cheaper tix in 2011

KICKING THE DUCAT: Ticket prices will drop in 2011, as the concert powers try to re-engage with consumers following a brutal downturn this year, the Associated Press predicts. While there'll be bargains at the back of the house, prices for front row seats may actually go up as part of Live Nation's bid to grab revenue that might otherwise go to ticket resellers. But the company has said it wants to cut prices even further for the cheap seats to let in more fans. When Live Nation cut prices in 2010, fans spent about the same amount as always -- nearly $18 in North American amphitheaters—on beer, merchandise and other stuff, all of which helps the company's bottom line because it owns major venues in 13 cities. LN is also developing a shopping basket for its websites to lure fans to spend their ticket savings on merch, and it recently rolled out an iPhone app that will likely be used for the same purpose. LN CEO Michael Rapino took a hopeful tone in addressing investors last month, aserting, "We know that if you lower the price, they'll come." (12/27a)