2010-2011 variable priced tickets

[Guest CaliWingsNut]

Freep

The Wings will charge variable prices -- that means higher prices -- to see 11 premium games, determined by opponent (such as Chicago, the Stanley Cup champion) or date (such as New Year's Eve, against the New York Islanders).

Some other premium games involve Original Six teams, the Penguins and Capitals.

Season-ticket holders and fans with partial season plans do not pay the variable prices, saving 37% off box-office prices.

Thoughts?

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

It seems like most leagues are exploring and/or heading down this route. Baseball has been doing it for a while and I can't imagine the NFL is too far away.

[Wings_Toledo 233]

This doesn't really bother me. I would actually expect to see higher prices for those games. Would I would like to see is an out-of-towner discount for people who travel to Detroit to see the games

[Hank Dats 'N Homer 81]

As much as it sucks because we all want to go to the "good" games but cant afford the increased price, its smart business.

my first reaction was "we all sit at home and watch the Wings games on TV and see tons of empty seats, why wouldnt they be lowering ticket prices to get fans in the door?"

Then i thought about it and this does seem like it will increase profits in more than one way.

1) They probably assume that by putting the 37% off option for season ticket or package owners, that they will attract the people that go to a few games a season to possibly buy season tickets or a package (even im contempating this option and possibly spitting a package with a few friends).

2) The people that complained last year about ticket prices will see the increased prices for the "good" games and think they are being "money smart" and buy tickets for the cheaper games (this fixes the problem of having empty seats last season).

Either way, they are still getting their money. They increase customer loyalty but offering the discount, while also hoping to improve attendance at the not so important games by making the tickets appear cheaper and more affordable (while not really lowering prices in the process)

I dont like the idea, as i miss the days when tickets were affordable for everyone, but at the end of the day its still a business...

[Detroit40oz 21]

this was the case last season aswell. I always get standing room because its easy to get in and out, and you can get just as close as people with 60 dollar seats.

premium games were 35 dollars that I went to (chicago, boston) while the base price for a standing room ticket was 30 dollars (minnesota, columbus)

[Echolalia 2,961]

I didn't realize the recession in Detroit was over already.

[j.hoop 64]

phoenix has been doing this for years, we pay extra every time we drive up to see the wings.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

Phoenix isn't exactly in a position to do that. That's surprising by them.

[Rivalred 630]

phoenix has been doing this for years, we pay extra every time we drive up to see the wings.

Ummm

1. Why in the hell put an NHL team in the middle of wherever (non-hockey market)?

2. Their franchise has been barely treading water for how long now?

[j.hoop 64]

Phoenix isn't exactly in a position to do that. That's surprising by them.

it seems surprising, but when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. it makes up for their other games that dont fill. in 8 or 9 years of going to 2 wings games a year, ive yet to see it not sellout for each one. ive been to other "variable price" teams, vancouver was sold out, capitals was near sellout.

[Third Man In 2,091]

Sucky. I heard this was coming awhile ago and hoped it wouldn't come to pass. This used to be what teams in crappy markets did to Red Wings fans. Now the Red Wings are doing it to us.