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        The Bengals hope an average ticket increase of $5.39 for next year's inaugural season at Paul Brown Stadium is modest enough to ease fans' fear of escalating prices.

        Ticket prices will range from $35 to $50, up from $34 to $46 this year. The average general admission price will rise from $38.14 this season at Cinergy Field to $43.53 in the new stadium. According to Team Marketing Report, the Bengals average 2000 ticket is lower than the 1999 NFL average of $45.63.

        The Bengals believe the hike will still let the club join the high-stakes game of free agency and help lift the franchise out of a decade-long malaise.

        “The higher revenues and players' amenities associated with the new stadium will allow the club to better compete for the most talented free agents ... and help turn the Bengals into a regular playoff-caliber team,” said Bengals President Mike Brown.

        The Bengals said their prices are lower than 1999 tickets at the NFL's newest stadiums. The most expensive ticket in Cleveland is $65; Baltimore and Washington, $60; Tampa Bay, $54, and Tennessee, $52. The most expensive upper-level ticket in Cincinnati will be $45 compared to $55 in Cleveland, Baltimore and Washington, and $54 in Tampa Bay.

        Team Marketing Report, a Chicago-based directory of pro sports, lists Washington ($74.28), Tampa Bay ($64.65) and Tennessee ($55.63) as three of the four most expensive average tickets in the NFL for 1999. Cleveland's $44.66 is 12th.

        The Bengals say they've sold about 42,000 of Paul Brown's 65,000 seats. Season tickets are available only with the purchase of charter ownership agreements, ranging from $150 to $750 for zones still available.

        Because the new stadium's design makes midfield seats preferred, fans who have a similar spot at Cinergy anticipated an increase from $34 to $45 in the upper level, $38 to $50 in the lower level.

        At Cinergy, 38,055 seats were less than $40 and 1,956 seats cost the top price of $46. At the new stadium, 49,124 seats cost at least $40; 18,953 of those are $50.

        Club level tickets range from $99.50 to $199.50 per seat. Luxury suite tickets cost from $45,000 to $134,000 for the season.        

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