TICKET PRICES: $35-$150 (premium: $40-$170)
Bruins 2, Islanders 1 (overtime)
9:35 pm: The headline on the Islanders’ official team site blared, “Single Game Ticket Sales Sizzle,” after regular season tickets went on sale on Wednesday.
Business should be strong out of the gate and crowds should be large for the first three months of the season. Between the start of the season and Jan. 11, the team hosts only five games that do not fall on weekends or a holiday break. One of those games is against the Rangers. For the second half of the NHL schedule, the Islanders’ place in the Eastern Conference standings will dictate if the majority of fans stick around in large numbers.
As mentioned earlier, the Islanders’ decision to increase box office prices has been met with some sticker shock among the fanbase. While Islanders’ tickets are still low compared to what you might see in New York City, Chicago or Canada, prices have been raised considerably over the last few years. Except for the last five rows, the least expensive seat to be purchased over-the-counter is $65.
The die-hards who want to catch live action are advised to negotiate their best deal on a partial plan with the staffers in the Islanders’ sales office at 1.800.882.ISLES.
Here are the regular season ticket prices for the 2010-11 season. Among the games designated as “premium” are the three tilts at the Coliseum against the Rangers.
100s and 200s (bottom half of arena)
Lower Center: $150 ($170 for premium games)
Lower Corner: $105 ($120)
Lower Endzone: $95 ($110)
300s (top half of arena)
Upper Center rows A-E: $85 ($95)
Upper Endzones rows A-E: $80 ($90)
Center Mezzanine rows F-O: $75 ($85)
End Mezzanine rows F-O: $65 ($75)
Last 5 rows: $35 ($40)
*
BOSTON 2 ISLANDERS 1 (OT)
The Islanders played much better Thursday in the second of back-to-back rookie games in Boston. Long Island’s own Tony Romano scored a first period goal. Ryan Spooner scored both goals for the Bruins, including one with 37 seconds left in overtime on a breakaway. The Islanders out-shot Boston 34-33.
Kevin Poulin was outstanding stopping pucks and feisty protecting his crease. Mark Katic was sharp on defense. Nino Niederreiter doesn’t play like a kid who just turned 18.
Travis Hamonic and Lane MacDermid exchanged big rights in front of the Bruins’ bench in the second period. Since it was Hamonic’s second fight of the two-game series, he was kicked out – as per Islanders-Bruins rookie game rules. Casey Cizikas sat out with a groin strain.
The Bruins announced a crowd of over 14,000 tonight after more than 11,000 yesterday. Tickets were just $5. The concession and merchandise stands were open. Think they’ll host a few more rookie games next year?
Dmitry Chesnokov tweeted tonight that Kirill Petrov is on Ak Bars’ four-game road trip. From that, Dmitry reasons that Petrov will “most definitely not be coming to the NHL this year.” Just passing it along.
On Friday, the rookies have a workout scheduled for the morning and then the main roster skates in the afternoon. Training camp begins.
Comments are welcomed. See you Friday.
56 Responses to TICKET PRICES: $35-$150 (premium: $40-$170)
Bruins 2, Islanders 1 (overtime)
-
Justin says:
I was a season ticket holder since 2001 and I decided not to renew this year with the ridiculous increases. I did not get a single call all summer asking for my busines back……Usual Isles front office garbage.
-
Steve M says: I’ll take Hamonic over Gervais in a heartbeat.
-
Mike says:
2 words- Stub Hub
-
znatokhokkeya says:
#2, same story here – nobody called me either. the prices are ridiculous. ” what you pay is what you get” – not the case
-
Ethan K says:
Those are Islanders prices? New York Islanders??? The hockey team?! Talk about overpriced.
I only caught the third period and OT. Nino looked good, Ullstrom looked good. Kabanov was a demon on the puck, and Rakshani has some slick skates. Poulin was extremely good throughout.
As for de Haan, every time I’ve seen him play, I’ve yet to see anything to be really impressed with. Weak flips into the offensive zone, never made outlet passes, just merely threw the puck into neutral ice. Doesn’t play physically at all, constantly allowed players to skate around him. Still thinking that Kulikov would’ve been the better pick, but I guess we have to wait and see.
-
19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
It looks to me that Isles’ brass is looking to shake the last of the loyal die hards from the fan tree.
