Good luck making a quick buck at the Trials
Businesses and individuals have tried to profit from the Olympic Trials in Eugene. The results have been mixed. By Laura RillosEUGENE, Ore. -- Take a walk down 19th Avenue. It's one of the main thoroughfares leading to Hayward Field. All week, the signs have been there. Parking: $20. People have been trying to make a quick buck off visitors looking for lodging, parking, food and drink, even tickets. Cousins Gary and Jarvis Zosel are running the parking lot at a University of Oregon fraternity. The frat leaves it up to them to price each spot, and the high school students are getting a business lesson. On the first day of the Olympic Trials, they set out to get $30 per car. "We charged $30 for the first two people one day but we had to lower our prices immediately," said Gary Zosel. After the weekend, they dropped the price even further to $5 a spot. "It's just supply and demand, just the way it had to happen," Gary Zosel said. "When we were at $5 per car, and it was like that's what we could charge. That's what we were going to get. Friday, we were like let's go up to $10." That price appeared to be working for the second weekend of the Olympic Trials. The Zosels said they have no problem filling the lot when the price is right. While they aren't earning as much as they'd hoped, at least the Zosels (and the fraternity) are profiting. Many homeowners and apartment complexes hoped to earn extra cash renting rooms to visitors, but most aren't having any luck. Signs advertisting rooms have disappeared from some homes in the campus area. The manager of Emerald Apartments says he rented out two of 21 units. Ticket sellers aren't having much luck either. "I've always been able to sell 'em but only one day have I actually been able to sell them at face value," said Lawrence, Kan., resident Brian McFall. He ended up with extra tickets after his dad and brother cancelled their trip to Eugene. "Every other day, I've been anywhere from 10 to 15 dollars off." McFall says it's frustrating. "But that's okay," he said. "You know, free markets." |
YouNews
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV. Stay Connected |
Connect with KCBYMost Popular
|
October 8, 2008
- Coos Bay / North Bend, Oregon
You
