Rangers Season Tickets Holders

[Nash Money]

I currently live in VA, but am moving back to the tri-state so was looking to go from my current 10 game plan to a full season. We received our upgrade notice yesterday. This year, I paid roughly $115 per ticket for seats in 223. However, in the upgrade, the CHEAPEST, tickets available for full season upgrade are in 208 and show as a per ticket price of $120.

Do the Rangers just completely ripoff people who want to become new STH? It seems insane to me that I would pay a higher per ticket price for a full season than I did for 10 games this year and there's just no way I'm plopping down 11K for last row seats.

I was expecting to see something high up available for 90$ ish. I don't get the discrepancies in regular renewals versus new STH. It seems absurd to price in a more than 60% price gap on new STH holders versus existing.

Could also depend which package you have. I imagine the premium and weekend packages are more per game than the value and weekday packages. So If you are going from the value to a full season, it makes sense the price per game goes up.

 

[Jaromir Jagr]

A few years back they implemented new subscriber pricing. So if an existing subscriber was paying $100 for the same seats, you would be charged ~$105. I can't remember if you would be eligible for the cheaper pricing on your renewal, or if you are always stuck paying the higher rate...perhaps someone else can chime in.

I mean, I could live with 5%. This is a more than 61% difference if the prices mentioned by the poster I quoted were correct.

I really can't understand how I would pay more per seat than I did this year, considering they are worse seats AND I only bought ten games this year.

 

[Jaromir Jagr]

Could also depend which package you have. I imagine the premium and weekend packages are more per game than the value and weekday packages. So If you are going from the value to a full season, it makes sense the price per game goes up.

I had the weekday package, so they were not premium games. They were basically the games no one else wanted.

 

[Nash Money]

I mean, I could live with 5%. This is a more than 61% difference if the prices mentioned by the poster I quoted were correct.

I really can't understand how I would pay more per seat than I did this year, considering they are worse seats AND I only bought ten games this year.

Also just realized-- the person you quoted had row 15 seats, which are right at the price break. Which means there's a substantial jump even at row 14. But you also said something about last row, so unsure exactly what seats you were comparing. I've read that new business pays more than tenured, but not sure how much of a jump it is.

 

[NYRFAN218]

Upper corners before the season if you were a new STH were $99 IIRC. Those same seats were priced at anywhere from $69 to $78 depending on the section for tenured subscribers. So still a pretty substantial jump for new business.

I believe there was a point where they were charging new business the higher price for 1 season before reverting to tenured but the impression I'm under is whatever price you get in at now is the price you're paying plus whatever increases follow for future seasons. I was even told that anyone who bought seasons as a new subscriber before this season would have better pricing than someone who would buy in future seasons if prices went up. So going off that info (numbers may not be accurate, just an example)...

If we take 208 upper which moved from $69 to $74 for tenured, people who got the $99 price point before the season might be getting a newer higher price point (say $105 for arguments sake), while a new subscriber this year might be able to get in at $110 or the $120 price talked about earlier. So yeah, I don't think they really want you getting seasons unless you overpay for it.

 

[Jaromir Jagr]

Also just realized-- the person you quoted had row 15 seats, which are right at the price break. Which means there's a substantial jump even at row 14. But you also said something about last row, so unsure exactly what seats you were comparing. I've read that new business pays more than tenured, but not sure how much of a jump it is.

Ahh thanks. Yea, so I ran some other comparisons with 15 and above to posters quotes, and it looks like rather than a 61% premium it's "only" a roughly 33% premium for new subscribers. Still completely outrageous.

They've also made it nearly impossible to recoup your $ per ticket outside of premium games. Probably better off just buying the random game on stubhub.

 

[NYRFAN218]

I had the weekday package, so they were not premium games. They were basically the games no one else wanted.

That's another factor too. You were getting a lot of the "cheaper" games on their tiered pricing while with the full season you'd be getting all the top and premium games which will jump the average price up.

 

[Jaromir Jagr]

Upper corners before the season if you were a new STH were $99 IIRC. Those same seats were priced at anywhere from $69 to $78 depending on the section for tenured subscribers. So still a pretty substantial jump for new business.

I believe there was a point where they were charging new business the higher price for 1 season before reverting to tenured but the impression I'm under is whatever price you get in at now is the price you're paying plus whatever increases follow for future seasons. I was even told that anyone who bought seasons as a new subscriber before this season would have better pricing than someone who would buy in future seasons if prices went up. So going off that info (numbers may not be accurate, just an example)...

