I'd have to believe that most of the suites are owned by corporations, and are used almost exclusively by top management, who view it as an executive perk. They aren't paying for the pizza and beer, the stockholders are, even though that kind of expenditure is kept way, way down on the radar screen.
The average employee never will see the inside of one of these suites, which is probably a good thing, or they might storm the place like the Bastille after the next round of job cuts.
That’s always been a point of contention at our company ($1+ billion) as well.
It seems that a small few people in sales and marketing have exclusive control of our suites, and regularly use those tickets even when customers aren’t involved.
However, I’ve always made a point of finding the events I want, like when the circus comes to town, and getting suite tickets early. Food and drinks are on me, but every suite has a public vending booth down the hall, so you don’t HAVE to buy $150 subs. And, our company makes a regular habit of giving away suite tickets when they’re available. Very good for morale, so you don’t hear a lot of griping.
However, we do make a point of getting specific customers into our suites for the really big events (playoffs, Indy 500, etc.). It really does help during sales pushes.
And, Anybody who says suites are for “poofters” has never been in a suite and is just showing a bit of envy. Sitting in a comfy seat with bears and chow a few feet away is INSANELY better than sitting with the unwashed masses (j/k), if you can afford it or somebody else is picking up the tab.