In the wake of the September collapse and the subsequent fallout, the Red Sox probably had little choice but to keep ticket prices the same and that’s what they did. Here’s the release from the team:

The Boston Red Sox today announced that prices for all ticket categories available to the public for the 2012 regular season at Fenway Park will be held at 2011 levels. This marks the second time in four years the team has held ticket prices as the Red Sox also froze prices across the board for the 2009 season.

“John Henry, Tom Werner, and the members of our front office spend considerable time each year discussing ticket pricing and policies for the following season, and as a group we make a concerted effort to look at our business through the prism of Red Sox fans. Over the last several years, many in Red Sox Nation have experienced economic difficulties, and every fan has gone through some trying times – particularly at the end of the 2011 season – as the team fell short of our goal of reaching the post-season,” said President/CEO Larry Lucchino.

“The decision to hold ticket prices next season is just one of many ways we hope to show our gratitude to Red Sox Nation in 2012 for the unfailing support they have shown at the ballpark, and for their faith in the Red Sox. It is also part of an effort we’ve made over the last few years to slow the growth of season ticket and individual game tickets to ensure the Fenway Park experience is a viable option for as many citizens of Red Sox Nation as possible. We are constantly impressed by our fans’ love of the game and our franchise, and we hope to see them fill up Fenway Park next year as we celebrate the ballpark’s special 100th anniversary season.”

After freezing prices in 2009, the Red Sox implemented a small increase on a limited number of prime tickets in 2010 – the second lowest increase in then-16 seasons, and in 2011 the Red Sox froze 70 percent of ticket prices.

Fans’ first opportunity to purchase tickets for the 2012 season will be the annual, all-day “Christmas at Fenway” presented by Stop & Shop on Saturday, December 10th. Additional details for this traditional and popular holiday event will be released in the coming weeks.

Distribution methods for Green Monster and Budweiser Deck tickets will be announced after the New Year, in accordance with past practice, and will be designed to make these popular seats available to as many different people as possible. Pricing for premium seating in 2012 will vary and be based on longer term contracts entered into several years ago.

The Red Sox will continue to offer special discount programs for Active Duty Military and Clergy in 2012.