Question for Season Ticketholders

[xsniper11x]

Wanted to bounce something off of the other ticket package subscribers here.

This is the 3rd year I’ve owned ST and was curious if anyone else is finding it to be increasingly difficult to sell tickets when needed? I’m not sure if it’s my section specifically (102), the NY economy, price increases, the long string of home stands or other factors, but I’ve had to move a significant number of quality games well under face value this year, which was very rare in my first 2 seasons. I understand having to practically give away games against Predators and Coyotes, but when it’s tough finding face value (at the discounted STH price no less) for Isles, Pens and Flyers, something is wrong.

Since it’s only my 3rd year, I was hoping to get more experienced STH’s take on the situation. Obviously, the teams had their struggles this year, but they are far from bottom feeders and have historically driven demand, despite poor play.

Any thoughts/observations?

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[useref15]

I don't have season tickets, but it does seem as if a lot of people are losing money on tickets, just going by the ticket thread. In your case, you're in the 100's level behind the net, so it's always going to be more difficult to make a profit or even get face for your seats. People don't want to spend $118 or whatever the cost is for those seats. It also doesn't help that because of the new alignment, there are games against Western conference teams that nobody cares about. There are also just too many games too close together, since we opened up with 9 on the road.

Like you said, the teams performance in the beginning of the season also doesn't help. I've been pretty surprised to see tickets vs marquee opponents still going for face and under as well. I think people just don't go to as much games as they used to, as people are tired of getting nickled and dimed for everything. Whether it be getting to the arena, food, parking, beer, and etc. I've seen a lot of people say they'd just rather watch it on tv then drop $200+ on a game.

If I were you, I'd try to downgrade your tickets next year, and get seats somewhere in the 200s. It wil be difficult because many people try to do that, but it's worth a shot.

 

[Blueshirt13]

What row are you in? I'm also in 102, row 8 on the aisle (15-16 seats).

This year definitely has felt a bit more difficult, not entirely selling the tickets but getting a price I want for them (hoping breakeven). I think its a combination of there seeming to be tickets released on ticketmaster ahead of each game as well as the series of price increases that have taken place over the past few years.

 

[xsniper11x]

I'm in row 19, dead center (seats 11-12). How long have you had your tix, Blue?

Obviously, directly behind the net isn't an ideal spot, but it is still a great position to watch a game. Also, I find it difficult to say that its just cause of my section, given I rarely had any issues the last 2 years.

Either way, I just wanted to see if some longer STH's noticed a difference compared to prior years, cause given my limited experience, I'd say theres been a material dip in interest.

 

[Giacomin]

There might be a slight difference but not much. 2 years ago the Rangers were first in the conference most of the year and the ticket prices were much cheaper. Last year they only played conference opponents and only 24 games so the demand was a little higher. If the Rangers go on a roll and have a deep playoff run the demand for tickets will be strong.

 

[NCRanger]

Just looking at face value, the ticket prices are too high to begin with.

If the prices were lowered about 20% across the board, you'd probably see an uptick in demand.

 

[ChOyBoY]

Wanted to bounce something off of the other ticket package subscribers here.

This is the 3rd year I’ve owned ST and was curious if anyone else is finding it to be increasingly difficult to sell tickets when needed? I’m not sure if it’s my section specifically (102), the NY economy, price increases, the long string of home stands or other factors, but I’ve had to move a significant number of quality games well under face value this year, which was very rare in my first 2 seasons. I understand having to practically give away games against Predators and Coyotes, but when it’s tough finding face value (at the discounted STH price no less) for Isles, Pens and Flyers, something is wrong.

Since it’s only my 3rd year, I was hoping to get more experienced STH’s take on the situation. Obviously, the teams had their struggles this year, but they are far from bottom feeders and have historically driven demand, despite poor play.

Any thoughts/observations?

from what i've seen every year, i feel like the only way to make money at the end of the year on all of your tickets while attending a few premium games, is to have tickets in the 200's. I have tix in 217 and this year I definitely agree, a lot of tix I've had trouble moving for face or above on certain premium games, like tonight's game and then one of the past Penguins home games(that we actually won 5-1).

i think it has to do with the price increase as well as a lot of people just waiting for prices to drop on stubhub as the game gets closer. 2 years ago my seats were $56 and now they're $76, I think I will wind up breaking even this year or making a little bit while attending a handful of games. I don't think much total profit can be made in the lower sections, someone correct me if i'm wrong, on just the regular season tickets with these new prices.

 

[broadwayblue]

Face on many tickets (particularly lower bowl and 1st row uppers) is already pushing full market value. Sure, you can make a few extra bucks for opening night, big rivalry and or holiday games, etc...but for the rest it's not a money making proposition.

 

[tailgunner]

I have had season tix on and off since 1998....I finally gave them up this year, the prices have gone up way too much and the economy has forced people to rethink about spending full face value for the tix. the smart thing people do is hang around stubhub until the final few hours and pick up cheap tix from desperate STH and it's only get worse

 

[xsniper11x]

Face on many tickets (particularly lower bowl and 1st row uppers) is already pushing full market value. Sure, you can make a few extra bucks for opening night, big rivalry and or holiday games, etc...but for the rest it's not a money making proposition.

