Tenants of an office building at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington who've always been able to watch games from their offices for free say the team is throwing a curveball by charging them for tickets to the playoffs.
Tenants received letters Monday from their property management company that said Major League Baseball had determined they and their guests must purchase standing-room only tickets -- $25 for the division series, $40 for the championship series and $50 for the World Series.
David D'Aquin, owner of Baseball Diamonds, a jewelry store on the second floor of the office building outside center field, and other tenants said they have never been required to buy tickets before. They said their leases allow them access to their offices during games -- and any other time.
"It's even in my lease that this is not part of the ballpark," D'Aquin said. "I don't have direct access. I just have visage."
He invites clients to games, and they watch from a balcony that he considers part of his office. It's not connected to the rest of the ballpark.
Rob Matwick, Texas Rangers executive vice president for ballpark operations, said Major League Baseball is in charge of the playoffs. Charging tenants for tickets was not the team's decision, he said.
"We have to pay for all of our own tickets also -- the players, our staff," Matwick said. "There are no comp tickets for post-season games."
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In the 14 years since the ballpark opened, D'Aquin said he has only missed three games.
"I love my view," said David D'Aquin, owner of Baseball Diamonds, a jewelry store on the second floor of the office building outside center field. "I love baseball."
Matwick said the tenants' leases do not give them the right to watch games for free.
"You're guaranteed the space, but the space doesn't necessarily guarantee a view," he said. "And baseball has said, 'If people are going to watch the games, you need to pay for it like everyone else.'"
The team said the offices could remain open during the games.
Matwick said the Rangers have no plans to require tenants to buy tickets for regular-season games.
The Rangers' first playoff game at the ballpark is set for Saturday. The series begins Wednesday in St. Petersburg, Fla.
