More information on Orioles season ticket plans (updated)

With pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training in only nine days, the Orioles are sending out their season ticket invoices this afternoon via email. It's the same arrangement as last year.

There is one change which has been anticipated for most of the winter. Fans are going to notice an increase in ticket prices.

This is the third time in the past 12 years that the cost has risen for season plan holders.

The average ticket price at Camden Yards runs about $30, an increase of $5 from last year. Digging deeper into the math, there are more than a million tickets at Camden Yards that cost $20 or less over the course of 81 home games.

A 13-game plan may be purchased for as low as $203, so we're talking about a cost of $15-$16 per ticket. The starting price for a field box seat via a season ticket plan is $46 for certain games, with an average cost of $57.

The least expensive tickets in a season plan are upper reserved seats averaging about $16 per game.

The cost of single-game tickets will increase an average of $3-$10, depending on a few variables, including the game.

Prices figured to rise this year as the payroll took another turn upward, especially with first baseman Chris Davis signing a franchise-record seven-year, $161 million deal. But despite the increase, the Orioles note that they continue to rank ninth for the most affordable game experience in professional sports

The invoice going out today includes a letter from executive vice president Dan Duquette. Hard copies are being sent to fans without access to email.

Update: Here's a portion of Duquette's message to fans:

"Over the past four seasons, the Orioles have won more games than any team in the American League. That progress is anchored by a powerful lineup, a dynamic rotation, a strong bullpen, crisp defense, and a commitment to The Oriole Way at every level of our organization. While we finished short of our expectations last season, we have worked hard this winter to improve our club in 2016 and ultimately to bring a World Series championship to Baltimore.

"Toward that goal, we made a long-term commitment to Chris Davis, a core member of our team over the past four years and a prolific slugger, who led the Major Leagues with 47 home runs last season. We also committed to the future of our bullpen by investing in Darren O'Day, an elite reliever whose leadership on and off the field makes our club stronger.

"Last season, we saw the emergence of a superstar in Manny Machado, who played every single day, represented the Orioles as an All-Star for the second time, collected his second career Gold Glove for dazzling plays at the hot corner, and became only the second Oriole in history to hit 30 home runs and steal 20 bases in a season.

"We also saw another All-Star performance from Adam Jones, who became the first Orioles outfielder to log at least 25 home runs for five straight seasons, and won several prestigious awards including the Brooks Robinson Community Service Award for his devotion to improving the lives of Baltimore's youth.

"With Davis, Machado, and Jones joined by veteran hitters Matt Wieters and J.J. Hardy, up-and-comers like Jonathan Schoop, and new acquisitions Mark Trumbo and Hyun Soo Kim, our lineup is sure to be formidable.

"Our pitching staff will be led by veterans Chris Tillman, Ubaldo Jimenez, O'Day, and our outstanding closer, Zach Britton, and we anticipate strong contributions from homegrown arms like Kevin Gausman, Mychal Givens, Dylan Bundy, Mike Wright, and Tyler Wilson.

"We also have the privilege of playing each night at one of the most popular sports venues in modern history in Oriole Park at Camden Yards - and one that consistently ranks as the top ballpark in baseball and among the top sports facilities in the country by reviews and industry surveys because of the atmosphere, amenities, beauty, and overall value.

"In all pricing decisions, our organization strives to provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment for as many fans as possible while assembling a highly-competitive team that our fans can be proud to support each and every night.

"This year, your season plan membership includes a price increase for only the third time in the past 12 years. Your specific increase will vary depending on your plan and seating location. A four-month, flexible payment plan will be available to assist you in the purchase process.

"Of course, Season Plan Members will always pay the lowest price available in their selected seating category for every game and save an average of 15 percent over single game ticket buyers. Additionally, you will continue to enjoy the benefits of being a Season Plan Member through our Orange Carpet Program including Major League Baseball's most flexible ticket exchange policy, an opportunity to purchase Opening Day and postseason tickets, complimentary tickets to Spring Training games in Sarasota, a dedicated entry gate and ticket window at Oriole Park, exclusive forums and special events with team executives and players, and much more.

"Additionally, all fans may still bring outside food and beverages into Oriole Park next season, and the price of parking and concessions continues to be a great value. In fact, the cost for a family of four to attend a game at Oriole Park including parking, concessions, and merchandise ranks as the ninth most affordable experience in Major League Baseball and across all major professional sports."