Process to become a STH?

[Cmf1125]

Thats actually less than I was expecting to pay as a deposit, so good news there.

1 season in the lower bowl is doable, and it looks like I’m going to end up going that route. Are the less expensive lower bowl tickets usually available($114-132), because if I’m going to be stuck in $200 seats that’s going to be a problem. I can stretch the budget to $114, that’s doable, $200 per game times 3 tickets times 41 games is close to $25,000, which is a ton of money to drop on hockey tickets, especially when the resale market is a disaster.

It sounds like it’s usually fairly easy to “upgrade†to the upper level after your first season?

Going to upperbowl from lowerbowl is a "downgrade". And I don't think it's that easy from what I've heard. (I have row 1 gallery seats, and my rep has all but basically promised me that I will end up with nothing if i choose to try to "downgrade" to something cheaper.

 

[goalsequalvictory]

Going to upperbowl from lowerbowl is a "downgrade". And I don't think it's that easy from what I've heard. (I have row 1 gallery seats, and my rep has all but basically promised me that I will end up with nothing if i choose to try to "downgrade" to something cheaper.

Technically it's a downgrade, but from what I've read here it sounds like you can start off downstairs(because that's all you can get), and then move up after your first season or two? If that's not the case, that's not good. Anyone else have trouble moving?

 

[broadwayblue]

What they should do is when you put down a deposit, you identify what sections you're willing to have, and then if they can't meet your request, you get a refund, with the stipulation that prime seats(upper bowl), are going to be difficult to get, and you may end up with nothing at all. If they have the seats that you said you would take, and you don't take them for whatever reason, you loose the deposit, but you don't loose a deposit if they can't give you what you want. That seems fairer then the current system, but at the same time would loose money for MSG, so they'd never do it.

They don't have anything in the upper bowl...or if they do it's generally a single seat or obstructed view. As such they don't want to waste time collecting paperwork and deposits for hundreds of people who are interested in cheap seats. Asking for the deposit weeds out the people looking for seats they could sell in a second on their own. Again, if you can't afford to tie up $500 for season tickets you probably shouldn't be getting season tickets.

 

[goalsequalvictory]

They don't have anything in the upper bowl...or if they do it's generally a single seat or obstructed view. As such they don't want to waste time collecting paperwork and deposits for hundreds of people who are interested in cheap seats. Asking for the deposit weeds out the people looking for seats they could sell in a second on their own. Again, if you can't afford to tie up $500 for season tickets you probably shouldn't be getting season tickets.

When they ask you to put down a deposit, do they make it known that the seats you're going to be ending up with are lower bowl at $114+ per game? If they don't, not making the deposit refundable in that case is not exactly honest, since people might know full well that if they have to spend $5000 for a seat, it's not going to be happening for them. If it's made clear that what you're getting is going to be lower bowl, I have no problem making the deposit nonrefundable, since I know what I'm committing to, but, if they are sucking people in, and then saying that instead of $50 seats it's now $150 seats or they loose the deposit, that's a bit unethical IMHO. It's not the deposit it's self, it's a lack of clarity that makes it confusing to people.

MSG should really put something like the responses in this thread up on their site, explaining how the whole process works with seat selection and the like, probably would keep them from answering the same questions over and over.

 

[broadwayblue]

When they ask you to put down a deposit, do they make it known that the seats you're going to be ending up with are lower bowl at $114+ per game? If they don't, not making the deposit refundable in that case is not exactly honest, since people might know full well that if they have to spend $5000 for a seat, it's not going to be happening for them. If it's made clear that what you're getting is going to be lower bowl, I have no problem making the deposit nonrefundable, since I know what I'm committing to, but, if they are sucking people in, and then saying that instead of $50 seats it's now $150 seats or they loose the deposit, that's a bit unethical IMHO. It's not the deposit it's self, it's a lack of clarity that makes it confusing to people.

MSG should really put something like the responses in this thread up on their site, explaining how the whole process works with seat selection and the like, probably would keep them from answering the same questions over and over.

They aren't making their money off of stealing people's deposits. If you have questions about the procedure you should ask them before you put your money down.

 

[Cmf1125]

Technically it's a downgrade, but from what I've read here it sounds like you can start off downstairs(because that's all you can get), and then move up after your first season or two? If that's not the case, that's not good. Anyone else have trouble moving?

I am going to try this year - will let you know if I am successful. My rep (Nicole) said that because of my tenure (just 1 year) it's going to be basically impossible.

