Why, they are packing them right in... things must be GREAT in the Republic!
How much are tickets now?
Why, it's amazing how little a denarius gets these days, isn't it? Hardly enough for the panem once you buy your ticket?
And heck, people must be getting more prosperous...the place is cleaning up...haven't seen a plebe at the games in a while!
But debasing the currency isn't any problem...ain't that right, Strūthius Maximus?
</sarc>
I know panem referred to free grain, etc., but the satirical reference is valid in context. And note that The Games are financed by the state even in modern times...don't you wish you were in a business where the government floated bonds to build an office building or factory for your company?