Buffalo Sabres stealth season ticket campaign

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