The National Hockey League recently negotiated and signed an exclusive contract with Ticketmaster "to create an NHL resale ticketing service to be powered by Ticketmaster."  As Jez Golbez first mentioned this story on his AOL Fanhouse blog, he felt that the NHL squeezed the fans for more money.  I might just have to agree with Golbez's assessment.  In today's era, average fans are paying excessively to attend a sporting event.  In response, professional sports organizations (NJ Devils and soon the NY Mets) are building new arenas and stadiums with luxurious suites and are expecting corporations with "unlimited" money to buy out those boxes.  There is no need to have an "Official Resale Ticket Provider of the NHL," aka Ticketmaster, which is already the world's leading ticketing company.  Let me explain.

This goes to show you that the NHL's corporate office does not care about the average supporters, who comprise the majority of fans at ball games every year.  Comm. Gary Bettman is thinking about dollars and sense.  Fans, like myself are "real" and attend regular season and postseason games alike, even in losing seasons (see: New York Knicks).  Unlike those suit-wearing moguls (except Ted Leonsis, Washington Capitals owner), we enjoy hockey strictly for its entertainment value.  We are devoted, loyal citizens and not bandwagoners, or fraudulent ducklings.

So, why do we have to suffer at the expense of some “suits,” who might attend a few games each year, even though they own four individual tickets in the most expensive area?  There is the question of whether they would even show up for playoff games.  I’m not kidding.  I've been to hundreds if not thousands of sporting events in my lifetime.  There is no comparison.

But, no, the NHL does not care.  In fact, Bettman has undermined hockey to the extent of no return.  This is just further evidence of his incompetence and ineptitude, in addition to the lockout and other mysterious and ridiculous rules he implanted in a deteriorating league on the rebound.  It has gotten so frightening that there was rumor of former personnel starting a new competitive professional European ice hockey league.

Gosh, you do not hear about these reports stemming from the NBA or MLB.  With the NHL, now, that is a different story.

I feel that adding Ticketmaster to the mix for all 30 teams is not only a bad idea, but also one that will hurt attendance numbers at arenas across the country.  If teams want fans in their buildings, why would they promote selling tickets for face value, add on five to ten dollars per ticket, some other fees (printing fee is the funniest), and then reaching the final price (yikes)?  I am not quite sure,

On the other hand, maybe Ticketmaster will, for some reason, motivate fans to buy tickets (who knows).  As long as we do not have to see a picture or reminder of Gary Bettman near them, yeah this can work.

Golbez mentioned protection.  HAHAHAHAHA… I am still laughing and I am certain that he is too.  Protection from what? First, you need fans in the building, and then you can worry about security for sites like Craigslist and Ebay.  What buffoons.  Good point Golbez.

If I wanted to take my future girlfriend or wife (nope, not yet married) to see the New Jersey Devils play in the Prudential Center, that evening could cost a fortune, a month’s salary.  Well, not exactly.  Unlike Mastercard, it is not priceless.

On average, two tickets cost $54.67 apiece in the old arena.

Tack on Ticketmaster charges (10-15 depending on event), dinner (50 bucks), parking (around 20), a beer (7) or soda (4) for the lady, and a pretzel (4).  After the 200-dollar night (estimate), I am officially broke.  My wallet is completely empty.  Just wonderful.

If wealthy customers want to attend sporting events, they have their own personal ticket scalpers, who can supply them with the “best” seats in the house.

Ticketmaster’s main customers are the common person and out of towners visiting.  They have limited budgets.

Now, imagine if the price has only risen.

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