FACTBOX: Sports ticket prices up as fan spending slipping

(Reuters) - Ticket prices continue to rise for major U.S. sporting events, but a June Reuters/Zoby poll shows fans are starting to dial back their spending at events in response to the weak U.S. economy.

SPORT AVG TICKET PRICE INCREASE FCI INCREASE

MLB $22.77 2.8 percent $176.55 3.8 percent

NFL $67.11 6.9 percent $367.31 5.7 percent

NBA $48.83 3.6 percent $281.90 2.6 percent

NHL $48.72 7.7 percent $282.95 5.2 percent

NOTE: Major League Baseball and National Football league data is for the 2007 seasons, while the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League data is for the 2007-2008 seasons. Fan Cost Index (FCI) comprises the prices of two adult average tickets, two children, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four hot dogs, parking for one car, two game programs and two caps.

SOURCE: Team Marketing Report, Northbrook, Illinois.

Reuters/Zogby poll

-- Would you say that you have or are planning to attend more sporting events this year than last, less sporting events, or about the same number of sporting events?

More -- 5.7 percent

Less -- 14.8 percent

About the same -- 49.9 percent

Do not attend -- 29.1 percent

-- Which of the following best explains why you have or will be attending less?

Generally lost interest -- 14.2 percent

Cutting back because of the economy -- 73.5 percent

Other -- 10.1 percent

-- Considering sporting events that you have recently or will be attending in the near future, did you or will you be spending more money on food and souvenirs, less money on these items, or about the same you usually spend?

More -- 2.1 percent

Less -- 27.9 percent

About the same -- 41.9 percent

Do not attend -- 27.4 percent