New ticket policy

A’s will replace traditional season tickets with access membership, with prices starting as low as $240.

The A’s, perennially near the bottom in major-league attendance, are getting creative about selling tickets for next season.

They scrapped their traditional season-ticket format and are introducing a more flexible system in which fans will have a variety of options at every home game.

It’s called A’s Access, and memberships will go on sale at 9 a.m. Friday.

“A’s Access is the first program of its kind,” COO Chris Giles said. “From to every game to special member concessions pricing, we’re focused on maximizing the value proposition for members. We are inviting our fans to truly become members of the A’s.”

The program provides members general-admission access to every game, a reserved-seat plan and additional benefits including half-price concessions, 25 percent off merchandise and upgrade credits for games not included in a reserved-ticket plan.

Plans begin at $240, and pricing includes $4 beers, $3 hot dogs and $2.50 sodas. Current season-ticket holders can renew under the new program. A 12month payment plan is available.

The ticket department, confident the A’s will overtake teams above them in the standings, said fans buying the A’s Access plan for 2019 will get first crack at 2018 postseason tickets.

“To better meet the evolving needs of our fans, we are changing our approach to membership,” said Giles, who’s providing more information at athletaccess ics.com/2019. “This flexible model is designed to serve both fans who want a more traditional reserved-seat plan and those who desire a more flexible and social experience.”

The A’s came into Monday averaging 17,903 fans per game, lower than every big-league team except the Rays and Marlins. There were 11,149 fans on hand at the Coliseum for Monday night’s game against the Blue Jays.