I'd agree. My seats saw a 14% increase last year, but demand still seemed very strong (not surprising given the lockout). This year's increase was more in-line with inflation (~3.5%) and the drop in demand has been considerable. It's also not much of a win-win for anybody using StubHub, given that their vig is 25%!

As a long time Ranger fan, I don't care about profit. I primarily want the tix for the option on playoff tickets (where secondary market prices are extraordinary). However, having to eat 10-20% on almost every game isn't sustainable either. It'll be interesting to see where Dolan goes from here on prices.

Also, funny side note. The ushers are now stopping to check your ticket stubs EVERY time you walk back to your seat. I asked them when that started and the usher said "a few days ago, when Mr. Dolan found somebody sitting in his seats." Haha. Just FYI.

 

[Megustaelhockey]

For what it is worth, I and the people I would consider selling to care about games against the West or are from those markets. I'm in 109 and have been able to sell a couple at face or above. All others, we have attended.

 

[lhg39]

From my perspective as a buyer, they have way overpriced the entire lower bowl. I am not looking to spend more than $75 max to attend a regular season game and I prefert the blues for $50 if I can bet them as that is the best value proposition for me. At $100 plus a ticket I will just stay home and watch on TV, especially for a January or February weeknight game.

 

[superyan]

From my perspective as a buyer, they have way overpriced the entire lower bowl. I am not looking to spend more than $75 max to attend a regular season game and I prefert the blues for $50 if I can bet them as that is the best value proposition for me. At $100 plus a ticket I will just stay home and watch on TV, especially for a January or February weeknight game.

I made it a point to walk around MSG and check out views from different sections. The new 'blue' seats suck and are beyond terrible unless you are in the front row. I think they were really hoping that the name was going to sell the seats. I think the best value seats at MSG is the West Balcony.

I kept my seats and I probably go to about half the games. I sell the most of them for a profit and it has subsidized my season quite nicely.

 

[xsniper11x]

I made it a point to walk around MSG and check out views from different sections. The new 'blue' seats suck and are beyond terrible unless you are in the front row. I think they were really hoping that the name was going to sell the seats. I think the best value seats at MSG is the West Balcony.

I kept my seats and I probably go to about half the games. I sell the most of them for a profit and it has subsidized my season quite nicely.

Interesting. Where are your seats, Ryan?

 

[superyan]

Interesting. Where are your seats, Ryan?

I have two pairs in 223. The goal is to get four together, but right now they are only 2 rows apart.

 

[bobbop]

Wanted to bounce something off of the other ticket package subscribers here.

This is the 3rd year I’ve owned ST and was curious if anyone else is finding it to be increasingly difficult to sell tickets when needed? I’m not sure if it’s my section specifically (102), the NY economy, price increases, the long string of home stands or other factors, but I’ve had to move a significant number of quality games well under face value this year, which was very rare in my first 2 seasons. I understand having to practically give away games against Predators and Coyotes, but when it’s tough finding face value (at the discounted STH price no less) for Isles, Pens and Flyers, something is wrong.

Since it’s only my 3rd year, I was hoping to get more experienced STH’s take on the situation. Obviously, the teams had their struggles this year, but they are far from bottom feeders and have historically driven demand, despite poor play.

Any thoughts/observations?

Short answer; yes.

Part of the issue has been that I've been very busy and not as dilient as in the past about getting everything sold but it's given me pause whether I am going to make that investment again next year. Unless the Rangers make the playoffs, this will be the first year I haven't broken even (in 21 years)

 

[Oak]

Rangers playing like crap earlier in the season.
Ticket price increase.
Food and beverage price increases.
Economy is not as good.
Garden atmosphere not what it used to be.

I had season tickets for years and gave them up last season because I got tired of the constant price increase, and the overall change in atmosphere at the garden. I went to one game this season for free thanks to a family friend, but I don't plan on going again unless the seats are cheap. I just don't enjoy it like I used to. I rather stay at home and watch on tv.

 

[broadwayblue]

I'd agree. My seats saw a 14% increase last year, but demand still seemed very strong (not surprising given the lockout). This year's increase was more in-line with inflation (~3.5%) and the drop in demand has been considerable. It's also not much of a win-win for anybody using StubHub, given that their vig is 25%!

As a long time Ranger fan, I don't care about profit. I primarily want the tix for the option on playoff tickets (where secondary market prices are extraordinary). However, having to eat 10-20% on almost every game isn't sustainable either. It'll be interesting to see where Dolan goes from here on prices.

Also, funny side note. The ushers are now stopping to check your ticket stubs EVERY time you walk back to your seat. I asked them when that started and the usher said "a few days ago, when Mr. Dolan found somebody sitting in his seats." Haha. Just FYI.

Yeah, it's been a lot tougher moving seats this season, and mine are among the best value in MSG imo. That said, as of now I'm on pace to basically break even on the regular season and that includes attending a few games. Last year, even though the price was only a few dollars less per seat, I was able to do quite a bit better. It's clear to me that demand is down this season.

