How much would you pay to cut the line?

Restaurant to sell ‘season passes’

How much would you pay to cut the line?

The RemDawg is betting at least $500.

The broadcasting legend is trying to persuade baseball fans to fork over big money for “season passes’’ to the Red Sox TV color commentator’s new restaurant, Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar & Grill, which is opening next week.

Patrons who shell out $500 will get to skip the line that forms before Red Sox games (packages are for either home or away games), have a guaranteed table (once the game starts), and receive a $25 food credit plus one free beer, along with invites to exclusive events (up to a $3,000 value).

And, of course, you get an autographed picture of Jerry Remy at your table (priceless).

It’s a bold pitch to make in the midst of the recession, especially since the $500 does not come with a seat in the park. But Red Sox Nation always seems willing to pay for new perks. Already, 170 people have signed up for the deal, which was launched last month.

Don Bailey, general manager and the guy who gave birth to the season-pass idea, said the restaurant is hoping to sell up to 300 passes. To win over fans, Remy’s has billed itself as an extension of Fenway Park, with a similar facade, exposed pillars, and waiters dressed in uniforms.

“This $500 season-ticket package can deliver an experience as close to an actual season ticketholder as possible, at a fraction of the price,’’ Bailey said.

For Chris Cakebread, a Boston University professor who teaches advertising and sports marketing, the season-pass package seems “just a little over the top. It’s certainly an over-exaggerated way to show your love for the Red Sox,’’ he said.

But Cakebread acknowledged the competition around Fenway has intensified in recent years, so businesses have to try what they can to stand out.

Remy’s is hoping to use its season-pass offer to attract fans year-round, with $350 packages for the Patriots and $250 for the Celtics that give the same perks for all the games.

Phil Cronin, a devout member of Red Sox Nation, said any true fan who has been going to Fenway for awhile knows when and where to eat to avoid lines and get reasonably priced good food. He won’t be lured by Remy’s offer, but doesn’t blame the newly fashioned restaurateur, either.

“I think Remy is a great color commentator. I understand that he needs to cash in while things are hot,’’ Cronin said.

“I can’t blame him for trying to grab every cent he can from unsuspecting ‘fans.’ ’’

I wasn't going to write about this but it's a slow day. I mean really paying $500 bucks for line privileges? Its a restaurant not a fucking night club. If there's a line then go to the next bar. That's why there are so many bars in the area, to try and accommodate all the fans. I mean bars are all the same - they have pub grub, beers, flat screen tv's and tons of drunk people in them. Now I am not against trying to make money and apparently people are ponying up for this great $500 perk. The biggest issue is now the other bars/institutes in the area will see that people are paying this rate and start doing the same thing. Come to Game on where your line pass is only $400. The Cask and Flaggon is having a sale on line passes for $350.

As if going to a bar and paying for beers and food isn't enough for these owners now. Great Job Remy just another reason will be bitching about the Sox.