Flames increase season tickets prices again! Update: Flames reverse price increase!

[stone hands]

Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee

So I have bad news and bad news. The “perks” (lol) are definitely not worth it because you could buy equivalent (better?) market value seats for probably less than whatever you’re doing as a season ticket holder (that’s the main, fundamental problem the Flames haven’t figured out yet which is weird because their package ticket prices and stubhub suggest otherwise but okay). Season tickets also assume today that owning 41 home season games isn’t the horrendous burden that it is. Specifically- selling games that you can’t make (41 games a season?!?!? Are you ####ing kidding me Flames? You’re also competing against Netflix and comfort couches don’t forget) is almost impossible.

So, Flames ticket holders, out of basically pure loyalty, are being asked to pay on average above market value prices for season long commitments (already at this point this sentence makes no sense from a pure ‘deal’ perspective). and if you can’t in your busy life subscribe at minimum 12% of your annual evenings to Murray Edwards’ and friends floating around extravaganza, you are stuck with (high) sunk costs of season tickets while on the back end they sell multigame packages?

The model is broken. Salary caps rise, players make more money, ticket prices rise, but the value just isn’t there. It’s time fans start to think about the value proposition. Hey. Man. Or woman. You are being ripped off. And if you want to go pay grown men float around- knock yourself out. I’m happy to watch in my house (for free) go to a pub (for free) or be given tickets through work. But, basically, not a ####ing chance I buy tickets to watch these guys listlessly not give a ####. How is it worth any of your time? Crazy to me. And to now get more generous... maybe not worth it to me for 41 locked in games... but every once in awhile? Okay.

How do the Flames look themselves in the mirror with firm commitments of 41 games from season ticket holders and then do absolutely sweet F all for them over 20 years? Honestly borderline white collar crime. The season ticket holders in this city- all of them- are ducking SAINTS, and this entire city owes them a HUGE amount of gratitude for the BS they have put up with over the last 30 years. Any season ticket holder over the last 30 years basically deserves a free season of season tickets next year and what will the Flames do? They’ll offer 1 free hot dog voucher that expires Oct 31 and you have to be a season ticket holder of 20 years to redeem.

The Flames should be astronomically ashamed of how they have treated Flames season ticket holders in this city. The Flames may as well ask them to show up to a meeting and systematically spit in all of their faces. It’s a joke. Plain and simple. It’s insulting. Raise the prices again! Yay! What fun.

there is some insane entitlement here

it's a business, when demand exceeds supply, you jack up the prices. as far as i can see, they are nearly selling out every game this season. if you dont see the value (like i did as a STH), you cancel your tickets and move on, the flames dont owe you anything except a seat at a hockey game

[Resolute 14]

lol at thinking fans aren't looking at the value proposition already. Sorry Coffee, but much of your post comes off as little more than whining about how so many people don't think the same way you do.

We do look at the value proposition. Every year. And for many of us, it's still good enough to justify. I suspect that will remain the case for me until the new building opens and prices like we see in the blacks become a thing of the past.

[CGY12]

The league should mandate ticket price increases with team success (I know never going to happen), then maybe Flames ownership will give a $hit about the product on the ice and winning.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by CGY12

The league should mandate ticket price increases with team success (I know never going to happen), then maybe Flames ownership will give a $hit about the product on the ice and winning.

The product that was the #2 overall team in the NHL last year and is currently in a playoff spot?

[CGY12]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

The product that was the #2 overall team in the NHL last year and is currently in a playoff spot?

And where did #2 overall in the league last year net us? Team isn't built for my definition of winning (April, May, June), which we've seen the last several years, but hey if some fans are happy with the product by all means. Not trying to hijack the thread just saying that the increase in pricing seems ridiculous and not worth it to me.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by CGY12

The league should mandate ticket price increases with team success (I know never going to happen), then maybe Flames ownership will give a $hit about the product on the ice and winning.

As opposed to the tried and true "supply and demand"?

BTW, what has the ownership done to suggest they don't care about winning?

Just because the Flames haven't had a ton of recent success does not mean the owners don't care about winning. They spend to the cap each season, which is more than some teams do.

[CGY12]

Originally Posted by The Cobra

As opposed to the tried and true "supply and demand"?

BTW, what has the ownership done to suggest they don't care about winning?

Just because the Flames haven't had a ton of recent success does not mean the owners don't care about winning. They spend to the cap each season, which is more than some teams do.

