Dec 28, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Philadelphia Flyers fans celebrate a win after defeating the Anaheim Ducks 3-1 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The last time the Flyers raised the price of their season tickets, there was no pandemic. Donald Trump was president - the first time, the Phillies were being guided by Gabe Kapler, and Childish Gambino's "This is America" was winning the Grammy Award for record of the year.
So, it's been a minute. In fact, it's the longest streak of any team in the city. In fact, while the NHL won't release this information to confirm, it's very likely the longest streak of any team in the NHL without a price increase.
And all that time in between, Comcast Spectacor spent $450 million to upgrade the Wells Fargo Center, and never once raised the prices of their tickets. Those upgrades included:
So, that should at least buy them some good will, right?
Right???
Oh, good! Just what Flyers fans wanted! They get one star and raise prices. How about put a contender on the ice for the first time since 2011 then raise them?
Fans are rational. Always.
Anyway...
Now, with the team improving and the plan to build a contender in the next 18 months commencing, and with the announcement that a new area is going to be built sometime in the next six years, they could no longer hold out with prices that were last set in 2019.
"We promised to keep the lines of communication with leadership open and clear," Camocast Spectacor CEO Dan Hilferty said in a letter sent to season ticket holders. "So, I want you to hear this from me, directly. Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, your average ticket price will increase by $3 per game. This decision to increase season ticket prices for the first time in six years was not made lightly, but it is a necessary step to ensure we can continue building a team you are proud to support and enhancing your game-day experience."
On Pattison has learned that the increases will range from $3 per ticket, per game for fans in select locations of the 200 level to a whopping $52 per ticket, per game, for those with season tickets on Ice Row (against the glass.)
The 200 level seats will see an increase between $3 and $10 per ticket, depending on where your seats are located in the upper level. Nearly 46% of all Flyers season ticket holders are in the 200 level.
Still, $10 per ticket, if you have two seats, is a $20 per game, or $820 increase in cost from one season to the next. That is sure to hit some fans harder than they anticipated.
The Flyers are willing to gamble that this increase is timed properly for several reasons. The team being more competitive is a start, but in addition, the Flyers were top-5 in the NHL with season ticket renewals coming into the 2024-25 season - their best renewal numbers as far back as dependable ticketing data is available - and the Flyers also grew their season-ticket member base by 20%. Therefore, they believe the fan buy-in to the organization is there.
Additionally, the following benefits were added for season ticket holders in the last six years while prices were frozen:
Not bad.
But the converse is that even the cheapest seats have a $246 dollar increase for the season, which for some fans, might be the tipping point.
Fans immediate reaction to the news was mostly negative on social media, but that was to be expected.
Maybe win a playoff series first.
Fantastic idea, I’m sure this won’t piss off the entire fan base that you’ve worked hard to claw back
Bad timing. They could have gotten away with it this season because of the initial Michkov excitement. If they want a good reception to a next season increase then they need to either make the playoffs or get a top 3 pick. 👏
That gritty build a bear factory ain’t gonna pay for itself! https://t.co/Q7WTBgd1ps
You better make a splash this offseason or we’re gonna have issues https://t.co/rm1Qi1xBcr
The Flyers feel that when push comes to shove, their fans wont grow apathetic - like they did a few years back under the old leadership regime. But instead will be excited for a future where the team is a consistent contender.
"The future is bright, and we're glad to have you cheering us on," Hilferty said at the conclusion of his letter.
But from a fan perspective, the Flyers may have used up some of the cache they had banked with the fanbase the past two seasons with the concept of a "New Era of Orange," and with this increase, now put themselves squarely on the clock to get it right and take the next step forward so that the fans don't revolt again, as they did when the building was half empty a few years ago.
