Let's review the situation. That additional revenue could then be poured back into player salaries. But if the Red Sox have 45,000 seats in a new park with more club seats and luxury boxes and can generate more revenue, not only will they have a better chance of keeping him by offering him a higher salary, but it would help the Red Sox offer more competitive salaries in the free-agent market. Baade's work was helped along by the folks at the fan-based group, Save Fenway Park. In September, the group invited architects from around the country to construct renovated and preserved versions of the park that would likely generate significantly less revenue than would a new stadium but would come with much less risk.
Net revenue is really the key figure.
The Red Sox could spend more money and make more revenue, but they could also spend less and still earn more revenue than they are earning now. Despite the limited revenue streams brought in by Fenway Park, the Red Sox have still ranked among the top 10 teams in revenue over the past decade. Although the team plays in the smallest park in the majors by about 5,000 seats, it broke the team attendance record in 2000, while charging the highest average ticket price in the league. It is true that Fenway is lacking in concession outlets, but that is counteracted by the highest soda and beer prices among all professional sports stadiums. Although Harrington has talked about a revenue decline triggering a lower payroll, the Red Sox began the 2000 season at seventh in the league in payroll and added high-priced veterans such as Dante Bichette, Rolando Arrojo and Rico Brogna.