Madferret
7-05-05, 6:49 PM
What NHL teams are planning to do about tickets prices
(CP) -The NHL lockout is finally close to ending and clubs will need to lure back fans. Here's a look at what all 30 teams plan to do in terms of ticket prices:
Anaheim: Season ticket prices have been rolled back an average of 5.28 per cent.
The biggest cuts are on about 1,500 seats that drop to $9.50 US from $25 a game. Prices have been frozen through 2006-2007. Subscribers will get free parking, food and non-alcoholic beverages for the first three home games. A new 2-for-1 scheme allows a family of four to buy four seats (buy two, get two) for a total of $47 a game.
"We believe our new pricing structure combined with our price rollback will keep NHL hockey affordable in southern California," said Bob Wagner, senior vice-president and chief marketing officer.
Atlanta: No change.
The Thrashers did not raise ticket prices at any time during their first four years, and many price categories were lowered. Price increases were introduced prior to what would have been the start of the 2004-2005 season and "our plan is to carry those same prices over to the new season once the CBA gets resolved," said a club spokesman.
Boston: "Boston has committed to at least maintaining the 2003-2004 price levels, but a decision on decreasing any prices for next season has not yet been made." - club spokesman.
Buffalo: The Sabres have yet to release details of 2005-2006 prices but they're already the lowest in the league. In April 2003, the team cut season ticket prices six to eight per cent to combat falling attendance. Seats were $29 US a game at the 100 level, and $10 a game at the 300 level.
Also, the Sabres will introduce packages pegging seat prices to lure of opponent.
Calgary: Flames president Ken King says the club isn't expecting to reduce prices.
Carolina: Season-ticket holders, who got a reduction of 20 per cent if they paid in full by last April, are getting another 10 per cent reduction. A further decrease of 15 per cent will be applied for 2006-2007 renewals, and another 20 per cent will be lopped off for 2007-2008 renewals.
"Returning season-ticket holders will see significant reductions in price as a result of their loyalty to the team," said a club statement.
General game-day prices in specific seating areas will be lowered but "with some of the lowest gate prices in the NHL already, there probably will not be across-the-board reductions in general gate prices," said a club spokesman.
Chicago: The Blackhawks were 28th out of 30 teams in average ticket price in 2003-04, their average ticket price 22.8 per cent lower than the average NHL ticket price.
"I know we will give our season ticket holders a 10 per cent discount and we are talking about doing some other things as well but have not yet decided. We will still be offering a student discount which will allow students showing their ID's to be able to purchase a ticket for as little as $8. There are not too many professional sporting events where you can get a ticket for $8," said a club spokesman.
Colorado "We're waiting to see what the exact terms of the CBA are before we make a decision on that. But we will definitely do what's fair for our fans." - club spokesman.
Columbus: The Blue Jackets confirm that they will be reducing prices. Details will be announced once a new CBA is in place.
Dallas: Price reductions confirmed. No details as yet.
Detroit: To be determined once new CBA in place.
Edmonton: The Oilers decline comment "until we have been presented with a new CBA which will then allow us to determine the business environment (costs versus revenues) in which we will operate." - club spokesman.
Florida: The Panthers lowered season seat prices in six of 10 pricing categories prior to what would have been a 2004-2005 season. In addition, a limited number of upper level seats previously priced at $430 will be reduced to $365 ($8.50 US a game).
"We have not raised ticket prices in several years. We have also increased the value of privileges such as exclusive meet and greets with the team, autograph sessions, concert purchasing priority, etc. The Panthers season ticket prices are in the bottom half of the league." - club spokesman.
Los Angeles: "We've decided what we're going to do but we're not going to announce it until after (the lockout ends)." - club spokesman.
Minnesota: "We will not be announcing ticket prices until a new CBA is reached." - team spokesman.
Montreal: To be determined.
Nashville: "The Predators are not going to make a final decision on 2005-2006 ticket prices until after the new CBA is introduced." - team spokesman.
New Jersey: To be determined.
New York Islanders: No mention of any cuts in invoices recently mailed to subscribers. Team failed to respond to CP survey.
