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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
 Posted - 08/28/2009 : 08:21:05
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Poll Question:
Okay, the ongoing poll/debate over the Gold Medal or Stanley Cup has brought me to this. I tried in vain to get Olympic Gold Medal Tickets for hockey and missed. I even tried to be not so greedy and ask for 2 and not the 4 you could request. Even tried "B" level tickets (mid range, there's A, B and C which are the upper uppers/nose bleeds). Well, while i got none, a close friend of mine got 4 A tickets! They were $550 a piece (or thereabouts) and his wife got mad at him for spending $2000+ dollars she felt they couldn't afford. Well, once she heard that they could be sold for $5000 EACH (seen them on Craigslist for upwards of $7000 from a broker), she obviously calmed down. He's considered selling two to make a bunch of money and he and his wife go with the other two but he's also considered selling two (one to me) at cost to friends so they can go? Guess what i'm hoping for, although i can't blame him if he "scalps" them!
My question is this....what would you do? Keep'em and go to a POSSIBLE once in a lifetime game, or sell'em and watch it on tv with friends or at the pub (with a whack of money to buy drinks )??? To make this more interesting, cuz i think most would prob sell two and keep two, let's assume you only have 2!
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Matt_Roberts85
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
936 Posts |
Posted - 08/28/2009 : 10:33:29
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correct me if im wrong, but I dont beleive you can just buy Hockey tickets. In order to get hockey tickets you have to purchase a package that consists of several different events. I think they are broken down into groups as well. Ex - Gold Medal Package.
You would have to buy gold medal tickets to speed skating, bobsledding, skiing and hockey. Something like that. I dont think you can just buy for one specific event.
On top of that you dont actually get tickets (again correct me if im wrong but this is what ive heard), you get a pass that will allow you into all of the events that you have purchased.
So if someone is scalping tickets, they are selling their access to everything they have bought. Can anyone else confirm or deny all of this?
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E". |
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leigh
Moderator
Canada
1755 Posts |
Posted - 08/28/2009 : 11:00:56
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I have 4 tickets to the men's hockey semi-finals. I got mine through the Olympic lottery system late last year (the only way to get tickets 6 months ago) Basically everyone had to sign up online and choose the types of tickets they want. Like Matt Roberts said, you could select package deals, or you could do what I did and just select individual events and the quality-level of tickets (A, B or C - or cascading based on availability in order of preference)
Then all the names went into a lottery and winners were picked. If you were picked your credit card was charged automatically - sorry no refunds. I ended up getting only the tickets for 1 of the 2 men's semi-finals, although I also applied for the men's finals and the women's finals. I've heard of people getting everything they applied for and getting charged tens of thousands of dollars (they didn't think they'd get everything) and on the flip side I know people that applied for tons of events and got nothing. I feel pretty fortunate to get my 4 tix!
Now as for Alex 116's question. I'm not sure how you tried to get your tickets, or how your pal got his, but if I were him I'd raise the "minimum" price to $1100 each so that if he decided to sell 2 of his tickets he'd cover his costs for all 4 tickets. It's still a great deal for his buddies and they should appreciate that he needs to cover his costs. This has the added bonus of keeping his wife happy because they didn't lose money - and we all know that keeping your wife happy is of paramount importance.
Personally I'd probably sell to friends (maybe at a better rate) but admittedly $5K per ticket, if you can get it, is pretty tempting. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 08/28/2009 : 14:38:05
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Here it is, plain and simple. If I had 2 tickets, I would not sell either. I would go to the game. If I had 4 tickets, I absolutely would sell two of them and not to friends.
A) Which might be surprising to some, I have more than 2 friends, how to I pick which two friends get the tickets??
B) I could not overcharge my friends or else they really wouldn't be friends would they??
Yes, I would definately sell 2 of them for the $5000 to $7000. That pays for my trip to Vancouver 100% and then some.
