The Stanley Cup Final is the championship series to determine the winner of the Stanley Cup, awarded annually to the championship team of the National Hockey League (NHL). As one of the most prestigious championships in professional sports, ticket demand for the Stanley Cup Final is extremely high. However, with some preparation and persistence, you can greatly improve your chances of securing tickets to see the Stanley Cup Final live.
When and where is the Stanley Cup Final held?
The Stanley Cup Final is held annually in late May through early June. The series is a best-of-seven format, meaning the first team to win four games takes home the Stanley Cup.
The games alternate between the home arenas of the two teams who advance through the NHL’s Eastern and Western Conference playoffs. Specific dates and venues are not determined until the two teams have been decided.
How can I get tickets to Stanley Cup Final games?
There are a few main options for getting Stanley Cup Final tickets:
- Buy directly from the NHL – A limited number of tickets are sold through the NHL website and box office. However, these tickets are generally very expensive and sell out almost instantly.
- Team ticket presales – Season ticket holders and fans registered with each team have access to presale opportunities before the general public.
- Resell sites – Tickets are resold on secondary marketplaces like StubHub, VividSeats, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster.
- Ticket brokers – Large ticket brokers often have ticket allotments for championship events like the Stanley Cup. You can search brokers online or find one locally.
- In-person at the venue – A small number of last minute tickets may be sold directly at the box office on game day, though often at very high prices.
When should I buy Stanley Cup Final tickets?
You’ll want to secure tickets as early as possible, as prices tend to rise exponentially the closer you get to game day. Here are some tips on timing:
- As soon as they go on sale – Tickets directly from the NHL and team presales generally go on sale 1-2 weeks before the first game. These sell out fast, but are your best chance at face value prices.
- After conference finals – Once the matchup is set, the best seat selection is available on resell sites. Prices also tend to be lower at this point versus closer to the series.
- 1-2 weeks before game day – Last minute deals can sometimes be found as sellers drop prices. But you risk inventory selling out, so it’s a gamble.
- Day before or day of – Prices are highest at this point, but it’s your last chance to buy. Be ready to pay a premium.
Acting early is key, as waiting too long risks ticket prices rising or inventory selling out completely.
Where to Buy Stanley Cup Final Tickets
Here are some of the best places to shop for Stanley Cup Final tickets:
NHL Ticket Exchange
The NHL Ticket Exchange is the official ticket marketplace of the NHL. A small portion of tickets are sold here directly through the league. These are all legitimate, verified tickets. The major downside is that quantity is extremely limited.
Team Websites
Season ticket holders for the two Stanley Cup Final teams are often able to buy additional single game tickets during presales. Checking the official team websites frequently is important, as presale windows are generally short. You must have a presale code or season ticket holder account to access these presales.
StubHub
StubHub is one of the largest secondary ticket marketplaces operating today. It’s a reliable source for premium events like the Stanley Cup Final. Just be prepared for large markups over face value pricing.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Large selection of ticket listings | Prices much higher than face value |
Established trustworthy site | Must pay seller and buyer fees |
Lots of seating options | No face value ticket deals |
Vivid Seats
VividSeats is a large secondary ticket seller similar to StubHub. They have a frequently updated inventory of Stanley Cup Final tickets. You can shop by specific section and row if looking for certain seats. Expect to pay above face value.
SeatGeek
SeatGeek is another popular ticket reseller, though generally has less inventory and higher prices than StubHub or VividSeats for major events. However, it’s still worth checking SeatGeek for last minute Stanley Cup tickets.
Craigslist
Craigslist can actually be a surprisingly decent source of Stanley Cup tickets from local sellers. Just be very wary of scams and fake tickets. Meet in person and verify tickets before paying. Legitimate deals can sometimes be found here.
eBay
Similar to Craigslist, eBay is hit or miss for event tickets. But you may luck into a good deal from an honest seller unloading tickets last minute. Double check the tickets and seller reviews before purchasing.
Ticket Brokers
There are a number of large ticket brokerages that acquire inventory for big events like the Stanley Cup Final. While brokers carry hefty fees, they can sometimes provide access to tickets that are hard to find elsewhere this close to event date.
Facebook Ticket Groups
Joining team specific or NHL ticket groups on Facebook can allow you to connect directly with fans looking to sell extra tickets. This local, peer-to-peer market is ideal for deals. Just use proper precautions when meeting strangers online.
Outside the Venue
The riskiest but sometimes most rewarding source of tickets can be scalpers or resellers standing outside the arena before and of games. This should be a last resort, however, as you will pay a huge premium and have no recourse if sold fake or invalid tickets.
Tips for Buying Stanley Cup Final Tickets
Use these tips to help locate the best Stanley Cup Final tickets at the fairest prices:
- Start looking for tickets as soon as the Stanley Cup matchup is set after the conference finals. Earlier is better.
- Be flexible on which games you attend if possible based on price and availability.
- Consider seats a few rows or sections back from the glass for substantial savings versus lower bowl premium seats.
- Don’t limit yourself to a single sales source. Check multiple sites for best pricing and inventory.
- Set budget alerts on Ticketmaster and other resell sites to be notified if ticket prices drop.
- Join fan forums and Facebook groups to connect with fans directly selling tickets.
- Comparison shop across sites to confirm you’re getting a fair market price.
- If buying from an unknown seller, use PayPal Goods & Services for purchase protection.
- Buying with a credit card provides additional protection against fraudulent sales.
- Thoroughly verify ticket barcodes and security features to ensure authenticity.
With preparation and persistence, you can hopefully secure tickets at a reasonable price to see the Stanley Cup Final live. It takes effort, but the experience of attending this epic championship series is truly special for any hockey fan.
How Much Do Stanley Cup Final Tickets Cost?
Stanley Cup Final ticket prices can vary substantially depending on the specific game, teams playing, seat location, and more. Some general price ranges:
Seat Location | Average Price Range |
---|---|
Upper Level Corner | $200 – $500+ |
Upper Level Side | $300 – $800 |
Upper Level Center | $400 – $1000+ |
Lower Level Corner | $500 – $1200+ |
Lower Level Side | $600 – $1500+ |
Lower Level Center | $800 – $2000+ |
Glass Seats | $1200+ |
Keep in mind prices can go substantially higher for Stanley Cup clinching games or rival matchups. Don’t delay as prices tend to increase exponentially as you get closer to game dates!
Factors Impacting Stanley Cup Ticket Prices
Several key factors can influence Stanley Cup Final ticket prices:
- Matchup – Big market teams like Montreal, Toronto, New York, etc. drive prices up. Rivalries also hike prices.
- Clincher potential – Tickets for a potential series clinching game often cost 2-3x a normal game.
- Day of week – Weekend games are more in demand and expensive than weekday games.
- Seat location – Lower bowl center ice seats fetch the highest premiums.
- Stanley Cup history – Teams vying for first ever championship or long drought see massive demand.
- Timing – Prices trend up leading to event. Buying early saves money.
Understanding what makes tickets expensive helps you budget and search for deals. Being flexible on teams, dates, and seating can yield big savings.
Conclusion
The thrill of attending a live Stanley Cup Final game is a dream for many hockey purists. With sky high demand, getting your hands on Stanley Cup tickets requires preparation, persistence, flexibility, and a little luck. Know all your buying options, use timing to your advantage, comparison shop aggressively, and be wary of scams. While not easy, with effort devoted fans can hopefully experience the energy and excitement that only hockey’s greatest championship series can deliver.