Sabres announce dynamic ticket pricing

[dudacek]

Is just a simple way to maximize inventory and ensure pricing reacts appropriately to supply and demand.

 

I wish Drane was here to tell me how we could set up some type of block ticket purchasing plan to beat the system, create profit opportunity for the fan and embarrass Russ Brandon in the process.

[Stoner]

What does it say about the state of the game that only eight of 41 games are considered "top tier"?

[3putt]

That the NHL promotes its stars poorly?

[Georgia Blizzard]

I think it's a great idea, and long overdue.

 

Supply and Demand in a free society, it essentially moves a small portion of the secondary market profit from the brokers and STH sellers back to Sabres where it belongs.  To me, it's a natural evolution of the tiered pricing that's been in place for years.  

 

I can't see why anyone wouldn't like this, of course, unless you're one of those Bernie socialists who want the minimum wage at $15/hour and rent control and subsidies etc. etc., GROW UP !

 

STH will still be rewarded with the lowest full season prices available at the time and a guaranteed seat at every game.  If you're a STH I highly doubt you can do better rolling the dice and hoping demad plummets, but, hey, if you think that the case, then cancel your tickets and buy game by game -- I doubt any would

[PromoTheRobot]

I think it's a great idea, and long overdue.

 

Supply and Demand in a free society, it essentially moves a small portion of the secondary market profit from the brokers and STH sellers back to Sabres where it belongs.  To me, it's a natural evolution of the tiered pricing that's been in place for years.  

 

I can't see why anyone wouldn't like this, of course, unless you're one of those Bernie socialists who want the minimum wage at $15/hour and rent control and subsidies etc. etc., GROW UP !

 

STH will still be rewarded with the lowest full season prices available at the time and a guaranteed seat at every game.  If you're a STH I highly doubt you can do better rolling the dice and hoping demad plummets, but, hey, if you think that the case, then cancel your tickets and buy game by game -- I doubt any would

If demand plummets that means all that we have been enduring for 2+ seasons has blown up in our faces.

 

A few points from earlier posts: This will only affect the secondary market for games that are not sold out. Low demand game prices will fall at the box office and on StubHub. But keep in mind the price of your typical 300 level Silver game seat is around $25 higher than the STH price. So it has a long way to fall before you are beating what STHers pay.  If all you are doing is trying to recoup a game you can't get to, you should be fine.  FYI during the tank, some weekday 300 level seats, which cost STH'ers $28, were going for as low as $6 on StubHub. 

 

On the other side, once games sell out the secondary market will set the price no matter. I don't think StubHub is losing sleep over this.

Edited August 24, 2016 by PromoTheRobot

[tom webster]

If demand plummets that means all that we have been enduring for 2+ seasons has blown up in our faces.

 

A few points from earlier posts: This will only affect the secondary market for games that are not sold out. Low demand game prices will fall at the box office and on StubHub. But keep in mind the price of your typical 300 level Silver game seat is around $25 higher than the STH price. So it has a long way to fall before you are beating what STHers pay. If all you are doing is trying to recoup a game you can't get to, you should be fine. FYI during the tank, some weekday 300 level seats, which cost STH'ers $28, were going for as low as $6 on StubHub.

 

On the other side, once games sell out the secondary market will set the price no matter. I don't think StubHub is losing sleep over this.

I haven't read while thread but this in effect is a way for the public to determine which games are gold, silver, value. I think it's brilliant and wish I had thought of it.

The Sabrs and LQ were ahead of the curve when they went to the last pricing structure and it seems they may be once again setting the bar.

[Eleven]

What does it say about the state of the game that only eight of 41 games are considered "top tier"?

 

I think we all know what you'd be saying if they'd priced 15 of the games at top tier, PA.

[SwampD]

So, is this how they raise ticket prices, without raising prices?

 

On one hand, I could see how someone could be suspect about this policy, ie., taking advantage of the fact that the team is going to finally be watchable.

 

On the other hand, It is a great incentive for them to actually field a team that is not only watchable but has a chance to win more than it doesn't.

[Eleven]

So, is this how they raise ticket prices, without raising prices?

 

On one hand, I could see how someone could be suspect about this policy, ie., taking advantage of the fact that the team is going to finally be watchable.

 

On the other hand, It is a great incentive for them to actually field a team that is not only watchable but has a chance to win more than it doesn't.

 

This is how they raise revenue without raising ticket prices.  

[Stoner]

I think we all know what you'd be saying if they'd priced 15 of the games at top tier, PA.