However, if I have 2 tickets, I do not give up that chance to be there for just about anything. |
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just1n
PickupHockey Pro
282 Posts |
Posted - 08/28/2009 : 15:09:11
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If I had tried to get Gold Medal tickets, I don't see how you would not have scalping in the back of your mind. I dislike scalping in general, but in this case if you can get several grand for an event that lasts 2.5 hrs, it'd probably be hard to say no to. I'm not sure what I would do if I had a pair of those tickets tho, tough call! Hold out to see who makes the final??
I managed to get a pair of tix to a qualifier and a prelim game, I figured those would be in less demand and I would have a better chance of getting something. Stoked I'll get to see a couple games at least... |
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redneck76ca
Rookie
186 Posts |
Posted - 08/28/2009 : 15:56:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Here it is, plain and simple. If I had 2 tickets, I would not sell either. I would go to the game. If I had 4 tickets, I absolutely would sell two of them and not to friends.
A) Which might be surprising to some, I have more than 2 friends, how to I pick which two friends get the tickets??
B) I could not overcharge my friends or else they really wouldn't be friends would they??
Yes, I would definately sell 2 of them for the $5000 to $7000. That pays for my trip to Vancouver 100% and then some.
However, if I have 2 tickets, I do not give up that chance to be there for just about anything.
I agree with you on this one, Beans. |
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Alex
PickupHockey All-Star
Canada
2816 Posts |
Posted - 08/28/2009 : 16:23:39
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Might be heresy to say this on a hockey website, but for goodness sake there is much more to life than hockey. Even the Olympic final. So I'm calling all of you out on this one who said keep the tickets.
Number of things.
1) Who says Canada even makes the final? Boy would it suck major you-know-what to pay for the ''privilege'' of watching Russia duke Sweden for gold.
2) $5000 is a hell of a lot of money. Especially in today's economy. One night of entertainment for that much money? Don't think so. Especially considering you won't miss watching the game assuming you have a T.V. set.
3) I know, I know, the ''camaraderie'' just isn't there celebrating Olympic gold in your living room. Well, imagine Canada wins Olympic gold and you're in the rink. Dream scenario, of course. However, past the O Canada, the medal ceremony, and the pictures you'll snap for Facebook, there isn't much. Evening is over at about midnight. You're stranded in Vancouver with one person you know.
If you're at home you can bring the whole neighborhood over. You can watch the game with all your friends, pass around the beers, put your arm around your girl, the whole thing. When the game's over you'll obviously toss back a few more beers, watch the medal ceremony, all that. But the night's just begun. Then you hop with your in the car and drive downtown to hit the streets with your friends around. Sure you could do the same in Vancouver with total strangers, but personally, that would get tiring after about an hour. With your friends you could legitimately party all night.
4) Anyone willing to compromise relations with their better half over a hockey game needs to give their head a shake. Not to mention you're taking time off work (you only get so much vacation time), and giving up thousands of dollars to maybe possibly see Canada play for Gold, which you could easily do from the comfort of your couch or neighborhood tavern.
The choice is obvious boys. I know what I do if I'm lucky enough to land tickets.
As an aside... Probably the best way to sell tickets would be once the Olympics have already started. If you can find a fan of a finalist country that will be able to make it to the game on short notice, that's easy money. Given Canada's odds, shouldn't be too hard. But even if they don't make the final, I'm sure there are tons of Swedes or Russians in the Vancouver area that would kill for a pair of tickets. And pay through the nose, too. |
Edited by - Alex on 08/28/2009 16:25:37 |
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Axey
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
877 Posts |
Posted - 08/30/2009 : 10:11:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex
Might be heresy to say this on a hockey website, but for goodness sake there is much more to life than hockey. Even the Olympic final. So I'm calling all of you out on this one who said keep the tickets.
Number of things.
1) Who says Canada even makes the final? Boy would it suck major you-know-what to pay for the ''privilege'' of watching Russia duke Sweden for gold.
