It’s not often that the concepts of supply and demand are laid out as clearly as the differing directions in ticket prices between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders.
While the Flyers are using the NHL’s rising salary cap as a reason (or excuse?) to raise season ticket prices, Chris Botta reports that the Islanders are likely to acknowledge the last few defeat-heavy seasons by lowering theirs.
(The team provides a guide to next season’s ticket prices as well as the different perks and benefits season ticket holders can expect for the 2011-12 season.)
Islanders tickets holders will have a good idea of the price drops and changes from this season to next, but Botta translates them in this post.- The recent 20% reduction of over-the counter prices, instituted after the Islanders’ early-season swoon took them essentially out of the playoff race by early December, is likely to remain in place for the 2011-12 season.
- Season ticket pricing plans will be significantly discounted. Contrary to a theory posted here on Saturday night, it does not appear the franchise will ask buyers to put down money early this spring in order to get the best prices. Good.
- After seeing their benefits reduced over the last few seasons, Islanders full season subscribers can expect a menu of highly creative and enticing goodies to choose from if they renew or sign up.
- Additional fan-friendly ticket plans and promotions are also in the works.
The Islanders have been dealing with a mostly down last few years, especially this season - including the way they interacted with Botta himself. The organization seems like it’s flailing in the wind a bit being that it seems like the Lighthouse Project in shambles, but earning back the hearts of its remaining fans would certainly be helpful.
While the team remains in the NHL’s cellar, there have been signs of life in Long Island here and there. Perhaps the Islanders can make it tougher for fans from Quebec to storm their barn next season by courting potential new (or returning) fans a little closer to home.
It’s not like they have much of a choice, anyway.
