We're still waiting for the Bucs to release their general ticket pricing for 2008, but we've already gotten an indication from general manager Bruce Allen there will be at least some increase in price.

The Bucs aren't alone in raising their prices, but consider a few numbers. Did some research the other day on this topic, and it turns out the Bucs in 2007 had the eighth-highest average ticket price in the league, according to an annual study done by a Chicago firm called Team Marketing Report. The $72.44 average was a 6.6 percent increase over 2006.

The trend of increases has continued since 2003, the season following the Bucs' Super Bowl victory. The 2002 average ticket price was $44.41, same as the previous season. That ranked 23rd in the league. But in 2003, the average ticket increased 12.1 percent to $49.78, and things have not been the same since. To get to the current prices, increases have continued at an average annual rate of 7.8 percent.

In 2007, only the Patriots, Bears, Redskins, Giants, Jets, Cowboys and Ravens had higher average prices than Tampa Bay, according to the study. Notice how most of those teams are in considerably pricier markets than this one.

With so many people feeling squeezed by the current economy, it's no wonder the wild card game was slow to sell out. These days, it's becoming quite the financial strain to be an NFL fan.

For the season-ticket holders out there, we'd like to hear from you once you receive your packages from the team. Let us know how you'll personally be affected by the increase this year. Drop a line to sholder@sptimes.com if you've got some input. Include a name and phone number when you write, if possible.