If we take 208 upper which moved from $69 to $74 for tenured, people who got the $99 price point before the season might be getting a newer higher price point (say $105 for arguments sake), while a new subscriber this year might be able to get in at $110 or the $120 price talked about earlier. So yeah, I don't think they really want you getting seasons unless you overpay for it.

That tracks with what I'm seeing. Honestly wish I was born a fan of any other team.

 

[NYRFAN218]

That tracks with what I'm seeing. Honestly wish I was born a fan of any other team.

I don't know if you're able to see inventory or check around to see other options but this premium new subscribers would pay only seemed to apply to the upper bowl at least for this past offseason. I noticed looking around that lower bowl seats were priced in line with tenured pricing, I guess due to the sheer amount of seats they have available downstairs. Might be something for you to look into especially with some lower bowl prices being lowered.

 

[Jaromir Jagr]

I don't know if you're able to see inventory or check around to see other options but this premium new subscribers would pay only seemed to apply to the upper bowl at least for this past offseason. I noticed looking around that lower bowl seats were priced in line with tenured pricing, I guess due to the sheer amount of seats they have available downstairs. Might be something for you to look into especially with some lower bowl prices being lowered.

For lower bowl, cheapest seats per section are....Seats in 101, 102 & 103, with $125 per ticket. 104 is $145. 105 is $170. It's kinda crazy that 208 seats are $120 and 101 is $125.

What's the likelihood of recouping face costs on lower bowl, even in those behind the net seats. Are those views OK or impossible to see the opposing end?

Also, I saw you'd posted about some sketchiness in terms of playoff rights. How are you feeling about that personally? There's no way I'd sign up for seasons if those rights were not 100% locked in.

This upgrade window dies in 3 days, but I'm thinking I'm going to hold off and see if future inventory becomes available and just play it by ear. I don't want to rush into a decision given these options at this point and I'm still leaning towards the idea it'd be better to just purchase them on the secondary.

 

[NYRFAN218]

For lower bowl, cheapest seats per section are....Seats in 101, 102 & 103, with $125 per ticket. 104 is $145. 105 is $170. It's kinda crazy that 208 seats are $120 and 101 is $125.

What's the likelihood of recouping face costs on lower bowl, even in those behind the net seats. Are those views OK or impossible to see the opposing end?

Also, I saw you'd posted about some sketchiness in terms of playoff rights. How are you feeling about that personally? There's no way I'd sign up for seasons if those rights were not 100% locked in.

This upgrade window dies in 3 days, but I'm thinking I'm going to hold off and see if future inventory becomes available and just play it by ear. I don't want to rush into a decision given these options at this point and I'm still leaning towards the idea it'd be better to just purchase them on the secondary.

Those lower bowl prices are in line with tenured pricing posted earlier. The corners went up very slightly while the end zones went down substantially $185 to $165 for lower rows and $145 to $125 for the lower rows.

In terms of getting cost back, I think it really depends on the games you sell like anything else and how hard you try to move them. I think in the past, it's assumed you'd lose money on lower bowl tix it was just a matter of how much. But the gap in cost between the upper bowl and those end zone lower seats has gotten a lot closer over the years (lower 200's center is actually more expensive than those end zone 100's now for everyone which is pretty crazy) and there's always appeal to people to sit lower bowl over upper bowl even if the upper bowl seats may be better for viewing the game.

As for the views itself, I think it's a bit hit or miss and depends on personal preference. Because of the way the lower bowl is angled at MSG, you lose sight of the corners and below the goal line big time on the near end and like any other arena, it can be a bit tough to see the other end of the ice. My feeling is always lower rows are better for seeing the action near you while the higher rows behind the net offer a better view of the entire rink.

As for the playoff thing, I had heard it was just legal stuff and nothing to worry about. Probably for going after brokers and such.

 

[Jaromir Jagr]

Those lower bowl prices are in line with tenured pricing posted earlier. The corners went up very slightly while the end zones went down substantially $185 to $165 for lower rows and $145 to $125 for the lower rows.

In terms of getting cost back, I think it really depends on the games you sell like anything else and how hard you try to move them. I think in the past, it's assumed you'd lose money on lower bowl tix it was just a matter of how much. But the gap in cost between the upper bowl and those end zone lower seats has gotten a lot closer over the years (lower 200's center is actually more expensive than those end zone 100's now for everyone which is pretty crazy) and there's always appeal to people to sit lower bowl over upper bowl even if the upper bowl seats may be better for viewing the game.