The supply and demand will be interesting to see moving forward, with the product on the ice being what it is. Judging by this thread people aren't happy, will be interesting to see what the next couple years look like in terms of renewals and numbers.

Not bringing in proper upper management who can assemble a consistent elite level team in 30 years. Its not about just spending to the cap, its about creating a culture of winning, bringing in management who understand how to build a Stanley Cup caliber team and consistently being one of the threats in the league. Something they've failed to do in 3 decades.

[tvp2003]

Nm

[Jimmy Stang]

I'm not a season ticket holder, but I'm sure my game pack (which I already split with someone) will increase again. I'll probably hang onto it because it means 4 or 5 kid-free nights out with my wife each year, and she enjoys going. I don't have the time or the budget to attend many more than that, but if our $110 night out becomes $115, then so be it.

It is pretty clear that the Flames are going to increase ticket prices at a similar rate until the new rink is done, just to avoid that sticker shock all at once. But I also think that it will be a tough sell for a lot of people. The economy is still sputtering, the political climate in Alberta is unstable, unemployment and job insecurity is rising, companies (and individuals) are cutting spending, etc.

Sure, they can set prices wherever they'd like, but I think that a lot of individuals and companies will be exercising their right to spare that expense and I'm not sure who will be coming in to fill those seats. Of course, a little playoff run could change things a bit, but let's be honest here... the second round of the playoffs is a bit of a unicorn around these parts.

[Jiggy]

Originally Posted by CGY12

The league should mandate ticket price increases with team success (I know never going to happen), then maybe Flames ownership will give a $hit about the product on the ice and winning.

I have it on good authority that the Flames have not made much profit the last decade. There was a few years that the Hitmen were more profitable. Having a team in Canada can be expensive when you have to pay players in USD. Travel for Western teams is more expensive than teams out East. Management, scouts, therapists, doctors, equipment, front line staff...etc all cost money.

[Weitz]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Stang

I'm not a season ticket holder, but I'm sure my game pack (which I already split with someone) will increase again. I'll probably hang onto it because it means 4 or 5 kid-free nights out with my wife each year, and she enjoys going. I don't have the time or the budget to attend many more than that, but if our $110 night out becomes $115, then so be it.

It is pretty clear that the Flames are going to increase ticket prices at a similar rate until the new rink is done, just to avoid that sticker shock all at once. But I also think that it will be a tough sell for a lot of people. The economy is still sputtering, the political climate in Alberta is unstable, unemployment and job insecurity is rising, companies (and individuals) are cutting spending, etc.

Sure, they can set prices wherever they'd like, but I think that a lot of individuals and companies will be exercising their right to spare that expense and I'm not sure who will be coming in to fill those seats. Of course, a little playoff run could change things a bit, but let's be honest here... the second round of the playoffs is a bit of a unicorn around these parts.

There will certainly be a large increase when the new rink opens. But, like Edmonton, I imagine there will be 30+ levels of tickets.

[Beatle17]

Originally Posted by CGY12

And where did #2 overall in the league last year net us? Team isn't built for my definition of winning (April, May, June), which we've seen the last several years, but hey if some fans are happy with the product by all means. Not trying to hijack the thread just saying that the increase in pricing seems ridiculous and not worth it to me.

These tyoes of comments are priceless. I am sure your idea of a winning organization
Really will change things. Which teams have been consistent winners? Pitt who has a gm from Carolina who lucked into having Crosby and Malkin. How about Edmonton with all thise first overall picks. What about genius like Ken Holland that inherited a team with Lidstro. Etc. There is jo such thing as your dream management.

Maybe the Flames should have hired Scotty Bowman to coach then.

[Reggie28]

Same story every year after the renewals come out. Two sides to the argument, its a business, supply and demand, verses we are a loyal fan base and they reward us with overpriced tickets and beer.

It may be short sighted on the Flames part, but I don't think things will change until the renewal rate falls dramatically and there are a substantial number of unsold (not unused) tickets for almost every game.

Personally, I am going to renew four seats, so maybe I am the sucker.

[rage2]

I thought the perks were great this year. I was at one of the focus groups 2 years ago and they've taken most of my suggestions. From removing the truck in the concourse to the seat upgrades program. One of my suggestions was more chances at getting perks for being a season ticket holder. This year I've taken the family to 3 family skate + viewing parties, dressing room tour, morning skate (upcoming) plus pre-game VIP event. Then there's the huge # of prizes over 2 months that some season ticket holder won. Massive improvement from a couple years ago.

