Vikings offering new ticket payment plan

Due to the current recession, sports franchises are becoming more aware of the financial constraints being placed on many of their fans. Weeks after announcing there wouldn't be an increase in 2009 ticket prices, the Vikings are offering an old-fashioned layaway purchase program using new technology.

Acknowledging that the current economic crisis could be affecting many of their season ticket holders, the Vikings announced that they will allow fans to purchase their season tickets on a layaway program.

The Vikings are just the second NFL team to utilize eLayawaySPORTS, following the lead of the Saints, who made a similar announcement last month. The program allows season ticket holders to have an account that can paid into monthly until season tickets are paid in full.

“With the current economic environment, the Vikings continue to explore ways that will make it more feasible for fans to enjoy our games,” said Steve LaCroix, Vikings vice president of sales/marketing. “In conjunction with keeping ticket prices the same in 2009, the eLayawaySPORTS plan is the next step in those efforts. It provides a convenient alternative for our fans to maintain their support of the Vikings. We’re very excited to present this new option for purchasing season tickets.”

The eLayawaySPORTS plan charges a 1.9 percent transaction fee and no interest is accrued. For more information on the program, Vikings fans are urged to go on-line to www.vikings.com/eLayaway for more information.

WEDNESDAY NOTES

ESPN is reporting this morning that Brett Favre has told the Jets he is retiring. The report says that Favre’s agent, Bus Cook, asked the Jets to release Favre so he could possibly sign with another team, but the Jets declined that option. It would appear that if Favre signs his retirement papers, his cap number will go away from the Jets against the salary cap, but they would still retain the rights to the remainder of his contract.

As it currently stands, it appears as though, when factoring in unreached incentives in played contracts, the Vikings are about $28 million under the 2009 salary cap heading into the free agent period.

Another former Packer standout that is out of work is Ahman Green. The star running back was released by the Texans Tuesday.

Former Viking Nate Burleson is said to be ahead of schedule in the rehab of his injured left knee that ended his 2008 season prematurely. The Seahawks say they expect him to be 100 percent by the start of training camp.