2) $5000 is a hell of a lot of money. Especially in today's economy. One night of entertainment for that much money? Don't think so. Especially considering you won't miss watching the game assuming you have a T.V. set.
3) I know, I know, the ''camaraderie'' just isn't there celebrating Olympic gold in your living room. Well, imagine Canada wins Olympic gold and you're in the rink. Dream scenario, of course. However, past the O Canada, the medal ceremony, and the pictures you'll snap for Facebook, there isn't much. Evening is over at about midnight. You're stranded in Vancouver with one person you know.
If you're at home you can bring the whole neighborhood over. You can watch the game with all your friends, pass around the beers, put your arm around your girl, the whole thing. When the game's over you'll obviously toss back a few more beers, watch the medal ceremony, all that. But the night's just begun. Then you hop with your in the car and drive downtown to hit the streets with your friends around. Sure you could do the same in Vancouver with total strangers, but personally, that would get tiring after about an hour. With your friends you could legitimately party all night.
4) Anyone willing to compromise relations with their better half over a hockey game needs to give their head a shake. Not to mention you're taking time off work (you only get so much vacation time), and giving up thousands of dollars to maybe possibly see Canada play for Gold, which you could easily do from the comfort of your couch or neighborhood tavern.
The choice is obvious boys. I know what I do if I'm lucky enough to land tickets.
As an aside... Probably the best way to sell tickets would be once the Olympics have already started. If you can find a fan of a finalist country that will be able to make it to the game on short notice, that's easy money. Given Canada's odds, shouldn't be too hard. But even if they don't make the final, I'm sure there are tons of Swedes or Russians in the Vancouver area that would kill for a pair of tickets. And pay through the nose, too.
Evening ends around midnight? The evening is just beginning around midnight my son. Can you imagine the after parties in Vancouver if Canada wins gold? As for the 'Anyone willing to compromise relations with their better half over a hockey game needs to give their head a shake,' you live once.. money isn't everything and if she is your better half will understand that the olympics happen only so often and could be the only time they happen in your country!
If I had a wife I would sell her for a ticket. Jokes of course |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 08/31/2009 : 08:28:58
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Alex....interesting points, you too Beans. Axey, no wife huh? What about a girlfriend? If you have a g/f, post a pic and i'll forward it to my buddy to see if he's interested in parting with one of his tix !!! Then again, his wife prob wouldn't be too psyched!
I knew this would be a tough question. Well, maybe not tough actually. Most seem pretty sure of their answer but i knew it be a debate for sure!
Alex, i've spoken to him about your point about selling at the right time! I keep telling him to wait till after the semi's and sell. If i had tix to sell, i'd be assuming/hoping that Canada at least made the semi's. However, would i be willing to take the chance that they lose to Sweden (or whoever) in the semi's and have to find a Swede or Russian to sell to? I'm sure there's gonna be fans of all teams here but maybe not to the point that you'd make "1000's" compared to the demand there would be for tix from Canadians if we in fact make it. After thinking about it and talking to friends this weekend, i'd prob sell now if i could. How much more will a ticket go for just before the gold medal game? If i could get 20k for 4 right now, i'd have to consider. What would they be worth IF Canada makes the final? 25k? 30k? Big risk to take considering we've only made one of the past 3 finals (since NHLers were used).
Regardless, i certainly wouldn't call anyone crazy for doing either (selling or keeping). It's a personal option where there really isn't a right or wrong. I honestly don't know what my buddy's gonna do but i can tell you this. If he does decide to offer me one, i will def do what Leigh mentioned and that would be to pay him for his as well as mine!
Matt....Leigh was correct about the ticket lottery. I tried for a bunch of events and only got two tix to the closing ceremonies, which i'll prob sell. As for the tickets, you do get actual tickets, but not till Dec. Here's a paragraph from an email rec'd not long ago: Thank you for purchasing tickets to the 2010 Winter Games. Your colourful and collectible souvenir tickets will be delivered to you in December 2009/January 2010 by secure Purolator Courier. You will receive an e-mail later this year which will include more specific information as to when you can expect the delivery of your tickets.