The reality is I just don't think $135/seat for row 1 is at all reasonable (and the resale is pretty bad), given row 2 is only $82. I'm willing to take the risk of being boxed out of season tickets at that price.

I've just heard it is very difficult to downgrade - you have to scratch and claw your way out.

 

[goalsequalvictory]

They aren't making their money off of stealing people's deposits. If you have questions about the procedure you should ask them before you put your money down.

They aren't doing it intentionally, but I would think that some people think that they can just pick any section that they want, and then get upset when they find out what they're getting. I agree that people should ask questions, but sadly, people don't. It's like buying a car or a house, you don't put down a deposit on a house without first doing your due dilligence, and hockey tickets should be no different(especially for the amount of $$$ that you're going to be spending)


Thanks to everyone who responded for your helpful ideas and advice, I'll report back when I find out what seats I end up with, and look forward to another amazing season of NYR hockey!(And this one still has a long way to go(Hopefully!))

 

[lhg39]

They aren't making their money off of stealing people's deposits. If you have questions about the procedure you should ask them before you put your money down.

That is a very nice attitude that you seem to have, but if someone is looking for a plan with tickets for less than $100 a game and they know that there will be none, they should say that point blank. They do not. They tell you that we don't know until July, etc, etc, etc.... If you take a chance then you are potentially out $500 for 2 seats, or you have to end up taking a 10 game plan at $125-150 a seat, which is significant more than you wanted to spend. I just spoke with someone at the game on Saturday, so I know what they tell people. They make it sound like there is a reasonable chance of getting a pair for under $100 a seat for at least a 10-game plan, and that is not necessarily the case. You are basically saying that unless you are rich and have $10000 that you are willing to spend on tickets forget about it. If that is really the case, then the Rangers should say that themselves.

 

[goalsequalvictory]

That is a very nice attitude that you seem to have, but if someone is looking for a plan with tickets for less than $100 a game and they know that there will be none, they should say that point blank. They do not. They tell you that we don't know until July, etc, etc, etc.... If you take a chance then you are potentially out $500 for 2 seats, or you have to end up taking a 10 game plan at $125-150 a seat, which is significant more than you wanted to spend. I just spoke with someone at the game on Saturday, so I know what they tell people. They make it sound like there is a reasonable chance of getting a pair for under $100 a seat for at least a 10-game plan, and that is not necessarily the case. You are basically saying that unless you are rich and have $10000 that you are willing to spend on tickets forget about it. If that is really the case, then the Rangers should say that themselves.

Couldn't have said it better myself...

I'm sure one in a hundred gets lucky and gets cheap seats their first year, but for the vast majority of new subscribers, it's not going to happen, and to promote it as a "reasonable" chance seems like a bit of a stretch.

 

[broadwayblue]

That is a very nice attitude that you seem to have, but if someone is looking for a plan with tickets for less than $100 a game and they know that there will be none, they should say that point blank. They do not. They tell you that we don't know until July, etc, etc, etc.... If you take a chance then you are potentially out $500 for 2 seats, or you have to end up taking a 10 game plan at $125-150 a seat, which is significant more than you wanted to spend. I just spoke with someone at the game on Saturday, so I know what they tell people. They make it sound like there is a reasonable chance of getting a pair for under $100 a seat for at least a 10-game plan, and that is not necessarily the case. You are basically saying that unless you are rich and have $10000 that you are willing to spend on tickets forget about it. If that is really the case, then the Rangers should say that themselves.

Caveat emptor

 

[Blueshirt67]

Why is everyone talking about fair and ethical? This is the Rangers, the absolute worst organization I've ever done business with. If you're expecting fair and ethical, stay away. They have a monopoly and they know it. I got in 4 years ago behind the goal in the old 200's and was able to move up to 328 in year 2. In year 3 I was promised better seats at the same price because of the construction, I renewed and they backed out of their offer and I was stuck in the only unobstructed seats in my section. When I complained they told me I could cancel my subscription after they had held my money for 4 months. I have never gotten a refund from them without asking for it, usually more than once.
There isn't much that is more insulting than the coupons they give you, $6000 for my tix and if I buy 2 over-priced hot dogs and a soda, I can get another soda for $1. Why waste the ink and paper? Or how about 6000 for tix AND you have to pay $25.00 to get them mailed to you. If you're looking for fair and ethical, spend the money on a nice TV and stay home. If you're ready to get screwed over like the rest of us, take the plunge.

