Over the past three seasons, the Buffalo Sabres have implemented a variable pricing formula for single ticket sales, assigning a “gold”, “silver”, “bronze” and “value” designation to each of the games on the schedule, depending on night of the week and the quality of the opponent, among other factors.

For the casual buyer, the difference between a gold game and a value game can be substantial… for example, in our 100 level II seats in section 114, in ‘07-’08 a value ticket went for $48, while a gold ticket fetched a hefty $161.

Last season eight games earned the “gold” designation, and early on the Sabres got bit in the ass, as a weeknight game in October against Toronto fell 400 patrons short of a sellout. I remember Kevin Sylvester making this remark to me in the media room after the morning skate that day - “Well I guess we’re finding out what our price breaking point is”.

I kinda sorta agree with Bfloblog and Kevin’s take on the schedule, which isn’t all that inspiring. Back in the 70s and early 80s, Sunday nights was a big thing on the Sabres schedule, and I remember doing the Bills/Sabres doubleheader on a couple occasions. But Sundays really isn’t a busy night in the NHL anymore, and the Sabres have gone to Friday nights as their marquee nights out.

So anyways, here is the Sabres schedule, and here are my picks. I also invited Pete to make his selection, which appear here as well, and we will have one of our “soda bets” to see who nailed this one, once the Sabs release their single ticket information.

Who do you think will win? Chime in if you wish, unless you’re Matt Pearl. We don’t need Matt to muddy the waters around here, seeing he took exception to MY commentary on the “hallowed” Anchorman’s challenge.

Andrew’s gold games:
Fri Oct 10 - Montreal
Fri Nov 28 - Pittsburgh
Fri Dec 12 - Toronto
Fri Jan 9 - NY Rangers
Wed Feb 4 - Toronto
Fri Mar 20 - Philadelphia
Fri Mar 27 - Toronto
Andrew’s sure fire value game - Mon Dec 1 - Nashville

Peter’s gold games
Fri Oct 10 - Montreal
Fri Nov 28 - Pittsburgh
Fri Dec 12 - Toronto
Fri Jan 9 - Rangers
Wed Feb 4- Toronto
Fri Feb 6 - Montreal
Fri Mar 27 - Toronto
Peter’s sure fire value game - Thu Oct 30 - Tampa Bay

-Andrew Kulyk

So says the club today, as they announced that 97% of their season ticket base has re-upped for the 2008-09 season.

500 tickets will be made available to the season ticket waiting list, which at this point is at about 1000 names requesting 2500 seats. It will be interesting to see how much of that list the Sabres will burn through to reach their maximum threshold of season tickets.

If the Sabres hold true to their single ticket pricing matrix of the past two years, then Sabres season tickets will remain a big big bargain.

The team also announced that their 2008-09 schedule will be released at 12 noon on Thursday (although we will get a sneak peek at some of the games today.) We are setting our sights on some USRT adventures, so we will be pouncing on the data as soon as it is out!

UPDATE

I received a call today from Sabres PR Commish Mike Gilbert, who happened to read this post and wished to clarify a couple points.

Mike informed me that all season ticket holder benefits, including Sabrebucks , advance ticket purchase privileges, etc. that have been extended in the past will remain in effect for the 2008-09 season. He did admit that the team could have done a better job conveying that news, but there was no intention to mask information or withhold anything from the team’s customers.

Existing season ticket holders have until June 20 to commit to next year’s tickets. Judging from feedback so far, Mike says that the Sabres expect few cancellations.

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I am absolutely amazed, and a bit disheartened, being the shill for the team that I often am, at the way the Sabres are executing their season ticket renewals.

In past years, the team heralded their campaign with a detailed chart and grid showing all the various pricing plans and the savings over window prices. Last year, customers who committed to renewing in advance of the playoffs even received round one playoff tickets at regular season prices.

Today we received our renewal letters, and as in the past there are three payment dates staggered throughout the summer, along with info on various ways to make ones payments. But other than a letter from John Sinclair and the total bill (less the credit for unplayed playoff games), nada. Do we still get Sabrebucks? Who knows!

And what are the season ticket prices? Even this info is not divulged, and one has to go to the trusty calculator to figure it all out.So assuming a 41 game schedule with preseason thrown in as a benny, here is what I can tell you…

100 level/II seats go from $42 to $46 each.

100 level/III seats go from $31 to $35 each.

Memo to Sabres: Your season ticket prices are still a screaming bargain in this day and age. Why are you not shouting that fact from the rooftops? All this skullduggery and half spoonfuls of information is not “taking care of your best customers”, in my opinion.

Anyone else get their renewal in sections other than listed above? If so please share your ticket cost. Just a warning - have your calculator handy, the Sabres are not going to figure this out for you.

-Andrew Kulyk

This past week I received a communication from the Sabres regarding our season tickets. Basically, the letter listed the amount on account for moneys sent in for playoff tickets, then offered three options…

Have refund sent by check

Have refund applied as credit to credit card

Apply moneys towards 2008-09 season tickets

If we do not reply, the Sabres will automatically renew the season tickets and apply the credits towards the eventual bill.

Here is the problem… there is absolutely no 2008-09 pricing information with the letter. So if I ask for a credit, will they assume I am no longer interested in season tickets and give my seats to someone on their list? If I do nothing and they renew me, and my $31 tickets get raised to, say, $100, am I locked in and obligated to purchase?

I tried getting these questions answered and called account services, but could not get a live voice on two attempts.

Just for the record, we have been season ticket holders since the ‘93-’94 season and have always received top notch service from John Sinclair and his crew. Still, it would be nice if the Sabres could communicate pricing plans and their marketing push a little better than this.

If anyone else has pondered this same question and can offer some insight, please feel free to comment.