I've heard of people selling in advance and having to get a lawyer do up a contract promising the tickets, etc. Most are getting a deposit from the purchaser and having the contract signed with balance owing at time of ticket delivery.
Leigh, i have a buddy who had 6 visa's registered through the ticket lottery. His, his wife, wife's mom, dad, etc.... He rec'd over $60,000 in various tickets! Didn't get the gold hockey though, and boy was he pissed when he heard my other friend did! The guy who got the $60,000+ worth is basically a scalper. He travels all over to big events buying and selling tickets! Goes to Europe for the big soccer tourneys and makes a pretty good living. |
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deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 08/31/2009 : 17:59:35
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First, a complaint: I really, really don't like the fact that you guys entered a lottery to be able to buy tickets, knowing you were going to at least sell some if not most of them. It's dishonest, and it pushes up the prices for these events to hights unattainable for the regular Joe. And, it goes against the whole idea of why the lottery is held in the first place - you, the regular Joe, are able to get a seat for regular price! How cool is that?
That being said . . . I understand the compelling reasons why, and don't want you to get the idea that I condemn you totally for it. Just goes against the entire supposed Olympic ideal, don't you think? I don't buy into all the fake morality that is sold to us with every Olympics . . . but couldn't some people win a ticket to a quarter-final game, have it turn out to be say Finland vs. the Czechs, and still go and enjoy yourself for the love of the sport?
Ok, those are my thoughts . . . and if I won four tickets to a semi-final or final, it would depend on who is playing. Even after my little morality speech, I have to be truthful with myself . . . so:
If it's 4 tickets to the gold medal game, and Canada is in it? I take me and three of my buddies to go see the game, whoever can pay for the airfare there goes with me. They pay what I paid and it's a memory we never forget, especially if we win. If it's two tickets, me and my buddy go.
If it's 4 tickets to the gold medal game and no Canada? I go with one buddy, maybe even the wife, and we scalp the other two tickets, paying for most everything probably. If it's two tickets . . . I think I still go.
Yeah, I'd just have to go.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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leigh
Moderator
Canada
1755 Posts |
Posted - 08/31/2009 : 18:28:37
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
First, a complaint: I really, really don't like the fact that you guys entered a lottery to be able to buy tickets, knowing you were going to at least sell some if not most of them. It's dishonest, and it pushes up the prices for these events to hights unattainable for the regular Joe. And, it goes against the whole idea of why the lottery is held in the first place - you, the regular Joe, are able to get a seat for regular price! How cool is that?
That being said . . . I understand the compelling reasons why, and don't want you to get the idea that I condemn you totally for it. Just goes against the entire supposed Olympic ideal, don't you think? I don't buy into all the fake morality that is sold to us with every Olympics . . . but couldn't some people win a ticket to a quarter-final game, have it turn out to be say Finland vs. the Czechs, and still go and enjoy yourself for the love of the sport?
Ok, those are my thoughts . . . and if I won four tickets to a semi-final or final, it would depend on who is playing. Even after my little morality speech, I have to be truthful with myself . . . so:
If it's 4 tickets to the gold medal game, and Canada is in it? I take me and three of my buddies to go see the game, whoever can pay for the airfare there goes with me. They pay what I paid and it's a memory we never forget, especially if we win. If it's two tickets, me and my buddy go.
If it's 4 tickets to the gold medal game and no Canada? I go with one buddy, maybe even the wife, and we scalp the other two tickets, paying for most everything probably. If it's two tickets . . . I think I still go.
Yeah, I'd just have to go.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
Slozo, you are all over the map with this reply. I have no clue where you stand, other than everywhere....you're holding, you're scalping, you're giving, you're profiting....you're just confused (said in jest of course) |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 08/31/2009 : 18:36:54
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Ah that's just Slozo. Different thoughts for different situations. I gotta respect a guy that covers all his bases.
