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Earlier this month the Nashville Predators created a lot of buzz, both positive and negative depending on the zip code you dwell in, when they announced extensive plans to limit the amount of visiting fans that can come through the gates when the Chicago Blackhawks come to town. Have the St. Louis Blues done the same with far less fan fare?
Single game tickets went on sale at the Scottrade Center at 10am Saturday. One of the stipulations of purchase is that contests on 10/3, 10/9, 12/28 and 4/13 are off limits. Unless you agreed to buy one of five different ticket packages that is. Two of the four games are when arch rival Chicago makes the trek down.
Is this another shot at Hawks fans that are willing to travel within an hour plane ride or 6 hour or so drive from their home?
On the surface it appears to be.
Anyone who has been to a Blues/Hawks game over the last half a decade will tell you one thing. There is a proliferation of red in the arena and it's not because there's a bird on a bat on the shirts and sweaters worn. It's because fans from Chicago have a far easier time getting cheaper tickets in St. Louis than they do for home games. So they come down by the SUV, bus ,and Amtrak train load. Especially on the weekend.
Honestly, I cannot fault them. Pack up the kids or grab some buds and make a road trip out of it. See all St. Louis has to see. The Arch, Zoo, Busch, breweries, the Hill, the Loop. I've done the same before just in reverse. Add in a significant cost savings on tickets. It's a situation that feeds upon itself.
It's actually a scenario the Blues don't mind having from a business perspective. Seats are paid for and used. Concessions are sold in greater quantities. Most importantly it's money in the door that they may not have had otherwise. Money that can be funneled to the hockey ops side of the franchise to improve the quality of play on the ice that brings more local fans in.
Who doesn't like it? Die hard local Blues fans. Those that survived multiple lockouts and ownership changes that get tired of hearing more cheers than jeers when Jonathan Toews scores a goal. Those intolerant of clapping throughout the duration of Charles Glenn's performance of the National Anthem (I don't fault them there either). Those tired of dealing with Hawks fans on the concourse who can't remember an "old player" for their team besides Chris Chelios (or Tony Amonte).
While a business must pander to their core consumer on some level, this is one where they aren't. At least directly. The perception that limitations are in place to keep rival fans out of seats is a by product of the true goal of the ticket regulations.
Increasing the amount of the average ticket purchase is.
What may be forgotten in review of the dates is that the other two are the home opener and the final home game of the season. Two games the Blues are virtually assured to sellout (and a legitimate one) regardless of the opponent. If ticket buyers who would normally just grab one or both are forced to get a package that includes at least one other game, and maybe 5 or 11 more, the price goes up. When the price goes up and fans pay that price revenue goes up. Revenue goes up and the franchise has more resources to facilitate growth, create a leaner machine, and support a stronger on ice product.
Even more ingenious from the business POV, those looking for a minimal upgrade (the 3 or 6 game plans) are forced to buy an additional single ticket for either of the bookend games. The 3 game Hat Trick Plan makes you pick one or the other in your Tier 1 selection and the 6 Game Plan only has the home opener as an option.
The best bet for those who want assurances they'll get both is the Premier version of the 12 Game Plan. It has both, plus one of the two home games versus Chicago.
That could be a jump from a $60-$100 per ticket purchase to a $400-$500. I don't think you need me to tell you which looks better on the books.
The gamble is that fans who want this big ticket games will splurge and take the larger plan to get the games they want. That said, it's a difficult time of year to get that buy in from the local support base. The Cardinals are a playoff team once again and there is little doubt that in St. Louis baseball postseason tickets are far more enticing than early season hockey. Add the upwards trending Rams and sports entertainment dollars are going to be hard fought for. The hope likely is that no interest payment plans enable more to take the plunge.
Fear not Hawks fans. Stubhub and scalpers patrolling the sidewalks at 14th & Clark are still an option. They just maybe less of one going forward.
Quick Hits
- All has been very quiet on the Alex Pietrangelo front. My gut feeling is longer this contract situation drags out on the more polarized the outcome will likely be. An obvious bridge deal or an all-in long term deal. The bridge deal is more likely than the mega contract in my opinion. With the variation in Pietrangelo's play in the lockout shortened season there is less of a reason to break the bank than there is to withdraw just what's needed for now. At least from the Blues' perspective.
- There's been some rumbling about Vladimir Tarasenko making a move from right wing to the left side. Will be something to watch come camp for fantasy hockey owners. Tarasenko on a line with Derek Roy and Chris Stewart could be an early season powerhouse or a major flop. One things for sure, that line should be insulated as much as possible. Lot's of offensive zone starts would be expected.
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Thanks for reading.
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