Going to an NHL game can be an exciting experience for hockey fans, but ticket prices can be expensive. For fans on a budget, finding the most affordable options is key. The cheapest places to see an NHL game depends on several factors – the local cost of living, the popularity and success of the team, the size and amenities of the arena, and special discounts or deals that may be available. By comparing average ticket prices across NHL cities, insights can be gained into the most budget-friendly hockey markets.
Average NHL Ticket Prices by City
The average cost of an NHL ticket varies widely across the league’s 31 teams. Generally, teams in large metropolitan markets with new arenas and successful, popular teams have the highest average ticket costs. Teams in smaller markets with older arenas or less successful teams typically have lower average ticket prices.
According to data from Statista on the average NHL ticket prices for the 2019-2020 season, the cheapest NHL tickets could be found in:
Team | City | Arena | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|---|---|
Florida Panthers | Miami | BB&T Center | $36 |
Arizona Coyotes | Glendale | Gila River Arena | $37 |
Carolina Hurricanes | Raleigh | PNC Arena | $42 |
The Florida Panthers had the lowest average ticket price last season at just $36. The Arizona Coyotes and Carolina Hurricanes rounded out the three cheapest NHL teams to see live, with average ticket prices of $37 and $42 respectively.
Meanwhile, the most expensive NHL tickets for 2019-2020 were found in:
Team | City | Arena | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|---|---|
Toronto Maple Leafs | Toronto | Scotiabank Arena | $123 |
New York Rangers | New York City | Madison Square Garden | $100 |
Boston Bruins | Boston | TD Garden | $91 |
The Toronto Maple Leafs topped the league with an astronomical average ticket price of $123. The New York Rangers and Boston Bruins had the next most expensive tickets, averaging $100 and $91 respectively.
So why can fans find the most affordable NHL tickets in cities like Miami, Glendale and Raleigh? And what causes the steep prices in Toronto, New York and Boston?
Factors Impacting NHL Ticket Prices
Several factors account for the wide variations in NHL ticket prices from city to city:
Team Performance and Popularity
Successful teams that contend for the Stanley Cup annually tend to have much higher demand and more expensive tickets. Perennial contenders like the Maple Leafs, Rangers, and Bruins can command premium ticket prices from their loyal, engaged fanbases. Less successful clubs that rarely make the playoffs struggle to fill seats and must discount tickets to attract fans.
Arena Size and Amenities
Newer arenas with luxury suites, premium concessions and seating areas allow teams to maximize revenue through variable ticket pricing. The Panthers, Coyotes and Hurricanes all play in older, smaller-capacity arenas with fewer amenities that preclude premium ticket prices.
Cost of Living
NHL cities with a lower cost of living and less disposable income among residents tend to have cheaper tickets. For example, Raleigh, Glendale and Miami all rank among the most affordable US metro areas, enabling their teams to price tickets accordingly.
Population and Competition
Smaller metro areas with fewer pro sports alternatives allow NHL teams to cultivate more loyal fanbases. Larger cities with multiple pro teams spread fan interest and ticket sales across baseball, basketball, football and hockey franchises.
Best Ways to Find Cheap NHL Tickets
While some NHL cities offer cheap tickets on average, savings can also be found in expensive hockey markets by being flexible and savvy. Here are some of the best ways to get affordable tickets to an NHL game in any city:
Buy Single Game Tickets Early
Once the NHL schedule is released each summer, single game tickets go on sale directly through team box offices and websites. Buying early ensures access to the lowest-priced ticket inventory before it sells out. This requires flexibility on dates and being willing to attend a lower-demand game against a weaker opponent on a weeknight.
Look for Promotions and Discounts
Many teams offer specially-priced ticket packs, student/military discounts, partial season ticket plans and other promotions to drive sales and fill seats for less popular games. Signing up for team email newsletters is a good way to stay informed of special deals as they are announced.
Purchase Resale Tickets
Sites like StubHub and SeatGeek provide a robust secondary market for NHL tickets being resold below face value. Prices typically drop up until the day of the game as sellers scramble to recoup some money. Strike on game day for the best deals, but be prepared to act fast.
Choose Upper Level or Obstructed View Seats
The cheapest available seats are often in the upper deck corners or behind obstructions like pillars or the stage for the game presentation crew. While the view is compromised, major savings can be realized.
Buy as a Group
Many teams offer group ticket rates, allowing you to buy 10+ tickets in bulk at a discount of $5-10 under the single ticket price. Get a group of friends together and pool funds to capitalize on group deals.
Cheapest NHL Games to Attend in 2022-2023
Specific matchups between unattractive opponents or weak drawing teams often represent the best values for bargain NHL tickets this season. Here are some of the cheapest games in the 2022-2023 NHL season:
Florida Panthers
The Panthers offer the league’s cheapest tickets on average, and games vs. non-conference foes like Winnipeg, San Jose, Columbus, and Philadelphia in October and November start under $30. Even marquee opponents like Toronto, Tampa Bay and Boston can be found for under $50.
Arizona Coyotes
In their temporary home at Arizona State’s small arena, Coyotes tickets routinely sell on the secondary market for around $20. December and January games against other bottom feeders like Chicago, Anaheim and San Jose provide great deals for hockey fans in the Phoenix area.
Ottawa Senators
Despite playing in a major hockey market, rebuilding Senators tickets can be snagged for under $40 this season. November games against Arizona and Philadelphia and a January matchup against Anaheim are sure to be plentiful and cheap through resale sites.
New Jersey Devils
After missing the playoffs again last season, the mediocre Devils are struggling to draw fans to the Prudential Center. March games against non-playoff contenders like Anaheim, Arizona, Columbus and Ottawa will have tickets available below $30 all season long.
Getting Cheap NHL Tickets
While some teams consistently offer low prices, cheap NHL tickets can be found for any team by being flexible on dates, seats, and opponents. Buying early, seeking discounts, choosing affordable resale tickets, and sitting in the upper deck or behind obstructions provide ways to experience the NHL at great prices. Consider the cheapest games on the schedule, buy in bulk, and pounce on last-minute deals to land bargains – even in expensive hockey towns. Use smart shopping strategies and getting into an NHL arena for less than you expect is certainly possible.
Conclusion
The Florida Panthers, Arizona Coyotes and Carolina Hurricanes have the most affordable NHL tickets on average, thanks to playing in smaller markets with low costs of living and older, smaller arenas. Big city teams like the Maple Leafs, Rangers and Bruins can command sky-high prices given their strong history, newer facilities and large fanbases. However, even in these expensive cities, fans can find cheap NHL tickets by buying early, being flexible on games, sitting in the upper deck, and monitoring the resale market closely, especially on game day. With the right preparation and planning, catching an NHL game on a budget is achievable across the league’s 31 teams.