Who would have thought that an Arizona Coyotes vs. Vancouver Canucks game would generate ticket prices for up to $1,000?
Well, combine the thrill of two NHL teams duelling it out for a top pick in the NHL Draft with Swedish twins playing their final home game in Vancouver and it has all the makings of a historic night.
Sedin magic will be in the air on April 5 at Rogers Arena as Canucks fans bid farewell to the team’s all-time leading scorers, but perhaps the most die-hard fans may not be able to afford to go. Online ticket vendor StubHub.com lists prices for Thursday night’s game starting at US$145. Early Monday, those prices were just US$50.
WATCH: Sedins’ impact on Vancouver
“I’m probably going to attend,” said Canucks fan Tanbir Rana, who often voices his Canucks opinions on Twitter.
“I am going to spend money because I want to help give the Sedins an ovation they deserve.”
According to ticket broker Kingsley Bailey, ticket prices this season have been a roller coaster. Tickets for high-profile opponents like the Boston Bruins or Toronto Maple Leafs sold for as much as $300, but once fans realized that the post-season was more of a dream than a reality, prices plummeted.
Undoubtedly, it will be a historic night inside Rogers Arena and fans have taken notice that some ticket holders would rather make a profit than watch.
When it comes to the ultra-high price of almost US$1,000, Bailey believes that’s just a fan trying his luck.
“I think that’s a number somebody has thrown out that they’re willing to take to not go to the game… they’ve got a pair of tickets, and it’s worth it to me to stay at home if I can get a thousand bucks a ticket.”
The NHL, and the Canucks, are not unfamiliar with star-studded send-offs. In 2008, the crowd at Rogers Arena (then G.M. Place) said farewell to former Canucks captain Trevor Linden. In 2014, the Oilers said goodbye to a leader of their own, Ryan Smyth, against Vancouver as Canucks players came back onto the ice at Rexall Place after the game to send their well-wishes to the legendary Oiler.
The Sedins were drafted second and third overall in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft and sit at number one and two for numerous records with the Canucks organization, including most points, most goals (Daniel), most assists, and most games played.
Canucks wrap up their season on Saturday in Edmonton.
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