Chadd 916 Report post Posted February 16, 2013 This is the way the NHL thanks their fans for sticking with them through the lockout.http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/8945052/nhl-ticket-price-hike-surpasses-other-leagues Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AIREAYE 248 Report post Posted February 16, 2013 Is it because they (I think rightfully so) believe that there will be enough demand that the benefits of raising prices, being revenues, would outweigh the costs? I'm sure there are a multitude of other reasons of course.This article makes a blanket statement for the enitre league, just how much control does the league have in setting prices for individual teams? I thought that was mostly at the discretion of the teams with respect of course, to certain pricing regulations. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hamstercaster 2 Report post Posted February 16, 2013 I believe here "NHL" implies "Teams in the NHL" and not the head office. Some teams like the Florida Panthers offered ridiculously low season ticket prices, at least for the upper bowl. It's possible they raised the lower bowl ticket prices though, that I do not know or haven't read anything on that. Personally I would have expected the teams to at least keep the ticket prices the same as last year to "thank the fans" for coming back. But based on how the fans reacted after the last lockout with the league wide revenues being higher then they have ever been, it's kind of understandable that ticket prices went up. It worked the last time after a full season was lost so I guess they figured that it would work again this time around. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shooter27 116 Report post Posted February 16, 2013 The problem with the idea of thanking fans by keeping ticket prices equal is that these ticket prices were set well before the lockout, so at the time of their setting there was nothing to thank fans for. What will be interesting is to see what happens to prices next year. That would be the time you would see it if teams were going to "thank" fans by holding ticket prices level/decreasing ticket prices. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chadd 916 Report post Posted February 16, 2013 The teams knew there would be a lockout, their negotiating (or lack of) ensured that. By raising prices, they were able to run promotions and discounts that appear larger than they would have been if they were based on last years pricing. I don't believe this article factors in those discounts or specials. The league does not have any direct authority over team ticket prices. However, they will make suggestions on strategic revenue issues. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
215BroadStBullies610 435 Report post Posted February 17, 2013 Well people can complain but as long as tickets are bought, teams will look to continue the upward movement of pricing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chippa13 1844 Report post Posted February 17, 2013 Does anyone still think the NHL doesn't know the ticket buying fans are suckers? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AIREAYE 248 Report post Posted February 17, 2013 The teams knew there would be a lockout, their negotiating (or lack of) ensured that. By raising prices, they were able to run promotions and discounts that appear larger than they would have been if they were based on last years pricing. I don't believe this article factors in those discounts or specials. The league does not have any direct authority over team ticket prices. However, they will make suggestions on strategic revenue issues.Is it because that's in the owner's hands? In that their intent is to make money?To what extent do sponsors have a say in pricing? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chippa13 1844 Report post Posted February 17, 2013 Sponsors just care that the seats are full and the ratings are good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shooter27 116 Report post Posted February 17, 2013 The teams knew there would be a lockout, their negotiating (or lack of) ensured that. By raising prices, they were able to run promotions and discounts that appear larger than they would have been if they were based on last years pricing. I don't believe this article factors in those discounts or specials. The league does not have any direct authority over team ticket prices. However, they will make suggestions on strategic revenue issues.Yes, teams knew there would be a lockout,but they didn't know there would be a season. So why lower prices to "thank" fans with cheaper tickets to games that may not happen. This way they can keep these new higher prices constant, or lower them a little bit next year and you'll get all kinds of media saying how the owners are thanking fans by holding down ticket prices Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chadd 916 Report post Posted February 17, 2013 Is it because that's in the owner's hands? In that their intent is to make money?To what extent do sponsors have a say in pricing?Each team is an individual business, run by their owners. The league has served the owners for most of the last few decades. I don't think we're going to see a truly independent league office in the near future either.League sponsors have no say over pricing at all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
