Playing the Fields

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A luxury suite with exclusive catered food and wet bar that’s open all night used to be a privilege reserved for top executives or the very wealthy.


Now the little guy well, maybe not so little can get a break.


Owner’s Pass LLC is offering small- and mid-sized companies the opportunity to purchase a mixed bag of luxury suites including Lakers, Clippers, Dodgers and Kings games.


“We are targeting companies that have a need for a smaller number of suites than you could buy directly from the team,” said John Arledge, founder and chief executive of the Los Altos-based company.


Owner’s Pass offers luxury suite timeshare packages at venues for the four major professional sports football, baseball, basketball and hockey throughout the state.


Clients can mix and match as few as five games for $25,000, far less than the $200,000 asking price for a full-season suite at many venues. Clients also receive options for playoffs, concerts and other entertainment events. Logistical concerns such as catering, an open bar and preferred parking are included at each game for no added fees.


The company started operations last year in the San Francisco Bay area with five professional sports teams and expanded operations into Southern California this year. Its local portfolio includes suites at Staples Center, Dodger Stadium, Angels Stadium and Arrowhead Pond, but companies can choose games from any venue in the state.


Owner’s Pass purchases suites directly from the team, rather than acting as a third-party vendor on behalf of the venues themselves.


Anschutz Entertainment Group Inc., which owns and operates the Staples Center where the Clippers, Kings and Lakers play did not return telephone calls for comment, but a Dodger official said the organization was comfortable with the company’s timeshare approach.


“It’s an interesting business model,” said Camille Johnston, Dodgers spokeswoman.


Jeff Marks, managing director of the Sports Business Group, a sports consulting firm, said luxury suite timeshare arrangements could help drive up suite utilization rates that hover below 50 percent in some markets.


“The business model provides a valuable and mutually beneficial service to teams, venues and companies that spend money on hospitality,” said Marks. “Teams get to sell a full season package while the timesharing company provides consumers with more options and flexibility.”

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