I dunno what more some of you are expecting.

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by rage2

I thought the perks were great this year. I was at one of the focus groups 2 years ago and they've taken most of my suggestions. From removing the truck in the concourse to the seat upgrades program. One of my suggestions was more chances at getting perks for being a season ticket holder. This year I've taken the family to 3 family skate + viewing parties, dressing room tour, morning skate (upcoming) plus pre-game VIP event. Then there's the huge # of prizes over 2 months that some season ticket holder won. Massive improvement from a couple years ago.

I dunno what more some of you are expecting.

Was the truck removed or relocated? The cynic in me thinks that it is more likely that Dodge (or whoever) ended their sponsorship, or the fire department finally called them out on it as a hazard. The Flames will put anything anywhere if it can generate a few bucks - the flow of people has always been secondary.

"We've got this narrow part of the concourse below the North mezzanine that is already really tight to navigate - how can we make this better? How about a CAESAR BAR!!?"

But I get what you're saying - even for game pack holders they offer some perks which is appreciated. I just wouldn't classify removing a hazardous obstruction from the concourse as one of them.

[RM14]

Originally Posted by rage2

I thought the perks were great this year. I was at one of the focus groups 2 years ago and they've taken most of my suggestions. From removing the truck in the concourse to the seat upgrades program. One of my suggestions was more chances at getting perks for being a season ticket holder. This year I've taken the family to 3 family skate + viewing parties, dressing room tour, morning skate (upcoming) plus pre-game VIP event. Then there's the huge # of prizes over 2 months that some season ticket holder won. Massive improvement from a couple years ago.

I dunno what more some of you are expecting.

25% off beer by presenting the season ticket card.

[ST20]

Originally Posted by rage2

I thought the perks were great this year. I was at one of the focus groups 2 years ago and they've taken most of my suggestions. From removing the truck in the concourse to the seat upgrades program. One of my suggestions was more chances at getting perks for being a season ticket holder. This year I've taken the family to 3 family skate + viewing parties, dressing room tour, morning skate (upcoming) plus pre-game VIP event. Then there's the huge # of prizes over 2 months that some season ticket holder won. Massive improvement from a couple years ago.

I dunno what more some of you are expecting.

I think perks depend on your rep. I didn't receive any invites to VIP events last year but the year before that I was invited to a few of them. A friend who's been a season ticket holder for much longer than me has not been invited to any.

[Sec218]

Originally Posted by RM14

25% off beer by presenting the season ticket card.

Oilers already have this, STHs get 15% off food and beverages, including alcohol!

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by rage2

I thought the perks were great this year. I was at one of the focus groups 2 years ago and they've taken most of my suggestions. From removing the truck in the concourse to the seat upgrades program. One of my suggestions was more chances at getting perks for being a season ticket holder. This year I've taken the family to 3 family skate + viewing parties, dressing room tour, morning skate (upcoming) plus pre-game VIP event. Then there's the huge # of prizes over 2 months that some season ticket holder won. Massive improvement from a couple years ago.

I dunno what more some of you are expecting.

I definitely only got invited to one family skate, and none of that other stuff. A dressing room tour and pregame VIP event would both be big perks imo.

I used to get event invites pretty often when I started as a season ticket holder, but haven't lately. (Last few years, other than the family skate)

Originally Posted by Reggie28

Same story every year after the renewals come out. Two sides to the argument, its a business, supply and demand, verses we are a loyal fan base and they reward us with overpriced tickets and beer.

It may be short sighted on the Flames part, but I don't think things will change until the renewal rate falls dramatically and there are a substantial number of unsold (not unused) tickets for almost every game.

Personally, I am going to renew four seats, so maybe I am the sucker.

I think those empty but sold seats should worry them. STH who can't use or sell a bunch of seats will eventually stop renewing. And that will hurt attendance more.

I go to a bunch of games each year because I have the tickets that I probably wouldn't have actively sought out tickets for. But I had decided in advance to go so I do. If my package reaches a tipping point where I dont renew, I'll almost certainly go way less games.

[Iggy_12]

So does anyone know how to cancel? Looks like theyre set up for auto renew, i want to purchase my playoff tickets but not my 2020 seasons but theyre due to be billed same day, i cant remove payment option on one without removing the other.

I emailed customer service does that suffice as notice for cancellation?