As for the views itself, I think it's a bit hit or miss and depends on personal preference. Because of the way the lower bowl is angled at MSG, you lose sight of the corners and below the goal line big time on the near end and like any other arena, it can be a bit tough to see the other end of the ice. My feeling is always lower rows are better for seeing the action near you while the higher rows behind the net offer a better view of the entire rink.

As for the playoff thing, I had heard it was just legal stuff and nothing to worry about. Probably for going after brokers and such.

Thanks, this is really super helpful. I wasn't even considering lower ball as being more cost effective, but it actually appears like it would be. I am pretty much only interested in going to weekday games and don't care about anything premium so would be selling anything that gets a higher return. I think the lower bowl probably offers a better ROI in terms of at least trying to break even on the per game face.

The other option I"m looking at are the bridge end barstools which go for $105 per ticket. Any insight into how these do in terms of resale value? $105 seems steep for a barstool, but from what I understand bridge seats are kinda premium.

If I don't upgrade within this window, I assume there will probably be inventory throughout the summer and this isn't just a one time chance to lock in this price, right?

 

[BroadwayBlue99]

A few years back they implemented new subscriber pricing. So if an existing subscriber was paying $100 for the same seats, you would be charged ~$105. I can't remember if you would be eligible for the cheaper pricing on your renewal, or if you are always stuck paying the higher rate...perhaps someone else can chime in.

From my experience you stick with the higher price.

I have 2 pairs of tickets at different price points because of buying them at different times.

 

[Jaromir Jagr]

Also, do you have to pay the entire amount up front, or do they still allow the option of tiered payments?

 

[BroadwayBlue99]

Also, do you have to pay the entire amount up front, or do they still allow the option of tiered payments?

They offer a monthly payment plan of 10 interest free payments. (April to January)

 

[NYRFAN218]

Thanks, this is really super helpful. I wasn't even considering lower ball as being more cost effective, but it actually appears like it would be. I am pretty much only interested in going to weekday games and don't care about anything premium so would be selling anything that gets a higher return. I think the lower bowl probably offers a better ROI in terms of at least trying to break even on the per game face.

The other option I"m looking at are the bridge end barstools which go for $105 per ticket. Any insight into how these do in terms of resale value? $105 seems steep for a barstool, but from what I understand bridge seats are kinda premium.

If I don't upgrade within this window, I assume there will probably be inventory throughout the summer and this isn't just a one time chance to lock in this price, right?

Not sure on the bridge, probably better for others with bridge seats here to chime in. And there will be inventory over the summer but as for price, that's probably a question for your rep. I feel like things change quickly, quietly, and on the fly with them.

 

[17futurecap]

If the Rangers email about the Jeff Staple collection one more time I think I have to shut off email notifications.

 

[sbjnyc]

That tracks with what I'm seeing. Honestly wish I was born a fan of any other team.

At least you're not an Islanders fan.

The other option I"m looking at are the bridge end barstools which go for $105 per ticket. Any insight into how these do in terms of resale value? $105 seems steep for a barstool, but from what I understand bridge seats are kinda premium.

I have center court bridge row 1 for the Knicks and they sell pretty well but they are priced much better than the same seats for the rangers (105 per last season). I like the bridge seats for the rangers to and would really liked the barstools but I don't know their resale value especially at the current price point.

 

[Jaromir Jagr]

At least you're not an Islanders fan.

I have center court bridge row 1 for the Knicks and they sell pretty well but they are priced much better than the same seats for the rangers (105 per last season). I like the bridge seats for the rangers to and would really liked the barstools but I don't know their resale value especially at the current price point.

They have a set of barstools on the bridge, but they're on one of the ends in 321. Cost per seat is $105. I'm worried they'll be a hard sell since they are barstools & on the end bridge which seem to be less transparent on resale sites like Stubhub. I'm leaning towards going with a pair in section 120 that costs $145 per ticket. I feel like the ROI will be much better on lower bowl off center tickets and the risk is probably lower in terms of getting back what I paid per game.

Appreciate any thoughts y'all might have on this theory before I pull the trigger.

 

[Cygnus 2112]

Barstools are the only way to go IMO. We have them in 223 just about at center ice and the fact that I have a ledge for my food and drink and phone combined with not having to have people get in my way if they want to get up (or the fact that I can get up and leave whenever I want) is worth it all day and twice on Sunday. Most people who use my tickets that I personally know come back and ask to go again simply because of the seats.

 

[WhereO Is Kakko]

If the Rangers email about the Jeff Staple collection one more time I think I have to shut off email notifications.