 

[ltrangerfan]

Yes, sales have been more difficult this year than prior years. The reasons have been outlined earlier so there is little that I can add.

With the sharp increase in prices over the past few years the profits from reselling tix is available to fewer subscribers than ever before. Most value seats are in the hands of longer term subscribers. MSG constantly is monitoring the resale prices attempting to value each seat. They are quickly removing any profit from resales. Clearly a Stanley cup run will bring more demand and sharply higher tix prices but.... we're not quite there.

Next year prices for subscribers will rise by at least 7% (factor in 3 exhibition games) no matter what MSG does to pricing. . "Profit margins" are disappearing rapidly on resales. Fewer fans will be able to break even on their tix next year. Now just Imagine what tix prices will sell for if the teams fortunes take a dive? Thus I say, "blow up the team" and let's watch attendance levels.

 

[broadwayblue]

Eventually more subscribers will have to "share" their subs with others. MSG was actually toying with this not too long ago...I remember completing a questionnaire about it. They could break one subscription into 2 or more...and you could either directly assign or "draft" dates to split games/tickets up. Then each mini-subscriber would have access to their own games through the account manager. As prices continue to rise that's definitely something they will pursue further.

 

[Rangers110]

Based upon the current difficulty selling tickets for face value, the question is does it make sense to have season tickets just for the playoffs.
The money I could save by buying tickets this way would help offset the price I would have to pay for playoff tickets on the resale market if I didn't have season tickets.

I have had season tickets for 33 years and this is the 1st time I am seriously considering giving up my tickets next year. Especially because next year we will have to buy 3 preseason games and that will effectively add 7% to the actual cost of each regular season ticket.

 

[broadwayblue]

Based upon the current difficulty selling tickets for face value, the question is does it make sense to have season tickets just for the playoffs.
The money I could save by buying tickets this way would help offset the price I would have to pay for playoff tickets on the resale market if I didn't have season tickets.

I have had season tickets for 33 years and this is the 1st time I am seriously considering giving up my tickets next year. Especially because next year we will have to buy 3 preseason games and that will effectively add 7% to the actual cost of each regular season ticket.

7% not to mention the annual 5% increase. I guess the question is how much it would cost to purchase seats to the SCF in the event we ever get back there. A game 7 at MSG would no doubt go for a pretty penny.

 

[GordonGecko]

Face on many tickets (particularly lower bowl and 1st row uppers) is already pushing full market value. Sure, you can make a few extra bucks for opening night, big rivalry and or holiday games, etc...but for the rest it's not a money making proposition.

Season tix are not a good money making proposition at all. My goal is to break even over all, and as soon as I'm sure that can't happen is when I'll be dropping out. So far I've been ok, although I just took a bath on the Islanders outdoor game. It's all about playoff access to me for that elusive Stanley Cup Finals access. That's what it's all about

 

[GordonGecko]

The problems this year with resale are a combination of things:

1) Last year tickets were scarce because of 24 home games. STHs were able to name their price and got overconfident. This year there's 41 games, so plenty to choose from and buyers can be more selective. Sellers kept prices too high and by the time the game came around it was too late and it became a race to the bottom

2) Prices went up AGAIN. Face values are way too high. There's only so much people will spend over an entire season. More games x higher prices = less games people have money to go to

3) Stubhub pricing structure is now "all-in" to the buyers. That means the seller has to take a full 26% fee hit off the listed price. When sellers try to raise prices to compensate, they get undercut by other sellers who know buyers will not pay the higher listed amount. Take home goes down for everyone

4) People were really down on the team at the beginning of the season. New system, learning curve, and a bad start by Hank meant less excitement & demand to pay a premium for tickets.


Now that the team is playing better, prices will be more stable. Also lots of sellers have been knocked down a peg (eating just one game will do that to you) and are more realistic with their prices. That means less glut and a more efficient market.

 

[xsniper11x]

Based upon the current difficulty selling tickets for face value, the question is does it make sense to have season tickets just for the playoffs.
The money I could save by buying tickets this way would help offset the price I would have to pay for playoff tickets on the resale market if I didn't have season tickets.

I have had season tickets for 33 years and this is the 1st time I am seriously considering giving up my tickets next year. Especially because next year we will have to buy 3 preseason games and that will effectively add 7% to the actual cost of each regular season ticket.

That's a good point Ranger, and ultimately the conclusion I'm beginning to reach. I remember my Game 7 tix 2 yrs ago against Ottawa going for $500 each (about 4x face). Given the playoff package for STH costs almost as much as 41 reg season games, it's safe to say a non STH will likely pay significantly more for 4 rounds of PO tix on the secondary market then they'd pay for an entire year of season tix, possible double. At least with the alternative, you can save yourself the stress of having to constantly move tickets. However, one does need to take into account that if more people start doing this, that will start driving secondary prices even higher for PO tix.

Maybe I'm just being naive, but maybe voicing our concerns with our reps about the issues we're seeing could help next year. And if not, it seems like many are just ready to vote w/ their feet and give up their tix.