I think beyond it being unethical to raise prices during a recession … it shows a real lack of class that you do that while not increasing the teams talent by adding significantly to the payroll. I don’t care that Snow tried to land a few big name D-men. He didn’t seal the deal.
The Isles have control of parking and concessions … So what gives? Will July’s prospect scrimmage be the closest to a sellout the Isles get?
-
Bobby BanTon says:
THANK GOD HOCKEYS BACK
-
Merrick says:
CB, for the first time, I think you are really shilling for the Isles. To say your best bet is to negotiate a partial plan is really hard to fathom. While it’s true that less season ticket holders will be around for resale, your best bet remains StubHub, Ticket Exchange, E-Bay and the inevitable Isles efforts to give away tickets.
-
JTizzle91 says:
CB, in your opinion do you think Poulin will be the best of the goalie prospects? I saw him in Victoriaville last year and saw the game tonight and it looks that he is just getting better. Thanks for all the great info!
-
usahockey73 says:
Would will prices be 6 years from now when Isles go from worst team in hockey to middle of the road? Personally, I dont give my $$ to this owner. I go see Isles at MSG, and I wont go to concerts any longer at the colseum.
-
Michael says:
I would understand the increase if they needed the money to pay salaries. We are at the bottom of the cap, yet we must pay like we’re at the top of the cap. It’s going to be hard to take the kids to the games at those prices.
-
Vlad from Brooklyn says:
I guess the only way to help the Team financialy is to increase TV raitings.
The rookie game was a lot of fun. Poulin is outstanding(!) prospect. -
Bryan says:
figren, ullstrom, dibe, poulin all looked solid
-
admin says:
(9) Merrick: I suggested fans still wanting to attend games should “negotiate their best deal.” I’ll bet you a dollar the good negotiators will get some free games out of it. Not shilling for the Islanders; got no skin in the game there. Just giving advice to the die-hards who I know want to find a way to get to some games…CB
-
Petey Pete says:
I’m sorry, I’m a young professional with a steady job, office near the Coliseum, and plenty of time to kill after 6pm. But does the brass seriously expect me to pay $65 to go watch the Isles in the upper mezzanine??
I can’t reasonably justify spending that much on a per-game basis. Why in God’s name should I pay $65 and up to watch the Isles take on the Blue Jackets on a Tuesday night when 7,000 are in the Coliseum that night!
I’m not saying tickets should be dirt cheap, but the Florida Panthers have $23 tickets in a much nicer arena and an (arguably) equivalent team !
I’d love to shell out $20-$35 to go see my Isles after work a 5 or 6 times a month. But to expect me to pay $500 for that “privilege” seems absurd when the seats are more than half-empty!
Am I being unreasonable here? I feel like I’d be a good loyal butt-in-the-seat if only their prices reflected reality.
-
Numbers65 in Ohio says:
That tkt price is unreal. Here in Columbus, OH (I know it ain’t NY), much of the upper bowl is still b/t $17-35 with 100 $10 seats sold at 5pm every game day. This is to sit in a state of the art arena with wide hallways where you can use the bathroom and go to the concession stand and still be back in your seat at the start of the next period. And it is not from lack of attendance, but good design. Attendance is about as mediocre as the Isles, give or take. With 3 kids to feed unless they have some special, I watch CBJ on local Fox Sports, and Isles from NHL Center Ice, spending less than taking my family to 1 or 2 games for a whole season of Center Ice. Oh, yea my snacks are better and at 1/8 the cost. With the 2 pathetic teams I root for I can just turn it off or watch in fast forward when the losing gets unbearable. No feeling obligated to stay at the arena since I spent a fortune on tkts and wasting more money on bottled water for $4.00. They take us for fools.
-
mht says:
Unconscious stupidity to raise ticket prices this much in this economy.
-
Dan says:
I paid $15 10 years ago to sit in those $35 can’t see the scoreboard seats. And in those ten years, not much has changed. still a lousy Arena and lousy team.
-
Uncle Deuce says:
Watched game. Nino is definitely a presence and might turn into something. de Haan is shaky. Never trade up in the first round unless it is a top 5 stud. He better be the next Brian Leetch. Impressed with confident skating Katic and like Ullstrom a lot. I like Hamonic’s toughness, which is needed, but he does cough up the puck a bit.
