PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates cited the struggling economy for keeping season-ticket prices the same for a seventh consecutive year.

"We understand that we are all facing tough economic times and, as a result, we chose not to increase our season-ticket prices for full season, forty- and twenty-game season-ticket plans," team president Frank Coonelly said Tuesday.

Spokesman Brian Warecki said exact pricing hasn't been worked out, but last year's average season ticket was $17.07. Excluding club seats, the Pirates' top ticket price last year was $35 and general admission bleacher seats were $9.

The average ticket price in the major leagues last season was $25.43.

The Pirates will also offer four value-priced full season plans, ranging from $399-$999 and an extended payment plan so customer can divide their payments without being charged interest.