Ticket Advice for Tomorrow's Game 3/19

Submitted by UMChick77 on

Okay fellas, help a girl out with some advice on tickets. All would be much appreciated!

It's been probably been a good decade since I've seen Michigan in person play basketball (moved away from the area, work conflicts, etc). I now only live about 2 hours away from Indy and I feel the calling. I really need to go, especially since they are so close to me.

My problem is securing tickets. They were pretty reasonable yesterday (under $100) but the only reason I held off is because I really had to wait to be sure of a tip off time. If the tip off time was too late in the day, that would be an issue for me because I work really early the next morning. I was also offered a ride to go if I did get a ticket by a couple of friends who are Card fans.

Now tickets jumped a good $25-30 on ticket sites after the times and the teams for the other game was announced after a couple of hours. So here's what the possible options are

1. Go ahead and buy now before they keep going up because they probably won't come down for a game like this (teams, revenge factor, draw, etc).

2. Wait until later tonight or very early tomorrow morning to buy tickets. Do you think they will come down during the rush to unload any unremaining, regardless of the teams playing?

3. Take a chance and drive up to Indy and "get a good deal". I admit, I never bought tickets in that way, but that almost seems the way to go in a situation like this. Local news media outlets are reporting a rampage of fake tickets, especially being sold outside of the arena (not sure if any more than usual).  I'm almost a little too nervous/concerned I'd get scammed or I'd be spending the majority of time looking for a ticket seller(s) and negotiating prices to enjoy any pregaming. Plus I'd only buy one ticket and they usually sell in pairs or in fours.

4. Just stay home. The tickets that  are in my price range at this point wouldn't be the best seats, probably be obstructed views, and would have to watch on the large screen inside the arena anyway (but atmosphere and I'd love to rub a win in those Card fans faces!)

 

MGoBoard

True Blue Grit

March 18th, 2017 at 7:42 AM ^

This will be a great game and fun atmosphere.  I would not try to buy a ticket when you get there.  Buy it in advance so you know that  you have it and where you're sitting.  Hard call on buying now vs. waiting a bit.  I might try holding out a bit longer, but if you see the prices starting to rise, just buy now.  Have fun and Go Blue!

Joined: 01/21/2011

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Kilgore Trout

March 18th, 2017 at 8:12 AM ^

StubHub has a last minute pickup area, so you could wait it out and still buy on StubHub and get a verified ticket. personally, I think with Louisville Kentucky, and Michigan all in the same building that is driving distance from all three campuses, prices may not come down in the way Seth predicted.

Joined: 02/20/2009

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michfan84

March 18th, 2017 at 8:20 AM ^

I went to yesterday's game, and we sat in the corner balcony. Not great seats, but you can still see all the action. There are no obstructed views. My advice is to buy tickets that are as close to the court as possible while still being in your budget. Don't worry about sideline or corner or end; just get the lowest row possible.

Joined: 02/27/2013

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Mgobluebilly

March 18th, 2017 at 9:06 AM ^

You haven't been to a game in a long time. It's going to be a fun game to watch regardless and this team has a legacy already. Treat yourself. Get good tickets. It isn't like you do this all of the time. Is the extra $50-$100 going to change your life versus having an enhanced experience? Buy the tickets you want and enjoy every second.

Joined: 01/12/2011

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MichiganMAN47

March 18th, 2017 at 9:48 AM ^

I'm going. It will be a blast. Pay the money and don't look back. Our team feeds off the fans this year, we need to support them.

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NightTrain5

March 18th, 2017 at 9:52 AM ^

I doubt tickets will drop significantly; Kentucky advancing likely keeps it as a strong ticket. And the arena is a great place to watch basketball; I really doubt there's a bad seat. We were in Section 210 (balcony) yesterday and the view was great. I suggest sticking to the sidelines so you don't have to look through the basket and shot clock, but that's my advice for every basketball game. Last thing: Avoid the professional scalpers. The Indy scalpers are aggressive in general, and the prices I overheard outside the arena were outlandish. With Lou and Kentucky, it's a seller's market. Find a M fan with extras or go through a reputable site so you don't have to worry about fakes. Good luck!

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Wolvie3758

March 18th, 2017 at 10:03 AM ^

I never have problems getting a reasonable priced ticket AT the event..I got front row center seats in the  93  Championship game against North Carolina for 100.00 a ticket..doesnt matter the event but especially NCAA BB tourney there are always cheap seats available at the venue

Joined: 12/12/2010

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M-Dog

March 18th, 2017 at 10:40 AM ^

I was in a similar situation as you for the BigTen Tournament Final.  Since it was in DC, I had a rare chance to see a Michigan basketball game live, something I had not been able to do for decades.

At first, I fussed and fumed at ticket prices and all those sneaky fees.  I contemplated just going to the arena and trying to get tickets off of scalpers.  The trouble was, I had no idea what the scalping scene was going to be like, and I only needed one ticket like you.

But then I thought to myself:

"Fuck it. I have not seen a Michigan basketball game live for 25 years. I'm getting a good ticket ahead of time and I'm going to make it worthwhile. Lower deck. Who knows when I'll be able to do this again? If I amortize the cost of the ticket over the 25 years I missed, it's like $7 dollars a year. I'm doing it"

Best decision I ever made:

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UMgradMSUdad

March 18th, 2017 at 11:39 AM ^

As others have noted, this might be something to splurge on.  I would also say, forget about how much the tickets were yesterday.  Don't let a lower price then prevent you from buying tickets now. There is a possibility there will be some cheaper tickets late tonight or tomorrow morning. Some wanting to sell will get nervous, even though the tickets are in high demand.  But, you will have to be vigilant, because those tickets will get snapped up quickly. 

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