I’ve been lurking here for a few weeks but had to register once I saw this post. I’m ready to put a pencil in my eye if I see another “Staple” email. It’s obvious this isn’t selling worth a turd and Dolan should personally escort the accountable marketing employee to the unemployment line.

 

[sbjnyc]

They have a set of barstools on the bridge, but they're on one of the ends in 321. Cost per seat is $105. I'm worried they'll be a hard sell since they are barstools & on the end bridge which seem to be less transparent on resale sites like Stubhub. I'm leaning towards going with a pair in section 120 that costs $145 per ticket. I feel like the ROI will be much better on lower bowl off center tickets and the risk is probably lower in terms of getting back what I paid per game.

Appreciate any thoughts y'all might have on this theory before I pull the trigger.

Barstools are the only way to go IMO. We have them in 223 just about at center ice and the fact that I have a ledge for my food and drink and phone combined with not having to have people get in my way if they want to get up (or the fact that I can get up and leave whenever I want) is worth it all day and twice on Sunday. Most people who use my tickets that I personally know come back and ask to go again simply because of the seats.

This is just my opinion but I would think the lowers would sell better than the bridge at the same price. I recently sat in lowers behind the net and bridge barstools top of the face off circle and preferred the bridge barstools by far but I can't imagine them selling better than any lowers for the same price. I sat in the row 225 upper barstools and didn't like them at all but they seem to sell pretty well.

I will probably stick with the seats I have now (lower row uppers on the face off circle) unless I go from 4 to 2 seats in which case I may upgrade to lowers. I rarely use 4 seats to a game anymore but the vast majority of games I sell are for all 4 seats so I wonder if switching to 2 seats would make them harder to sell.

 

[NYRFAN218]

This is just my opinion but I would think the lowers would sell better than the bridge at the same price. I recently sat in lowers behind the net and bridge barstools top of the face off circle and preferred the bridge barstools by far but I can't imagine them selling better than any lowers for the same price. I sat in the row 225 upper barstools and didn't like them at all but they seem to sell pretty well.

I will probably stick with the seats I have now (lower row uppers on the face off circle) unless I go from 4 to 2 seats in which case I may upgrade to lowers. I rarely use 4 seats to a game anymore but the vast majority of games I sell are for all 4 seats so I wonder if switching to 2 seats would make them harder to sell.

I think anything more than 2 seats sells for somewhat of a premium since it’s always tough to get more than 2 together. I’ve found in general that 3 even sells more than 4 since not many people have a set of 3.

 

[Jaromir Jagr]

This is just my opinion but I would think the lowers would sell better than the bridge at the same price. I recently sat in lowers behind the net and bridge barstools top of the face off circle and preferred the bridge barstools by far but I can't imagine them selling better than any lowers for the same price. I sat in the row 225 upper barstools and didn't like them at all but they seem to sell pretty well.

I will probably stick with the seats I have now (lower row uppers on the face off circle) unless I go from 4 to 2 seats in which case I may upgrade to lowers. I rarely use 4 seats to a game anymore but the vast majority of games I sell are for all 4 seats so I wonder if switching to 2 seats would make them harder to sell.

Appreciate the info, but just wanted to clarify. When you say "same price" are you referring to the prices I quoted? For the bridge barstools, they're listed at $105 per ticket & the lowers behind the net are $125, but rather than being behind the net I"m looking at a pair in 120 for $145.

Just trying to gauge what would be more likely to recoup the face costs. I'm not familiar with how bridge barstools sell and it seems lower bowl tickets, even at places behind the net, sell for quite a premium.

 

[NYRFAN218]

Appreciate the info, but just wanted to clarify. When you say "same price" are you referring to the prices I quoted? For the bridge barstools, they're listed at $105 per ticket & the lowers behind the net are $125, but rather than being behind the net I"m looking at a pair in 120 for $145.

Just trying to gauge what would be more likely to recoup the face costs. I'm not familiar with how bridge barstools sell and it seems lower bowl tickets, even at places behind the net, sell for quite a premium.

I think general rule of thumb is in terms of getting your money back, cheaper the seats are the better you’ll do. That and factoring in how much other people are paying for the same seats. So I think you’d do better on the $125 lowers than the $120 last row uppers or whatever it was considering others are paying for the same seats upstairs for way cheaper and can flex down more without taking the same hit you were.

Given bridge and lower pricing seems to be the same for everyone, I think in your scenario you’d do better against your cost with the $105 seats simply because it’s cheaper.