New York Rangers: Across-the-board reduction of 10 per cent from 2003-2004 prices.
Ottawa: The Senators froze ticket prices for two years in a row before the lockout and are providing a rebate of five per cent for the 2005-2006 season. Ticket holders who left the whole amount of their 2004-05 monies on account will receive 7.5 per cent interest on their money.
"As well, the Senators will also be announcing additional initiatives for fans, but that information will only be released at a news conference post-NHL/NHLPA CBA announcement." - team spokesman.
Philadelphia: "Our ticket prices depend on the CBA resolution so they are still to be determined." - club spokesman.
Phoenix: No across-the-board reductions are planned but season-ticket holders who renew can get free tickets: renew two tickets and get an additional two tickets free for the entire season.
"It's a very aggressive and generous offer," said a club spokesman.
Pittsburgh: The Penguins announced late in the 2003-2004 season that they would be cutting prices of every seat and every season-ticket plan. Details will be released prior to the start of a new season.
St. Louis: As announced June 11, Club season tickets drop to $79 US a game from $83, and Plaza seats fall to $72 from $77. Less expensive seats, such as Plaza End and Mezzanine High End, are unchanged.
This will be the fourth consecutive year the Blues have frozen or lowered ticket prices.
San Jose: An average reduction of 10 per cent throughout the arena will be applied.
Last increase was 2002. Interest rate of seven per cent being paid subscribers who have paid-up accounts.
Tampa Bay: "Our situation is still undecided and we likely will not announce anything until after a (CBA) is reached." - club spokesman.
Toronto: "The Leafs do not know what the price structure is going to be yet." - club spokesman.
Vancouver: "Until the agreement is finalized and we have the opportunity to completely understand how the CBA impacts our team as a whole, we will not be making a final decision on ticket prices. In addition, our season-ticket holders will receive a two-year prices freeze, and the overall feedback from our clients has been that our current pricing is fair. But we will review this again in the near future." - club spokesman.
Washington: Capitals reduced prices by an average of 11 per cent in April 2004 and will continue with that discount for 2005-06. Individual game prices for 2005-2006 yet to be set.
Thoughts? Too much? Not enough?
(CP) -The NHL lockout is finally close to ending and clubs will need to lure back fans. Here's a look at what all 30 teams plan to do in terms of ticket prices:
Anaheim: Season ticket prices have been rolled back an average of 5.28 per cent.
The biggest cuts are on about 1,500 seats that drop to $9.50 US from $25 a game. Prices have been frozen through 2006-2007. Subscribers will get free parking, food and non-alcoholic beverages for the first three home games. A new 2-for-1 scheme allows a family of four to buy four seats (buy two, get two) for a total of $47 a game.
"We believe our new pricing structure combined with our price rollback will keep NHL hockey affordable in southern California," said Bob Wagner, senior vice-president and chief marketing officer.
Atlanta: No change.
The Thrashers did not raise ticket prices at any time during their first four years, and many price categories were lowered. Price increases were introduced prior to what would have been the start of the 2004-2005 season and "our plan is to carry those same prices over to the new season once the CBA gets resolved," said a club spokesman.
Boston: "Boston has committed to at least maintaining the 2003-2004 price levels, but a decision on decreasing any prices for next season has not yet been made." - club spokesman.
Buffalo: The Sabres have yet to release details of 2005-2006 prices but they're already the lowest in the league. In April 2003, the team cut season ticket prices six to eight per cent to combat falling attendance. Seats were $29 US a game at the 100 level, and $10 a game at the 300 level.
Also, the Sabres will introduce packages pegging seat prices to lure of opponent.
Calgary: Flames president Ken King says the club isn't expecting to reduce prices.
Carolina: Season-ticket holders, who got a reduction of 20 per cent if they paid in full by last April, are getting another 10 per cent reduction. A further decrease of 15 per cent will be applied for 2006-2007 renewals, and another 20 per cent will be lopped off for 2007-2008 renewals.
"Returning season-ticket holders will see significant reductions in price as a result of their loyalty to the team," said a club statement.
General game-day prices in specific seating areas will be lowered but "with some of the lowest gate prices in the NHL already, there probably will not be across-the-board reductions in general gate prices," said a club spokesman.