I agree with most of what Slozo has written actually. With the exception of if Canada is in and I have 4 tickets. Again, I can only assume that you have more buddies than tickets, so how do you choose?? I know you said who ever can pay for the airfare, but what if 8 guys say they can?? Who goes???
I would almost think that the atmosphere in Vancouver at a local sports bar would be pretty friggin cool as well. I mean, maybe scalp all 4 for 20 large, charter a jet and take all your friends(and even some non friends) to Vancouver for the week end.
In the end, I sell 2 tickets (waiting until the last minute and getting more than likely $10 large if Canada is in) and my wife and I have our butts in the other 2 seats.
On another note, I complete agree with Slozo's point on people's shameless attempt at hoarding tickets for profit. I think there is a huge difference in a guy selling a couple of tickets for profit compared to a guy with dozens of tickets doing some scheme to get his hands on as many as he could. |
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deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 08/31/2009 : 19:06:53
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Yeah, I know I am all over the place here Leigh . . . but that is life. I gave my answers, so how can you say I am all over the place?!?
Beans - I'll answer your question. Because, I have three other solid friends, with a fourth who would swoop in in a second if one of the guys couldn't make it, who would be all over this. That is, I have a good situation friend-wise, where I wouldn't be snubbing anyone by choosing my top three, with one or two subs if the other guys didn't have cash, time, etc.
The problem with my "morality" speech is . . . it's easy to say this as a guy who can afford this sort of trip once a year. I wouldn't have to particularly scrounge and save, although my wife would surely bug me about it to no end - but she'd recognise how 'once in a lifetime' it would be as well, as much as she may not fully appreciate hockey.
The thing is, I know a lot of you are not in the same boat . . . and no shame in that. A lot of you are young here, even teenagers, and there's all sorts of different situations which would give it a different twist.
I'll tell you one thing though: if I got a ticket to ANY of the games Latvia was playing, I have the contacts to be able to sell them for a very, very high price . . . and it'd be damn tempting to scalp the two and watch from home. But I would just have to go . . . I really feel that in the end, despite the fact I have to take an expensive flight, I'd go with a buddy.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 08/31/2009 : 23:42:52
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Well, to each their own. My wife is possibly a bigger fan of hockey than I am. Maybe not as vocal or outspoken, but she complete loves the game. I wouldn't even think about who would be in the seat beside me.
And I guess that's a problem on my side. If I had 3 tickets available, I could think of at least 10 of the boys that would jump at them and a few more than would back fill if needed.
I couldn't nor wouldn't choose. |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2009 : 07:51:31
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| Slozo, i hear what you're saying about scalping and what not. However, as much as it may raise the ticket prices (having to purchase from a scalper), i think the way the Olympic committee did it is about as fair as possible? I can't think of any other way that would have been more fair? My buddy who got the $60k worth of tix could get stuck with some or may be selling a ton of them for face value (a real waste of his time). He didn't get ANY gold medal hockey tix which most consider the most valuable. I think he got some openning ceremonies (which people say will sell pretty well) though? Regardless, it's not a business i particularly like either, but i'm not about to ditch a friend of 25 years because i don't like the current job he holds. I do understand where you're coming from but in reality, these guys are sure to be around forever. |
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deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2009 : 09:51:08
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Glad you mentioned that, Alex116 - I do, in fact, have a more equitable and fair plan.
When holding the lottery for these tickets, I would properly inform each person entering that for whatever tickets they win, they will have to register the tickets to a certain name. The tickets would be given out at the site, and only to the person attached to the ticket.
They would probably have to do it so that once you win, you have so many days before the event (say, up to a week or so before the event) to register a name, one of them yours, to the tickets you "won" (of course, you still have to pay for them). Then, when the event happens, you go to a ticket pick-up booth, you all show your ID to get your ticket and pay for it, and you enter for your event.
