The NHL All-Star Game is one of the most exciting events for hockey fans each year. Seeing the best players in the NHL face off in a star-studded exhibition game is a dream come true for many hockey enthusiasts. However, with demand far exceeding supply, getting tickets to the NHL All-Star Game can be a challenge.
When and where is the NHL All-Star Game held?
The NHL All-Star Game is held every year, typically in late January or early February. The game location rotates between NHL cities each year. For the 2023 All-Star Game, it will be held at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida on February 4th.
How can I get tickets to the NHL All-Star Game?
There are a few primary ways to get tickets to the NHL All-Star Game:
- Buy directly from the NHL – A limited number of tickets are sold through the NHL website and box office. These tickets go on sale in the fall, several months before the game.
- Get tickets from your local team – Season ticket holders for the host city team will get access to All-Star Game tickets before the general public.
- Use a ticket reseller – Ticket reseller sites like StubHub, VividSeats, and Ticketmaster will have All-Star Game tickets for resale, likely at inflated prices.
- Enter contests and giveaways – Keep an eye out for All-Star Game ticket giveaways from local radio stations, TV networks, sponsors, etc.
When do NHL All-Star Game tickets go on sale?
The NHL releases All-Star Game tickets in phases:
- Season ticket holders for the host city team get first access, usually able to buy months in advance.
- NHL partners and sponsors get the next allotment of tickets to distribute.
- A limited number of tickets are sold via the NHL ticket site, typically going on sale to the general public 5-6 months before the game.
- Any remaining tickets are distributed just weeks or days leading up to the game.
That’s why it’s important to plan ahead if you want the best chance at getting tickets directly from the NHL. Sign up for ticket alerts on the NHL website as soon as the next game’s location is announced to stay updated on sale dates.
How much do NHL All-Star Game tickets cost?
NHL All-Star Game tickets are in high demand and short supply, so they can be expensive. Here are some average price ranges:
- Direct from the NHL – $150-$600 USD per ticket
- Resale sites – $300-$1,000+ per ticket
Expect lower level and center ice seats to be at the higher end of these ranges. Upper level corners and end zone seats tend to be cheaper.
Tips for getting the cheapest NHL All-Star Game tickets
While bargain NHL All-Star Game tickets are rare, here are some tips to help you save money:
- Buy upper level seats – You’ll have the highest probability of finding cheaper tickets for seats in the upper level sections.
- Buy tickets for All-Star Saturday events – Skills Competition and other All-Star Weekend events typically have more ticket availability and lower prices.
- Wait to buy – Prices often drop in the weeks leading up to the game as sellers lower costs to offload extra inventory.
- Buy in pairs – Odd number ticket orders like buying just one ticket tend to be more expensive.
- Split travel packages – All-Star Travel Packages with hotel, flights and tickets bundled can offer savings if you split with friends.
Are All-Star Game tickets refundable?
If you buy tickets directly from the NHL website, they do allow refunds, but charge a 15% restocking fee per ticket. Refunds must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the event. Refunds and policies will vary if buying tickets resale from other sellers.
Can I buy NHL All-Star Game tickets at the gate?
Purchasing NHL All-Star Game tickets at the gate on game day is extremely unlikely. The game is typically sold out completely months in advance. You would need luck on your side for someone to be selling last minute tickets outside the arena gates, which will require paying a huge premium.
Where are the best seats for the All-Star Game?
When deciding where to sit for the NHL All-Star Game, there are a few factors to consider:
- Lower level sideline – Gets you closest to the benches and player entrances/exits for possible autographs.
- Behind the goals – Allows you to see player’s shots up close and goal celebrations.
- Center ice – Provides the best overall view of game action and being in middle of the 3-on-3 scrimmages.
- Lower corners – Gives a unique ice-level perspective of game play along the boards.
While all areas of the arena have great views for the All-Star Game, center ice seats in the lower bowl deliver a prime balance of proximity, price and sightlines.
Are there any player experiences or special packages available?
The NHL often offers special VIP packages and experiences exclusively for the All-Star Game, such as:
- Meet & Greet packages – Get player autographs, photos
- On ice experiences – Watch warmups on ice, post-game photo on ice
- Locker room tours – Go behind the scenes into team locker rooms
- Premium parties – Access exclusive parties with NHL legends
These exclusive packages can include premium tickets and are usually only available to purchase through the NHL’s official hospitality provider. They sell out quickly and are expensive, but offer once-in-a-lifetime memories.
What is there to do at NHL All-Star Weekend?
The NHL All-Star Game is actually just one part of a full weekend of hockey festivities. Here are some of the other All-Star Weekend events and attractions:
- All-Star Skills Competition – On the day before the game, this is an entertaining skills showcase with events like fastest skater, hardest shot, accuracy shooting and relay challenges.
- All-Star Fan Fair – A hockey interactive zone with games, live music, mascot meet-and-greets, player autograph sessions and displays of NHL memorabilia.
- All-Star Media Day – Fans can attend player and celebrity interviews in the morning before All-Star Skills.
- Parties & Concerts – There are fan parties with live entertainment and concerts throughout the city leading up to the big game.
Attending some of these other All-Star events is a great way to get in on the NHL All-Star experience even without tickets to the game on Sunday.
What COVID precautions are in place?
The NHL mandated COVID protocols during the 2021-22 season and is expected to implement safety measures again for the 2023 NHL All-Star Weekend such as:
- Mask or proof of vaccination requirements for entry
- Enhanced sanitization procedures
- Social distancing between seating groups
- Limiting venue and fan capacity
- Temperature checks at entrances
Of course, public health conditions and arena policies will dictate final COVID protocol details closer to the event date. Fans should plan to arrive early and expect extra screening steps upon entry.
Summary
NHL All-Star Game tickets are the hottest ticket in hockey. Demand greatly exceeds supply, making them difficult to get and expensive to buy. The key is planning far in advance, being flexible on seating locations, and considering lesser attended All-Star Weekend events. While not easy, with persistence hockey fans can fulfill the dream of seeing the NHL’s best and brightest stars battle it out on the ice.