-
IslanderFAN says:
the season havent started yet and the Gervais bashing already begun…one word for that: Lame
-
Tim F. says:
It’s a shame that Petrov is being held hostage by Ak Bars. They don’t play him and don’t seem to want him, and it seems as though they’re trying to make him miserable to gain even more leverage in any buy-out negotiations. FREE KIRILL PETROV!
-
bloody skull says:
This is so sad. This is the best web-site for Isle fans, thank you CB.
We all know what is going on here. The Director of ticket sales left the organization 2 year ago [name withheld]. I honestly can not believe that the top ring with limited sight views is now $35. There is so much writing on the wall! I am CB’s age so I have seen the team perform at a high level but anyone under the age of 30 has been witness to only an occassional blip on the screen.
Tricko, I know you agree.
-
And, by the way I understand that the team is under financial handcuffs, but aren’t the rookie games all played under the same umbrella?
Drafted, never played NHL game=Isles rookie game should not equal 2 losses. -
Ari says:
Agree obviously that it doesn’t make sense to raise prices just coming out of a recession, if we’re lucky. The Islanders are great with scheduling gimmicks and kid days, etc., so the arena may look somewhat full on weekends and holidays, but with those prices, I have a hard time believing the average fan will pay face value quite frankly, especially when the team didn’t sign a top-tier free agent as usual.
-
StevieL says:
Family of 4, premium game,worst seats in the house $160 dollars. Parking, hot dogs, sodas programs, approx $75. $235 total!! Upper decent seats $380 plus $75, makes for a $455 night! Are you kidding???
“Hey kids we are going to the Islander game”!
Jr. “Great Dad!” “Do we have good seats?
”
Dad. “Actually we have the worst seats in the house with an obstructed view, but they only cost me $40 each!Oh and don’t wear your good pants. God knows what is growing on those seats!”.
Jr. “Are you kidding Dad!”
Hard to be a hero seating in those “affordable” seats !
Why bother? -
pete says:
For all those worried about DeHaan, I’m here to remind you that this kid hasn’t played hockey in 7 months due to a serious shoulder injury. Give him time to shake off the rust. He ain’t making the team this year anyway.
-
@islanderFAN #21: Its not like the bad write-ups about Bruno aren’t warranted or without merit or cause nor is last season so long ago that we forgot about how he actually plays. Granted he may be a nice guy who shows rare flashes of skill on the ice. But in all honesty he is the 8th or 9th or 12th best D-man we have..
Should we let him play all 82games on our NHL club as to not hurt his feelings? And shall us fans that watch all 82 games have selective memory when he turns the puck over in his own zone 30secs into OT costing the game etc etc..? Why cause he’s a nice kid? Heck Andy Hilbert may be a gentleman and hard worker but doesn’t earn him top-line mins
@bloodyskull #23 I agree its totally BS these new prices, esp the last 5 rows at $35 in a 1972-style arena. But don’t worry I intend to scalp, stubhub, or coupon my way to 20games, feel free to join me- it’ll be easy, they’ll be avail, and I’ll never pay more than $40 on a reg night, sometimes $20
What me Worry?
-
Alex says:
@ #25 – when I was younger I didn’t give a damn what seat I sat in. I just wanted to be there. I was too young to care.
But I do agree…the prices are…just….stupid.
-
rochfire says:
@27- Alex. I agree. I remember going to plenty of games growing up on LI for $10 in the last two rows, especially as a HS & college kid w/no money. Now, I take my kids down once or twice a year and go thru Stubhub to sit lower. Home opener is in lower bowl less than face value and am thinking of staying down for Rags game also.
-
Isles81 says:
Put a poor product on the ice for yesrs, then raise the prices in the face of historic unemployment – what a business model!
-
Sean says:
Hate to be a downer but our prospects arent that good. If the Bruins who are a Stanley Cup team this year, have prospects that are better then ours, I see that as an issue!
-
UIF says:
Romano doesn’t have the skill of some of the others, but the kid works when he’s out there. I don’t know if the prospects on both teams played that well, or I just haven’t watched hockey in a while, but those two games were a blast, and I was impressed with players like Nino and Ullstrom…and DiBo who was all over the place last night. Kabanov looked like he settled down in game 2 as well. Poulin’s got some good reflexes…it’ll be interesting to see what he can do at Bridgeport this year.
-
RalphStewart16 says:
CB:
Did the Isles let you know why they raised their prices since their payroll is at the bottom of the league? Common sense dictates that as long as salary is low, so should ticket prices.