In the case for no-shows, or wrong person (ie - someone tried to sneak in as another person) these tickets would be sold to a seperate line of walk-ups, waiting for cancellations and last-minute tickets.
All of a sudden, the place is actually filled with people who want to see the events they rolled the dice for, and no one scalped the tickets (well, there will always be some scalped, ways around it, but far less you understand). And, some other lucky walk-ins who waited in line for an hour got a chance to see an Olympic event.
It's win-win, I tell ya!
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2009 : 11:36:09
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Slozo....this might help, but it certainly wouldn't solve the problem completely as far as i can see. I mean, i could sell 2 of my 4 and simply have the people pay me in advance (with contract signed) and have them come to the game to pick up tix with me. It may be a little more risky and deter some, but surely it's not foolproof. Only way i could see it done is if they make you register names MUCH MUCH earlier, maybe even when you enter the lottery? Let's say i request 4 tickets? Obviously i can't use all 4 so i must have an idea of who i'm gonna take? Problem there i guess would be, i register me, you, Beans and my g/f (sorry, i'd have to invite her) and you and Beans both get tix too?
I know there's gotta be a way to do it to do an even better job than VANOC has but it's a step in the right direction. |
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deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 04:22:57
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Trust me Alex116, it would help a lot. As I said there would still be some scalping, but very little.
Think about your arrangement to pay in advance and register early and all that with some stranger you don't know . . . almost assuredly is not going to happen. Pretty much the only way it happens is you do it for friends . . . which will mean in the end that you are probably, at most, only putting a bit of a surcharge on top of the ticket cost. I wouldn't consider this scalping . . . one must remember that the term was invented to give you an idea of how large a price gouge the seller was getting!
Making people register the names too early is too restrictive, in my mind, and there'd be no need for it. Maybe two weeks before the event (effectively, before the Olympics start, since it's only about two weeks long anyways I think).
Btw - I think that the base ticket price, you quoted $550 or so - that is ALREADY price gouging. A totally ridiculous price for a one time event, and one which forces even guys like me - I want to do the right thing, I absolutely love hockey, and I am not poor - to compromise my morals by potentially selling some tickets to balance out the outrageous cost of the tickets.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 07:50:00
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Slozo's idea would definately reduce the 'scalper sales' but nothing would stop them 100%.
The only issue with the idea is the administration and cost of it. Without having any ideas on the numbers, it's a fair to say the cost would increase. Unless they accepted crazy long line ups and more time to get into the events with ID's required they would need more staff. They would need more staff(or technology) to inform everyone and track who has what ticket and who's name was on what ticket.
All of this would increase the overall cost, which would be passed along to Joe Fan in ticket price.
So, if the goal is to keep ticket prices down, we are not going to be successful. However, if the goal is to dump the scalper on his junk then it would work significantly better than what's happening today. |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 07:51:37
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Slozo....totally agree that $550 is gouging to begin with. Not entirely surprised by the price, but still think it's high.
As for the "registering" a name, i still think that potential buyers would be willing to do so at these ridiculous prices, especially if it were only two weeks prior to the games. The closer it is, the easier it would be to get someone to commit, be it through a contract signed with lawyers or other means. When you say that registering a strangers name "almost assuredly is not going to happen", well, isn't that the whole point? Trying to negate the ability for someone to scalp a ticket was what we were talking about, no?
The important thing to remember is that these people buying the tickets at ridiculously high prices (say 4k-5k) can afford it. They can afford the tix and they can afford the risk to register and/or the legal fees to go after someone if the deal falls through. Maybe there's a couple of crazy die hards who'd spend that kinda and not really be able to affod to, but i have to think that most people are somewhat wealthy and 5k is to them is more like 500 to the average guy!
The whole thing with registering a "stranger" doesn't seem so far fetched to me. It's really not much different than what's happening now as far as these buyers/sellers getting together and signing legal documents for the exchange of money for tickets. |
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Olympic Tix.... 
