Frozen Four Tickets - Priority Purchase Process

[Russell Jaslow]

Today was my assigned day. The site is clunky, takes some patience. Ticket availability surprisingly poor. Considering the location (no need to visit St. Louis again) and bad ticket offerings to “priority” customers, I’m fine using the time and money (tickets, flights, hotels, restaurants) for more desirable travel.

Out of our large group, three of us are Priority B. So we coordinate with a Zoom call to buy tickets and get them together. We were able to get Club level (117T), getting on the site right at 10:00 ET.

As to your point, yeah, it has gotten me thinking... Especially with the cost of tickets alone (I'm a huge racing fan, and it's gotten to the point where what I used to consider expensive tickets for top racing events are now no longer so when compared to the Frozen Four).

The reason I personally didn't bail on St. Louis is twofold:
1) I missed St. Louis last time, and have never been to the Gateway City.
2) My wife (who never attends the FF with me) and I are planning a long road trip which includes St. Louis and the FF, so for me this time, it's part of a longer vacation.

But in the future, I don't know. The thing is, I will probably do Las Vegas (even though I've been there a few times and not all that wowed by it), and D.C. because there is a ton to do there (plus my sister lives in the area). Chicago, I don't know. I'll have to think about that one.

In conclusion, it is getting to the point where I have definitely wondered whether all the expenses is worth it for this type of vacation.

[Yorzinlax]

I actually looked at a seating chart a week ago to figure out what I might want, and there is a club level, just no tix available. Is the NCAA holding those for use in their overpriced "experience package"? Seems like a lot of seats. I got starchy last year when lots of seats became available closer to the event. It just seems that if people are paying 6 months in advance the should get PRIORITY access to the better seats. It's like the guy who shows up for a flight 10 minutes before takeoff and his bag is first off the carousel.

[pgb-ohio]

Today was my assigned day. The site is clunky, takes some patience.

I'm Priority B as well. I'll note that the functionality of the website improved later in the morning. But of course that was after the best offerings were sold, and there was less traffic on the site.

Ticket availability surprisingly poor.

I agree you, and the others who have made this comment. I was offered better seats in the 2024 St. Paul Lottery, and had many more choices. That's certainly counter intuitive.

Considering the location (no need to visit St. Louis again) and bad ticket offerings to “priority” customers, I’m fine using the time and money (tickets, flights, hotels, restaurants) for more desirable travel.

The last time the tournament was in St. Louis -- 2007 -- the number of regulars was down, but local support for the tournament was impressive. The building was full. Judging fans by their apparel isn't proof positive of who's local, of course. But to my eye the entire upper level was filled with locals, along with some of the better seats in the lower bowl.

So I suppose this could be a case of history repeating itself. Our group isn't dropping out this year. But last year we used the our full allotment of 8 tickets; this year we're using 4 of the 8 possible tickets. Hope local St. Louis people can once again pick up the slack.

Some Things I Noticed This Morning:

1. Nothing was offered in Sections 101/Section 105/Section 114/Section 118. I'm guessing those sections are being held for the participating schools.

2. However, Sections 101T/105T/114T/Section 118T had some nice availability. These are the highest rows in the Lower Bowl. The seats were a bit less expensive at $350 apiece. Still expensive, but more in line with last year's prices. The view from these sections would be pretty solid; they line up with the Attack Zone Face-Off Circles. Perhaps St. Louis considers these Club Level seats? Going from low to high, the next level up is the 300's. (Upper Level) So if the T Sections aren't Club, where are the Club seats located?

3. The Center Ice/Blue Line Sections? Just before I logged off, I saw a handful of seats available in Sections 102, 104 & 115. Most would probably agree these were the best available. They'll go very quickly, and maybe they're already gone. But at least check.

4. If your preference is to sit in the corners, you're not in an urgent rush. Lots of availability. Interestingly enough, I found an intermediate price point at $310. That number would get you a Lower Bowl Corner, in a Higher Row. Example: Section 124.


Here's to hoping that most USCHO posters find seats that are satisfactory to them, even if they don't quite live up to the offerings of the recent past.

[bruinsfan11]

Think my priority number is 19 (group C) and I’ve basically said F-it to this process since Covid (apart from last year cuz thought it would be a tough ticket).

NCAA wants to keep showing us loyal fans inconsistent availability so I’ll just wait and buy club/suite tickets on the secondary market the week of.

100% skipping St Louis is BC doesn’t make it.

[Yorzinlax]

I will amplify on the dearth of available tickets. I've been buying in the club level for about 6 years. Used to be a little les crowded through that concourse and shorter lines for restrooms. I noticed in St Paul there was no restricted access like in the past so those benefits were nullified. Today I didn't see any Club seats available. Gonna suck if they take peoples money today with below average quantities and locations, then miraculously have new and perhaps better seats to buy in January and February.

[steven22]

Wow could not believe how many tickets had either been sold or were being held when I went on exactly at 10:00 this morning. If this is your day I advise you get in early.

I agree, I'm group B also. Decided to go cheap and buy first row corner in the balcony for $220. Was willing to buy first row balcony at center ice but all gone or held back. I was on exactly at 10am also. Last year I could have purchased any section and seat I wanted.

[NJCollegeHockeyFan]

Today was my assigned day. The site is clunky, takes some patience. Ticket availability surprisingly poor. Considering the location (no need to visit St. Louis again) and bad ticket offerings to “priority” customers, I’m fine using the time and money (tickets, flights, hotels, restaurants) for more desirable travel.

[BobF]

Wow could not believe how many tickets had either been sold or were being held when I went on exactly at 10:00 this morning. If this is your day I advise you get in early.

[BobF]

HI,

Anyone in group A care to post the prices for St Louis. I'm in group B and can buy on Monday. Thanks

Evidently NC$$ is hurting for cash! Tickets range from $390 in lower bowl to $225 for balcony on the ends! Of course you can pay $700 for the glass! Surprised at prices given the market with everyone having to travel. It's much more than last year in St. Paul!

[steven22]

HI,

Anyone in group A care to post the prices for St Louis. I'm in group B and can buy on Monday. Thanks

[Yorzinlax]

I was becoming a little nervous about not being able to move my tickets out of ticketmaster to a wallet, but two days ago it all got resolved. I hope anyone else on hold can get it done now

[mookie1995]

You were also mid priority right? I think I was around October 22 and we got club ends

Oct 18

[paulfb]

wow, surprised to read this. mookie went and bought on 18 oct and there were a lot available. he was able to do his usual along the rail in the top level on the corner. always feel that those are the best seats for hockey.

For the second straight year, we have top level, first row, aisle seats. No knuckleheads standing up all the time in front of us.

[dxmnkd316]

You were also mid priority right? I think I was around October 22 and we got club ends

[mookie1995]

wow, surprised to read this. mookie went and bought on 18 oct and there were a lot available. he was able to do his usual along the rail in the top level on the corner. always feel that those are the best seats for hockey.