The Florida Panthers are heading to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1996. With the series set to begin on Wednesday, June 15, fans are eager to get their hands on tickets to see the Panthers compete for the Stanley Cup. However, ticket prices are understandably high given the demand. Here’s a quick look at how much tickets are going for the Panthers’ Stanley Cup run.
Stanley Cup Final Ticket Prices
According to secondary ticket marketplace TickPick, the average ticket price for games in Florida is currently $1,656. Meanwhile, the average ticket price for games in Colorado is $1,312. This makes the average ticket price for the entire 2022 Stanley Cup Final around $1,484.
To put that in perspective, here are the average Stanley Cup Final ticket prices over the past five years according to TicketIQ:
Year | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
2021 | $1,370 |
2020 | $1,327 |
2019 | $1,474 |
2018 | $1,117 |
2017 | $1,020 |
As you can see, the $1,484 average ticket price for the 2022 Stanley Cup Final is on the higher side historically but comparable to recent years. The surge in prices makes sense given that this is the Panthers’ first Final in 26 years coupled with the limited seating capacity of their home arena.
Most Expensive Games
While the average gives you a good benchmark, individual game prices can vary wildly depending on the matchup and circumstances. The most in-demand game of the series so far is Game 1 in Florida.
According to TickPick, the cheapest Game 1 ticket currently available is $1,852. The most expensive is a ridiculous $14,997 for a lower-level seat near the Panthers bench. Yes, you read that correctly – nearly $15,000 for one ticket!
Here’s a look at the lowest and highest ticket prices currently listed on TickPick for each Stanley Cup Final game:
Game | Lowest Price | Highest Price |
---|---|---|
Game 1 – Florida | $1,852 | $14,997 |
Game 2 – Florida | $1,827 | $8,615 |
Game 3 – Colorado | $997 | $3,797 |
Game 4 – Colorado | $1,082 | $6,358 |
As expected, the prices in Florida far exceed those in Colorado. The cheapest tickets at the Panthers’ home arena for the series are nearly double those at Colorado’s arena.
Part of that is because the Panthers play in a smaller building. FLA Live Arena holds just over 19,000 for hockey compared to over 18,000 at Ball Arena in Denver. Less supply means higher prices.
How To Get Cheaper Tickets
If shelling out over $1,000 for a single ticket isn’t in your budget, there are a few ways to potentially get them for cheaper:
Wait Until Last Minute
Tickets prices are inflated right now because of the initial rush. As the series progresses, some of that demand dies down, especially if one team takes a commanding lead. Prices tend to come down closer to game time. However, this strategy is risky. There’s no guarantee more affordable tickets will become available.
Buy Standing Room Only Tickets
The Panthers sell a very limited number of standing room only (SRO) tickets for each playoff game. They go on sale 2 hours before puck drop for $250. That’s obviously much cheaper than a lower bowl seat. You’ll have to stand the whole game and won’t have an assigned spot, but it gets your foot in the door.
Look for Obstructed View Seats
If you don’t mind partially obstructed views, sellers will often discount those tickets. You can find obstructed seats for some games for well under $1,000. Just make sure you know exactly what the obstruction is before buying.
Buy Single Seats
Most of the cheapest ticket listings are for pairs or groups of 4. If you’re willing to go solo and sit by yourself, you can occasionally find single seat tickets below face value on secondary markets. People who bought pairs will try to unload a leftover single ticket.
Buy Tickets To Games In Colorado
As mentioned above, the tickets for games in Denver are much cheaper. So if you have the ability to travel, you can save a lot of money by buying tickets on the road. Even when you factor in airfare and hotel, getting tickets to a game in Colorado is typically cheaper than getting tickets to a game in Florida right now.
When To Buy Panthers Stanley Cup Tickets
If you’re set on going to a Finals game in Florida, when should you actually purchase your tickets? Here are a few pieces of advice:
Buy Now If Budget Is Less Important Than Locking In Tickets
If your main goal is guaranteeing you get tickets, and you aren’t as concerned about the price, buy them now. Ticket prices are only going to go up from here, especially if the Panthers win Game 1. Buying now gives you peace of mind.
Wait Until After Game 2 If Possible
Home teams are always most in-demand for the first two games. If the Panthers go up 2-0, prices for later games may come down as people jump off the bandwagon. But if they lose Game 1 or 2, demand could spike even higher. It’s a classic high risk, high reward scenario.
Buy Game 4 or 5 If Necessary
The most affordable option is likely buying tickets to Game 4 or 5 (if necessary) right before or at puck drop. Obviously this depends on the Panthers & your personal schedule. But last minute tickets to potential closeout games often sell for far below average.
Conclusion
The Florida Panthers ride to the Stanley Cup Finals has driven ticket prices to record levels. Fans hoping to witness what could be the franchise’s first championship are paying a premium for the opportunity.
But while the average ticket price is over $1,400, there are still ways to potentially get seats for cheaper through secondary markets, last minute purchases, and buying road game tickets. Just know that the longer you wait, the bigger risk you run of missing out entirely or seeing prices jump even higher.
So if you’re dead set on seeing your Panthers play for the Cup live, your best bet is likely buying tickets now or immediately after Game 2 before costs potentially rise again. Otherwise, try finding obstructed views or waiting until the last possible moment for closeout games.
Either way, enjoy the ride as the Panthers look to capture their first ever championship! It’s sure to be a wild atmosphere inside FLA Live Arena.