We've already renewed our Wild season tickets for the next season, and our date for select-a-seat is August 2nd. If history repeats itself, there won't be any better seats at the same price to choose from, but the renewal rate was a little lower this year at 91%, so there's a slightly better chance that we could improve our seats. I'm not counting on it though.
While there may not be too much of a point in going to the select-a-seat, we always make an event out of going and it's a lot of fun. Nikki and I share the tickets with Lee and his wife Shannon, and the four of us usually go have something to eat at McGovern's before going to the arena. Being at the arena is always a good time. The ice is gone and you can walk on the playing surface and imagine what it's like to skate on the ice during a game. The X is a beautiful place inside and out. The staff also lets you walk into the locker room and some other “hidden” places in the arena. If fans are lucky, one of the players might even be around to say hi.
Ticket prices are going to stay the same from last season (before the lockout). A lot of fans are very unhappy about this. The main point being made is that if player salaries are being rolled back almost 25%, then why aren't ticket prices being rolled back that much? It was the owners' decision to lock out the players and ultimately cancel the season and the fans suffered through a season without the sport. Fans want to be compensated for losing a season of the NHL.
Why aren't the Wild rolling back prices? They aren't because there are 6,500 fans on the waiting list for season tickets. If unhappy season ticket holders decide not to renew their tickets, there will be plenty of people in line to pick them up. Teams in non-traditional hockey markets won't have that luxury and will need to lower prices to bring back fans. While it was very unfortunate that last season had to be cancelled, the Wild franchise is still a business. It's supply and demand, and from a business perspective it makes sense.
The Wild are already going to pick up the tab for season ticket holders for the first game of the season. They've showered season ticket holders with gifts throughout the lockout (e.g. DVDs, hats, etc). They're organizing some large events before the season starts and on the opening night of the season. In my opinion, the Wild have been very reasonable about pricing and the small extra benefits they've provided. Ultimately the quality of the product on the ice should go up too (given the new rule changes and upcoming young talent).
Some people just have to find something to complain about, I guess. I'm ecstatic about the upcoming season and the return of the NHL. I can't wait to see how the new rules affect the game and to see the Wild's new, young talent on the ice. I just don't have any complaints about the price to pay for what's coming up this season.