I catch them 3 times a year down here in Florida. Tampa and Sunrise have excellent arenas and their prices are about the same if not better than NVMC.
I also fly up for 2-3 games a year for games. Seems to me that this year, when I visit, it’s doubtful that I’ll head over to the old barn. Have to make a stand just out of principle. -
orngfan says:
as far as ticket prices go.. of course the islanders raised the prices! they finished 25th, 30th and 25th in the last 3 seasons in a 30 team league. how could they not!!
in all seriousness though, if its $40 for the worst seats now, imagine how much it might cost to sit last row in a “new” stadium.
however, market always dictates prices and as someone said earlier just go on stubhub. before the games i’m sure that tickets will be 20 dollars for the 300s.
-
MorDraftPicks says:
Craigslist, Ebay -many people who cant get rid of their seats. As always, tickets will be easy to come by. $85 for center 300′s, $8 parking $12.50 big kahuna beer, every game will be over $100. Not me…I have a television (what a concept)
-
Nyslefan says:
So the Islanders expect a family of four to pay $260 to have a bad seat to watch a team that doesn’t have a full roster of NHL-quality talent and is vastly out-gunned in its division and conference?
-
PotvinRocks says:
Well they raised tix prices because of the Kovalhuk, Hamulis, & Martin deals… Oh and I’m sure they will make a run at Parise next July 1.
If you price things right (like the rookie games) people will come. It seems that they would rather continue to struggle with attendance then to sell out the building with lower prices.
Bad news about Petrov. It’s pretty clear that AkBars is just want to punish the Islanders & Petrov for drafting a signed kid. Sucks. He should deflect like Mogilny. Just the opposite of what Radulov did. -
Dan K says:
Anyone have a link to a replay of last night’s game (Rookie Game 2)? I was only of half dozen fans wearing Islanders gear and the one they put up on the jumbotron and went back and forth to the Bruins kid fan for alternating boo’s and cheer’s. I was recognized by everyone on the way out and on the trains and caught some more laughs and boo’s and a high-five from a fellow fan.
Since living in Boston for 5 years, I’ve become a Bruins fan (I don’t like any other New England teams) but I try to get to all the Isles vs Bruins game and represent my Orange and Blue.
-
SCLI says:
Thank you so much CB. We Islander fans dont deserve you but we cherish every one of your blogs. Your service is invaluable. The information you provide us with is always exclusive and right on the money. Those couple of weeks you took off left myself and so many Isles fans in a void that could be filled no where else. Floundering in a vast Abyss searching aimlessly for Islander information that no one but you could supply. Keep up the terrific work and always remember we are behind you 100%.
-
I am one of the lucky ones! Price locked for 3 years and free parking for all 3. I am in year 2 of my contract. We will be talking extension at the end of this year! LOL
-
Why no public statement from the Islander’s? About the following that are concerns of the fans:
1 – Ticket prices
2 – Parking prices
3 – Future of the team?
4 – TV and Radio staff?NOT a word from this team. Not fair to Islander’s fans.
V
-
Big Van Vader says:
Wait, did miss something? They RAISED ticket prices? Did they sign Kovalchuk? Did they, or did they NOT, NOT sign any top end fowards?!?!?
I’ll be doing what I have been since 1989:
Buying the home opener and a couple Rag games. A few walk ups and that’s it.
Get real, NY Islanders!
-
Mike says:
Rofl these prices are hilarious. The Islanders can count one die hard out. No way in hell I will pay these prices for this team. Sorry, you don’t want to sign any UFA’s and/or trade for hockey players with talent.. than Charles Wang, Garth Snow, Andy Hilbert and Jon Sim can enjoy the view of an empty Coliseum on most nights. The comfort of my couch is where I’ll be. No more of this crap, I’m done.
-
geduffer says:
#38 – The word is DEFECT not deflect. I actually picked up a partial plan at the last minute and moved back one row. The rep threw in 6 free games and allowed me to swap out the 3 Raggies games (I prefer to leave the arena to all of the wild animals on both sides and watch the games on TV). I also get Center Ice so when I do watch on TV I can bail when they suck.