 

[Giacomin]

Maybe I got lucky. My brother had ST,s for about 10 years and actually started in the 400,s but moved down to the 300,s(almost unheard of now) but I was offered 2 seats in the 300,s or 4 in the 200,s in 2008 and I jumped on the 4. Both sets were behind the visitors net but I got ST,s and was thrilled. After the first year I downgraded to the 300,s and moved more to the center. I was able to move closer to center ice each year. I have been happy with my tickets after the first year. I am not happy about losing the little perks each year that I got the first couple of years but not paying for preseason tickets has helped
Just my experience and lets kick the Capitals Ass!

 

[goalsequalvictory]

Why is everyone talking about fair and ethical? This is the Rangers, the absolute worst organization I've ever done business with. If you're expecting fair and ethical, stay away. They have a monopoly and they know it. I got in 4 years ago behind the goal in the old 200's and was able to move up to 328 in year 2. In year 3 I was promised better seats at the same price because of the construction, I renewed and they backed out of their offer and I was stuck in the only unobstructed seats in my section. When I complained they told me I could cancel my subscription after they had held my money for 4 months. I have never gotten a refund from them without asking for it, usually more than once.
There isn't much that is more insulting than the coupons they give you, $6000 for my tix and if I buy 2 over-priced hot dogs and a soda, I can get another soda for $1. Why waste the ink and paper? Or how about 6000 for tix AND you have to pay $25.00 to get them mailed to you. If you're looking for fair and ethical, spend the money on a nice TV and stay home. If you're ready to get screwed over like the rest of us, take the plunge.

I mean I'm not asking for them to be mother theresa, but to not make it known to people what they're realistically going to be getting when they put down that deposit is slimy in my book. Dosen't mean I'm not going to take the plunge(because I know what I'm getting myself into), but I pity the ones who think they can get $50 per game tickets, are told that they have a "reasonable chance" by their rep, and then get stuck with either $150 per game or having to loose their deposit because they can't afford that.

I was told on the phone today that I had a good chance to get 3 together in the upper bowl, which from reading this thread I find hard to believe. Either their selling me a line of BS to get me to part with my $$$(probably), or renewals are way down from last year, which I find hard to believe.

 

[Giacomin]

I mean I'm not asking for them to be mother theresa, but to not make it known to people what they're realistically going to be getting when they put down that deposit is slimy in my book. Dosen't mean I'm not going to take the plunge(because I know what I'm getting myself into), but I pity the ones who think they can get $50 per game tickets, are told that they have a "reasonable chance" by their rep, and then get stuck with either $150 per game or having to loose their deposit because they can't afford that.

I was told on the phone today that I had a good chance to get 3 together in the upper bowl, which from reading this thread I find hard to believe. Either their selling me a line of BS to get me to part with my $$$(probably), or renewals are way down from last year, which I find hard to believe.

A co-worker of mine requested 3 together in the old 300,s 3 seasons ago and to my surprise got them. He has requested 2 more seats since then and has been able to get them . That tells me that the upper bowl seats have become more scarce. In the early 90,s there was a waiting list for the lower bowl but it has since been reversed. Hopefully with the economy getting better and Wall st booming the lower bowl will pick up but I think MSG has overpriced many of the lower bowl seats. either way I would try to get my foot in the door and go for the ST,s

 

[NYRKING30]

I mean I'm not asking for them to be mother theresa, but to not make it known to people what they're realistically going to be getting when they put down that deposit is slimy in my book. Dosen't mean I'm not going to take the plunge(because I know what I'm getting myself into), but I pity the ones who think they can get $50 per game tickets, are told that they have a "reasonable chance" by their rep, and then get stuck with either $150 per game or having to loose their deposit because they can't afford that.

I was told on the phone today that I had a good chance to get 3 together in the upper bowl, which from reading this thread I find hard to believe. Either their selling me a line of BS to get me to part with my $$$(probably), or renewals are way down from last year, which I find hard to believe.

Best way to get your foot in the door? Ask for piggy backs upstairs. I had that last year and this year my seats are now together. reselling the piggybacks was 20x easier then I thought it would be.

 

[Socs5199]

I took the plunge this season and became a STH. When I received the call in July, the only section they had available was section 101 row 8. The price was $155 per ticket. While I was looking for a more reasonably priced ticket, I decided it was best to get my foot in the door. The lockout actually helped me as I only had to pay for 24 games instead of 17. I would like to move to a cheaper price point and am willing to stay in the lower bowl. Not sure if this is an option for next year thought.

The bottom line is, if you have the money and if it is something you really want to do, then go for it! You wont be disappointed. I certainly was not.