Just ordered my passport - playoff ticket question

[Ice]

I wasn't sure where to start this being mildly hockey related so I started it here.

I just purchased my passport last week since its now required for air travel in to Canada.

I'm trying to plan a trip to Calgary for the first round of the playoffs. I have never been to Alberta, I'm seeking advice of where to stay reasonably close to the Saddledome. Also, how likely it is I could purchase playoff tickets since I assume those games sell out pretty quickly and I'm geographically inconvenient for a box office camp out? Depending on the Flames' first round opponent my goal is to go to every game in that round.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Flames in 07]

you can buy any ticket to any sporting event. Just a matter of cost.

Expect about $300 per ticket to get in the door. You can find scalpers at the Stampede LRT station.

For hotels, anything downtown is best, grab a LRT map from Calgary Transit. Everything downtown is within walking distance of a LRT station, which goes to the dome.

Also, when you pick up the weather forcast, it could me much warmer or colder than the forecast. So plan for a wide range of weather.

[Ice]

I'm weary about taking a chance on scalpers. If I'm gonna fly up there and back several times, I want to know I have a seat. This might seem like a stupid question, but - - Is there even a chance of buying tickets on Ticketmaster?

Sounds like renting a car is not necessary, is that a safe assumption?

[KevanGuy]

My experience is that Ticketmaster is only an option on game days when tickets are released at a specific time.

If you are just going to the games a car isnt necessary.

[BlackArcher101]

Just curious, where are you flying from?

[Resolute 14]

Your best hope of having tickets ahead of time would be to contact the Flames and let them know where you are coming from, that it would be your first trip, etc. They likely would not get you tickets to all 3 or 4 games, but might be able to get you into one game.

Ticketmaster.ca is a possibility, but tickets will go fast. Ticketmaster also releases tickets throughout the day on game days as reserved seats are released. Finally, scalpers, unfortunately.

[OilersBaby]

Can you get playoff tix through ticketbrokers like stubhub?

[jar_e]

Ebay is always another option...atleast you know you'll have seats before you fly down.

[JayP]

Originally Posted by OilersBaby

Can you get playoff tix through ticketbrokers like stubhub?

I'm sure you probably could, but I'm sure the prices would be equivilant to that of scalpers. It's hard to say until the playoffs hit though.

[Ice]

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

Just curious, where are you flying from?

Ideally, I'll be flying from the city of the first round opponent. So, if its the Sharks, I'll fly back and forth between San Jose and Calgary. A friend and I are trying to figure out exactly how much money we're going to need for this little hockey dream trip.

[ken0042]

I think he meant "where do you live?"

ie- what are the chances the Flames would pull some strings to get you tickets.

[Ice]

OH, I live in West L.A. Unfortunately, way out of Calgary's market.