-
JSExpress says:
To play devil’s advocate for a second… Since moving to California, I always make it a point to catch the boys in blue (and orange) during their West Coast swings. This new pricing structure is not far off from that of the Ducks, Kings and Sharks. I understand that they put a much better product on the ice and have better facilities, but as fans we can’t on the one hand realistically expect to pay 1980′s prices, while clamoring for a contender on the other.
That said, I went to the Blue Jackets game at NVMC last year and paid more for beer than I did for tickets. There are still deals to be found if you just put a little effort in.
-
Brian G says:
I was planning to try to go to opening night this year with my brother and 4 year old daughter….but spending $65 to sit in the 300′s is ridiculous…and I can’t justify spending $65 on a seat for a 4 year old.
How can Wang justify raising ticket prices after 3 horrible seasons and not signing any top notch free agents in 4 years – every year this organization keeps pushing their loyal fans away by all their stupid actions…
Looks like I will be spending the 2010-11 season at home – thanks again Wang for making this organization less & less fan friendly.
-
I’m with Van Vader on this one, I’m doing the Opener, a Ranger game or two and definitely one against the Leafs (hate those jerks). And for those games, the brass can definitely justify charging $70+ for seats.
But for the weekday tilts against inferior markets (like CBJ, Tampa, Carolina) I can’t understand the ridiculous walkup prices. I’m a walkup guy, I can’t buy into packages because of my erratic schedule, and I don’t feel like slumming around the secondary market hours before the game…the fact that I’m prepaying for tickets a few days before should be enough to merit some markdown.
I’d love to attend those weekday games (especially against teams like the Canes and Jackets)…and I’m not expecting to pay 1997 prices either, but $65 for upper bowl is unreasonable no matter how you slice it. Those are $35 seats at very most!
-
Chris says:
I’ve gone from seasons to 1/2 to partial. This year, I’m staying away. I’m done. Last year, I had vouchers remaining for Corner 200′s, paid around $75 per voucher. The Isles managed to sell out (honestly, I forget the reason for the draw). Regardless, there were plenty of tickets left in the 300′s, but they wouldn’t honor the voucher. Yes, a $75 voucher isn’t good for nose bleeds.
To boot, the Butera’s gift card received for purchasing the package bounced and made for a somewhat embarrassing situation.
I’ll stay at home. Root for development, a high pick and a new owner.
-
JT says:
The Isles are pricing out their fan base. I have two young children who love hockey, but I cannot justify spending $260/$300 for the cheapest non-obstructed view tickets to one game. Add concessions and parking to the tab, and it becomes even more out of control. The team is funded at the cap floor, but its tickets are priced as if they’re at the cap ceiling. The team already have attendance problems. Why exacerbate the situation in an uncertain economy? I’ll bet this will impact much of the fan base. Fans who purchase single game tickets will be priced out and season-ticket holders will not be able to recoup their investment by reselling tickets to games that they cannot attend. If parents can’t take their kids to games, it jeopardizes our ability to pass our passion for Isanders hockey on to the next generation.
-
bayduvinislander says:
As great as JT is going to be, I really think Kevin Poulin is going to be our savior. And I mean Soon.
-
Jim Clark says: The same minds that thought Billy Jaffe was too negative also think these ticket prices are reasonable. Mr Wang had the right to charge what he feels the market will pay. Just as I, as a small part of the market, have a right to buy fewer tickets at a lower sum total price.
-
Mario says:
Just purchased two tix for each of the Rags games on Stub Hub. Section 107 and 123, row B, and they cost me $72 a piece. Go to stub hub now to get your tix.
-
Anthony Y. says:
Haha, been in California going to Sharks games for 5 years. They sellout almost every game, have a contending team every year in a great arena, yet I can get tickets for cheaper than when I go back home to NY to visit family. So sad.
Are you telling me that a front row seat at a Muse concert at the coliseum is equal to one seat 5 rows from the back at a reg season Islanders game? Give me a break. No ticket in the upper bowl should be more than 35 bucks. And those obstructed view seats should be 5 bucks.
-
BringBackNyles says:
$65 to see this team? Seems they are trying to take advantage of Ranger, Devil, Bruins, Canadian, Flyers, Corsby and Ovechkin fans who may want to see their team.
Poulin was outstanding. Only mistake was his rebound on the first goal and it was buried. Dibindetto was also all over the place. Besides those two I noticed Nino and Ullstrom. I was surprised by how good the game was in terms of entertainment value… IT IS BEGINNING!!!!!!!!!