Boys’ basketball: Parking raised to $15 at Honda Center

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It’s outrageous that three days before the Southern Section boys’ basketball championships are to be held on Saturday at the Honda Center, the city of Anaheim has announced it will cost $15 instead of $12 to park at the facility.

That’s in addition to the Southern Section charging $12 for general admission tickets for the morning session and $14 for the evening session. Has anyone heard that the unemployment rate is at 10.1% in California?

The Southern Section said its hands are tied because it signed a contract to hold the games at the Honda Center and has no control over parking fees.

But Jim Staunton, the Southern Section commissioner, said, ‘This late notice has been hurtful. I can promise you it will be reviewed by our staff.’

The fee hike is ridiculous in a time when families are struggling. Yes, it’s great that players get to play at such a prestigious venue. But next season, the Southern Section should take a look elsewhere considering the city of Anaheim’s apparent willingness to raise fees no matter what’s happening in a deteriorating economy.

So much for promoting high school sports as an alternative to the high price of college and professional sports.

-- Eric Sondheimer