A member of the blogosphere sent this link to me which I found very instructive. Click here to read this piece from only one year ago.
I am hopeful folks can read it and that some can start to lay off us just a bit. It does reek of some ”what is good for the goose isn’t good for the gander” though, doesn’t it?
I have received some amazing emails. I will just link this article back as a FYI in my responses. Sound fair?
We have no problem selling out the arena without Pens fans coming in from PA. So get out and stay out. There should be a clause for Caps fans from other states and areas though.
Sounds like sour grapes, pens fans. You did this EXACT thing in the finals last year against detroit.
Beyond that, the days of Verizon Center being like a home game for the away team are long gone. I hope you enjoyed it while you lasted.
Now run along to StubHub, and get whatever tickets you want. It isn’t like you can’t find them if you look.
According to this, D.C. residents could attend Pens games without issue.
Also, check out the position the writer actually takes. Did you bother to read this, Ted? or just find something anti-pens and post away???
“The Hockey Gods have a sense of fairness. In both of those cases, the team employing geographic discrimination lost.”
“In a perfect world, geographic discrimination would never exist on ticket sales.”
“The NHL needs to act quick and forbid teams from discriminatory policies such as this one.”
So there you have it. Let us in, so we can outnumber your fans at the VC like we do at M&T and FedEx Field!
There is a difference. The Pens started doing it last playoffs to allow their fans a reasonable difference away to get tickets a little easier instead of a bulk of the few tickets available going to ticket brokers who would charge the fans an arm and a leg. You did it because you are afraid of visiting fans from other cities (not just Pittsburgh, but others like Detroit or Philly)outnumbering your own teams fans.
Heck, even fans from the MD and DC area that are Pens fans as shown by their purchase history aren’t allowed to buy tickets for Caps games.
What are you really afraid of Ted?
Jay, I realize that in your view the season ticket holders are “more important” customers than those of us who live outside of the DC area, but in reality, anyone who is willing to pay the same price for a ticket is an important customer. I still buy Caps merchandise (and have bought tons of it over the years), I still help ratings by watching games on TV. I shouldn’t be denied a chance to see a game the next time I am in the DC area just because of my credit card billing zipcode. I see your point of view, but I think you are a little bit off base.
Again, there is no perfect answer. I realize that. I am just trying to present a flipside to this argument. It is not just opposing fans who can be denied a ticket.
I recently made a temporary move to Massachusetts, but I am from Colorado, and am a huge Avalanche fan along with the Caps. The Caps and their fans have NEVER seen a rivalry like what used to go on between the Avalanche and Red Wings. Plenty of Wings fans were able to get in to those games in Denver, but it just motivated us that much more to be loud, supportive fans.
In any case, Ted, I have emailed you several times, and I have always had nice things to say to and about you. I think you are the best owner in pro-sports, and all I can do is thank you for that. I’m just trying to present a side of this argument that has perhaps been overlooked.
Ted -
It’s a great policy. As a new STH and a die hard fan since 1984 I can’t tell you how much I admire you for trying to ensure that Caps fans can get Caps tickets.
There used to be nothing more frustrating than to try to get tickets to Penguins/Flyers/Rangers games only to find games sold out because blocks of tickets went to visiting fans who got together for the party bus trip to Landover. Getting a seat was often times worse than getting locked out because we’d have to deal with drunken opposition fans popping off after their 3 to 5 hour bus trip/drinking binge.
Opposing fans should take this as a compliment. The old Patrick Division teams (and others like the Red Wings) have very loyal fan bases who travel well. But as an owner, it is your responsibility to satisfy your customers. You do a hell of a job. That’s why you get (and deserve) ovations when you’re shown on the scoreboard. Opposition fans need to understand that they aren’t your customers. By blocking opposition fans you not only help Caps fans get Caps tickets, but you reduce the risk of unseemly conduct and altercations.
The same holds true for non-local Caps fans. It may be tough for them to get a playoff ticket because of their zip code, but again, they are not among your most important customers – the season ticket holders and fans who frequent VC on a regular basis.
I am sure it’s not the easiest decision to make and it opens up both yourself and the organization to criticism from outside markets. But the end result builds trust among your customers that you have our best interests at heart. In return, you get customer loyalty and a very proud fan base.
The reason you are so well liked isn’t solely because you have built a great team. It’s because you treat your customers with respect and run your organization in an admirable fashion.
Thanks Ted.
Did you notice how it wasn’t JUST for Pittsburgh residents? Unlike your bogus policy. What are you scared of Teddy?
You’ve got to be kidding — they’re not locking out the opposition in this series, unlike you. How exactly are they discriminating against Caps fans if the area includes all of DC Metro. You certainly can’t say the same in you’re attitude towards Pens fans, even ones who live in DC
Ted,
I’ve been a Caps fan for 30+ years and am thrilled the you are our owner. My favorite action that you’ve taken was during the 2001 playoffs when you restricted ticket sales to Pens fans – even though at the time you were uncertain that Caps fans could or would sell out the building.
I have always appreciated that and viewed that as you “sticking up” for your core fans.
Thanks for making the Caps and hockey relevant, topical and now “hot” in DC. I never thought I’d see this area “Caps crazy”
You’re the best!
Of all the times I have purchased Penguins playoff tickets on ticketmaster, I have never seen the disclaimer that restricts fans of other states from buying tickets. I think this article is bogus.
I have mixed feelings about this ticket policy. Of course I like that visiting teams’ fans have a tough time getting a ticket. However, as a Caps fan who does not live in the DC area, it could be tough for me to get a ticket because of my zipcode. I have stood by the Caps for many years, and I feel like I deserve the opportunity to purchase a ticket next time I am in DC regardless of where I live. That’s the catch to these types of policies.
Great win tonight, Ted. Congrats to the boys. Hope that Verizon Center is nothin’ but red on Wednesday. And I think that the ticket policy is just fine.
I have to admit after being verbally abused and not able to enjoy games because of fans from PA (either franchise) I have no issue with restricting ticket sales. Especially in the playoffs.
I appreciate your interest in deflecting blame about your ticket policy, but could you not come up with any better proof than a blog post? I think you mistakenly called this an article. If I were you, I would post something a little more reputable as proof that such an incident did occur. I’m not saying it didn’t, but the argument is weak right now.