October 29, 2008

Sports Museum cuts entry to $16, cites bad economy

The Sports Museum of America, which opened its doors across the street from Wall Street’s charging bull in May, has dropped its admission price to $16 from $24 in response to the country’s bearish economic pinch.

But even better than $16, the Sports Museum will offer $5 admission this Thursday as part of a “Low Cost, High Culture” promotion, which highlights other October 30 discounts, including free admission at the Guggenheim.

The one-day $5 day at the Sports Museum is good for adults, children and seniors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The new ongoing $16 admission is for adults; it costs $13 for seniors and college students, $9 for children from 6 to 15, and free for the under 6-ers.

“The Sports Museum of America has had a tremendous reception from families and sports fans of all ages since opening in May,” founder Philip Schwalb said in a statement. “As a part of the New York landscape and neighbor to the Wall Street financial community, we recognize the challenges facing consumers today and want to make it easier for visitors to continue to enjoy the exhibits and interactive experiences we offer at the attraction.”

“The new fee structure reflects consumer opinion on what is considered an acceptable cost in today’s economic climate in the New York City area,” museum officials said in a statement announcing the price cuts.

Months before the museum opened, it announced it would charge $27 admission. At that time, that price for NYC museums was exceeded only by Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, where an adult admission was $29, and the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium, which was $24.95. Madame Tussaud’s is now $35 (or $28 online,) while Ripley’s is $24.99.

Image source: Sports Museum of America, Heisman Trophy

October 29, 2008 12:14 PM in Cheap Stuff, Kids, Museums, Sightsology, Sports

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