Chicago: The Blackhawks were 28th out of 30 teams in average ticket price in 2003-04, their average ticket price 22.8 per cent lower than the average NHL ticket price.
"I know we will give our season ticket holders a 10 per cent discount and we are talking about doing some other things as well but have not yet decided. We will still be offering a student discount which will allow students showing their ID's to be able to purchase a ticket for as little as $8. There are not too many professional sporting events where you can get a ticket for $8," said a club spokesman.
Colorado "We're waiting to see what the exact terms of the CBA are before we make a decision on that. But we will definitely do what's fair for our fans." - club spokesman.
Columbus: The Blue Jackets confirm that they will be reducing prices. Details will be announced once a new CBA is in place.
Dallas: Price reductions confirmed. No details as yet.
Detroit: To be determined once new CBA in place.
Edmonton: The Oilers decline comment "until we have been presented with a new CBA which will then allow us to determine the business environment (costs versus revenues) in which we will operate." - club spokesman.
Florida: The Panthers lowered season seat prices in six of 10 pricing categories prior to what would have been a 2004-2005 season. In addition, a limited number of upper level seats previously priced at $430 will be reduced to $365 ($8.50 US a game).
"We have not raised ticket prices in several years. We have also increased the value of privileges such as exclusive meet and greets with the team, autograph sessions, concert purchasing priority, etc. The Panthers season ticket prices are in the bottom half of the league." - club spokesman.
Los Angeles: "We've decided what we're going to do but we're not going to announce it until after (the lockout ends)." - club spokesman.
Minnesota: "We will not be announcing ticket prices until a new CBA is reached." - team spokesman.
Montreal: To be determined.
Nashville: "The Predators are not going to make a final decision on 2005-2006 ticket prices until after the new CBA is introduced." - team spokesman.
New Jersey: To be determined.
New York Islanders: No mention of any cuts in invoices recently mailed to subscribers. Team failed to respond to CP survey.
New York Rangers: Across-the-board reduction of 10 per cent from 2003-2004 prices.
Ottawa: The Senators froze ticket prices for two years in a row before the lockout and are providing a rebate of five per cent for the 2005-2006 season. Ticket holders who left the whole amount of their 2004-05 monies on account will receive 7.5 per cent interest on their money.
"As well, the Senators will also be announcing additional initiatives for fans, but that information will only be released at a news conference post-NHL/NHLPA CBA announcement." - team spokesman.
Philadelphia: "Our ticket prices depend on the CBA resolution so they are still to be determined." - club spokesman.
Phoenix: No across-the-board reductions are planned but season-ticket holders who renew can get free tickets: renew two tickets and get an additional two tickets free for the entire season.
"It's a very aggressive and generous offer," said a club spokesman.
Pittsburgh: The Penguins announced late in the 2003-2004 season that they would be cutting prices of every seat and every season-ticket plan. Details will be released prior to the start of a new season.
St. Louis: As announced June 11, Club season tickets drop to $79 US a game from $83, and Plaza seats fall to $72 from $77. Less expensive seats, such as Plaza End and Mezzanine High End, are unchanged.
This will be the fourth consecutive year the Blues have frozen or lowered ticket prices.
San Jose: An average reduction of 10 per cent throughout the arena will be applied.
Last increase was 2002. Interest rate of seven per cent being paid subscribers who have paid-up accounts.
Tampa Bay: "Our situation is still undecided and we likely will not announce anything until after a (CBA) is reached." - club spokesman.
Toronto: "The Leafs do not know what the price structure is going to be yet." - club spokesman.
Vancouver: "Until the agreement is finalized and we have the opportunity to completely understand how the CBA impacts our team as a whole, we will not be making a final decision on ticket prices. In addition, our season-ticket holders will receive a two-year prices freeze, and the overall feedback from our clients has been that our current pricing is fair. But we will review this again in the near future." - club spokesman.
Washington: Capitals reduced prices by an average of 11 per cent in April 2004 and will continue with that discount for 2005-06. Individual game prices for 2005-2006 yet to be set.
Thoughts? Too much? Not enough?