I don't think the tickets are that outrageously priced, particularly for California. When I saw the price, I was actually somewhat relieved. For example, even if one only goes to the senior events, it's possible to get an all-event ticket as close as row 12 (maybe even slightly closer at the far ends of the rink) for the 2nd tier pricing of $598. If you divide that amount over the 4 senior events, you're paying $150 per discipline. Breaking it down even further, you're basically paying $50 for each of the 4 short program events and $100 for each of the 4 free skate events (and of course this price includes the junior events and practice session admission as well). For most sporting events, sitting as close as row 12 and paying just $50 would be unthinkable. I know I can't get a seat just 12 rows from the ice at the Verizon Center here in DC to watch a random Caps game for $100, let alone just $50. Granted figure skating isn't quite as popular these days as the NHL or NBA, but we're also talking about an event that essentially serves as the Olympic trials. So I'm certainly not surprised it's more expensive than Kansas City.