Nothing Personal with David Samson So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Cardinals free food! Replacement players? A question about Stugotz! (Episode 1421 Hour 2)
Mar 4, 2026
Discussion about the Cardinals' novel $29 season package with all-you-can-eat perks and PR thinking behind it. A debate on whether replacement players would ever be used during an MLB lockout. How the Las Vegas A's plan to use casinos, PSLs and comps to manage ticket revenue. Behind-the-scenes on booking non-baseball events at ballparks and why that matters.
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Cardinals' Free Food Package Is PR Not Revenue
- David Samson sees the Cardinals' all-you-can-eat Big Mac Land offer as PR signaling, not a revenue driver.
- He notes attendance and broadcast revenue declines forced creative low-cost season-ticket packages with limited seats.
Don't Expect Replacement Players After A Lockout
- Samson advises not to expect replacement players during an MLB lockout because it would backfire politically and for the union.
- He explains replacement-player threats historically deepen union strength and ownership division, so owners won't pursue them.
A's Will Rely On Casino Deals And PSL Revenue In Vegas
- Samson says Vegas strategy relies on casino partnerships buying premium inventory even if many comp tickets go unused.
- He explains PSLs fund stadium builds and casinos often accept high no-show rates because teams want upfront revenue.