Phish, the legendary jam band formed in 1983 in Burlington, Vermont, is well known for their epic live shows filled with improvisation, sonic exploration, and a passionate fanbase. Their concerts at storied venues like Madison Square Garden are highly anticipated events where dedicated “phans” gather to soak in the musical magic. But just how much do tickets to see Phish at MSG cost?
Current Phish Ticket Prices at MSG
Phish has played Madison Square Garden every year for the past 7 years during their traditional New Year’s Eve run. The prices for these shows tend to be higher than average due to the special occasion. According to Ticketmaster, prices for their upcoming 2023 New Year’s Eve show on December 31 are as follows:
- Lower level seats: $150 – $300+ per ticket
- Upper level seats: $95 – $150 per ticket
- General admission floor tickets: $185 – $300+ per ticket
To put this into perspective, tickets for a regular 2023 Phish show at MSG in April range from $65 – $95 for upper levels and $150 – $200+ for lower levels and floor general admission. While not cheap by any means, the New Year’s Eve premium is to be expected.
Factors That Impact Phish Ticket Prices at MSG
Several key factors account for the variability in Phish ticket prices at a venue like Madison Square Garden:
1. Date of the Show
As mentioned, special runs like New Year’s Eve or Halloween tend to be more expensive. Weekend shows also tend to have higher demand. According to data from tour history and ticket resale sites, Wednesday and Thursday shows have had slightly lower average ticket costs.
2. Setlist Variety
Phish is known for their ever-changing setlists, rarely repeating songs over a tour run. More variety and rarities tend to increase demand. When Phish busts out an obscure song or a cover, tickets for upcoming shows often rise accordingly.
3. Level of Seats
There is a considerable difference between lower level, upper level, and general admission floor tickets. Lower level and especially floor tickets carry a significant premium at MSG for their up-close view. Upper levels offer more affordability for Phish fans on a budget.
4. Timing of Purchase
Earlier ticket purchases such as during presales offer savings over buying closer to show dates. Resale ticket prices also trend higher closer to shows and after sellouts.
5. Special Packages
MSG and Phish offer upgraded packages with perks like early venue access, exclusive merch, and sometimes soundboard audio recordings. Naturally these cost more but deliver extra value for diehard fans.
Average Phish Tickets Costs at MSG Over Time
Looking at Phish’s MSG shows over the past decade, its clear ticket buying power has diminished somewhat as prices have risen faster than inflation.
Year | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
2010 | $63 |
2012 | $71 |
2014 | $91 |
2016 | $112 |
2018 | $132 |
2020 | $154 |
2022 | $185 |
While still not as drastic as other major concerts, Phish has seen a steady uptick in MSG ticket prices over the past decade, with average prices nearly tripling since 2010. Floor tickets in particular have skyrocketed, sometimes exceeding $300 in recent years if purchased resale. Overall demand continues rising as the fanbase ages and claims more disposable income.
How Phish Ticket Prices at MSG Compare to Other Venues
MSG maintains a consistent premium for Phish tickets compared to most other venues on a tour. The unique history and energy of the “World’s Most Famous Arena” carries real weight. That said, certain markets like Los Angeles and Las Vegas have seen comparable pricing.
Looking at a recent 2022 tour, Phish ticket averages were:
- Madison Square Garden, New York: $185
- The Forum, Los Angeles: $168
- MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas: $182
- Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia: $132
- Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA: $109
Clearly MSG sits at the top of the pack as far as demand goes. Other similarly sized venues in major markets come relatively close. Smaller amphitheaters and arenas have significantly lower average prices for Phish shows.
Prices at MSG vs Hampton Coliseum
One interesting comparison is MSG vs Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia. While a smaller 13,000 capacity venue, Hampton holds a special place in Phish lore for hosting legendary shows and being the site of their 2009 reunion. Still, MSG tickets cost about 70% more on average than Hampton.
How to Get the Best Phish MSG Tickets for Face Value
For bargain seekers hoping to secure tickets for below average costs, there are a few options:
Join the Fan Club
Being a paid member of Phish’s “The Bunny” fan club provides early access to ticket presales. This gives members a shot at face value tickets before the general public.
Buy Upper Level or Obstructed View Seats
While perhaps not ideal for the full immersive experience, sitting in the upper levels or limited view sections can shave significant costs off tickets.
Look for Ticket Releases Closer to Shows
Check Ticketmaster regularly for new seats becoming available. Phish fans often return extra tickets as a show nears if plans change.
Go Through Friends
Known fans sometimes have extras or need to sell their tickets last minute below market value if they can’t attend. It never hurts to ask around network circles.
When to Buy Phish MSG Tickets
Timing is critical when securing Phish tickets at reasonable prices:
- Join fan club and try for presale
- On general on-sale, be ready on Ticketmaster right at the time they go live
- Monitor for price drops around 1-2 weeks out
- Check resale sites on day of show in case prices dip
Scoring tickets within the first few minutes of presale or on-sale offers the best shot at face value. Prices usually only go up over time, especially closer to popular shows selling out.
Buying Phish MSG Tickets Resale vs Face Value
Websites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek are go-to resale markets for tickets, but generally carry big markups over face value. For example, an upper level seat that originally cost $95 could run $250 or more resale. More coveted floor and lower level seats often double or triple.
However, resale can provide inventory not available directly through Phish Ticketing. The convenience carries a steep premium. Setting price alerts and monitoring constantly can help land occasional resale deals.
Tips for Getting Cheap Phish Tickets at MSG
Scoring affordable Phish tickets at Madison Square Garden takes some savvy strategy and planning. Beyond the standard advice, here are some extra tips:
- Join fan forums like Phantasy Tour and follow fan accounts on social media to get intel on special deals or code releases
- Consider attending rehearsals for a fraction of the concert cost
- Invest in a multi-show ticket package if possible for savings on per show costs
- Check MSG’s seating chart for obstructed view tickets in prime sections
- Try shaking down Shakedown Street the day of a show for desperate fans looking to dump tickets
Is it Worth Paying More for Phish MSG Tickets?
At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference, budget, and how bad you want to be in the room. For some fans, dropping big money for floors or lower bowls is a no-brainer given the chance to get immersed in Phish’s MSG mojo. Others are content chilling in the upper levels.
Ultimately, the magic is still palpable from any seat at Madison Square Garden. But if money is no object, paying up for the full sensory experience in the heart of the action may be worth it from a diehard fan perspective.
Conclusion
Phish ticket prices at Madison Square Garden tend to sit at the higher end of tours, with New Year’s Eve and other special runs demanding large premiums. Factors like seat location, purchase timing, and tour buzz impact costs. While below face value steals are rare, savvy fans can still sometimes find deals on upper levels or resale sites. For many phans, the history and energy at MSG makes paying higher prices worthwhile in the pilgrimage to worship at Phish’s de facto home.