It's a disturbing trend GTR ... I well remember being at Eastern Creek the year they tried that on for the first time, and it led to some really ugly scenarios - particularly sad when battling families who have sat in the grandstand all the years before with their kids were forced to sit out in the sun because of the extra expense levied on them by unsympathetic, opportunistic organisations.
In this climate, you'd think that smart businesses would be doing all they could to retain and increase attendances, not turn them away or put events out of financial reach. It is sad & frustrating and a whole lot more.