis and hotdogs for $44).

Eric Trapp, president of Idaho Sports Properties, which runs the Steelheads, says it was just time to rethink tickets in Qwest Arena. It made sense to go from three to five pricing regions - struggling economy or not.

QUICK ENTERTAINMENT NOTES

Newly confirmed shows: Meat Puppets (Jan. 21, Grizzly Rose), JJ Grey & Mofro (Feb. 12, Knitting Factory), Andrew Bird (Feb. 24, Knitting Factory). The Bouquet will celebrate its grand reopening tonight with local band Smooth Old-Fashioned High. No cover.

Michael Deeds co-hosts "The Other Studio" at 9 p.m. Sundays on 94.9 FM "The River."