You tell me. Then we'll both know.

And, oh yeah, it's that spooky time of night again... Beware the midevening!

[Eleven]

You tell me. Then we'll both know.

And, oh yeah, it's that spooky time of night again... Beware the midevening!

 

PA, if they had priced 15 games at premium or top tier, you'd be all over their profit motive and gouging the fans.  Let's not pretend it's different.  You are who you are.

Edited August 25, 2016 by Eleven

[Stoner]

PA, if they had priced 15 games at premium or top tier, you'd be all over their profit motive and gouging the fans.  Let's not pretend it's different.  You are who you are.

I really don't care. I'd rather have a decent hockey team to talk about.

[beerme1]

I'm just getting a handle on having a card instead of tickets. pfft

 

 

I'm not down with this either. I think when the Bills went to this method they still allowed you to request old school tickets if you preferred up to a certain date. I guess the Sabres are just moving past that. I love the card stock tickets!!!

 

 

What does it say about the state of the game that only eight of 41 games are considered "top tier"?

 

 

Means that we're going to be way better than having only one platinum game against Toronto on our schedule. It simply says hey, we're better now.

 

 

  

I can't see why anyone wouldn't like this, of course, unless you're one of those Bernie socialists who want the minimum wage at $15/hour and rent control and subsidies etc. etc., GROW UP !

 

 

 

YA!! Come join us in the over 50 thread. :w00t:

[LTS]

I don't think this hurts StubHub all that much.

 

The STH can resell their ticket on stubhub at their season ticket price.  Initially their pricing will be better than the Sabres remaining ticket price which is their price plus some mark up.

 

The STH is committed to the game so if they don't sell their ticket (assuming they can't use it) they are effectively throwing that money away.

 

Fans should look to Stubhub first to buy a ticket as it will be cheaper.  There will be a point where buying it from the Sabres may be as cheap.

 

This does not include a discussion on fees added to a ticket price.

[beerme1]

 

This does not include a discussion on fees added to a ticket price.

 

 

You can't have the discussion without it though because you're gonna pay it.

[Sabre Dance]

I can't say this new policy bothers me in the least EXCEPT it is just adding another layer of complexity onto what used to be a straightforward transaction. I expect that in a few years, the price of a game ticket will be decided by throwing a dart at a wall of balloons; the ticket price is written on a chit of paper inside the balloon.  So, your 100-level seat cost $50, but the guy behind you in line hit the wrong balloon and has to pay $80.  I mean, what is next really?

 

I'm all for a dynamic pay scale for employees.  On days when the weather sucks, or you have a hangover, your employer has to pay you a higher salary because it is tougher for you to get to work, etc.  (Yeah, right - try running that past your boss and see how hard they laugh).

[LTS]

You can't have the discussion without it though because you're gonna pay it.

 

But.. aren't you going to pay the service/convenience fee whether you are buying from StubHub or if you are buying from the Sabres?

 

That's why I chose not to include it.  They should nearly balance out.

[Cereal]

From the Donate thread:

I was reading about the new card-instead-of-paper-tickets thing and was wondering how donating/selling tickets was going to work.

 

I'm just getting a handle on having a card instead of tickets. pfft

 

For what it's worth -- the Bills have done the card instead of paper tickets, too, now, for at least a few years.  However, I pay $4 total per season to get paper tickets (I have four season tickets) printed and mailed to me, rather than the card.

 

Perhaps the same can be done with the Sabres?

 

I would be curious if they would do that as an option, if any of you decides to try it.  I would call your agent and ask.

[Neo]

Ticket sellers are people, too ....

 

(Smiley emotamajiggy)

Edited August 26, 2016 by N'eo

[PromoTheRobot]

http://sabres.nhl.com/club/m_news.htm?id=891671

 

Curious news story. I thought they capped ST's at 16K last year. Of course this story says "more than" 16K. How much more. How many tickets per game are available to the general public?

Edited August 26, 2016 by PromoTheRobot

[Eleven]

8

 

Well yeah, if you're rounding up.

[PromoTheRobot]

Arena capacity is 19,070. Take out 16K in seasons that leaves 3K for mini-packs and single game tickets.

[Eleven]

Arena capacity is 19,070. Take out 16K in seasons that leaves 3K for mini-packs and single game tickets.

 

Whoa, easy with the differential equations there, ok?

[That Aud Smell]

Do the minipacks get included in the STH count? Or nah.

[Eleven]

Do the minipacks get included in the STH count? Or nah.

 

Nah.