Fans Get Second Chance At Stanley Cup Tickets, But There's A Catch

crackdown on scalpers

by the North Carolina Attorney General's Office Wednesday has freed up a number of tickets for Stanley Cup Finals games at the Entertainment and Sports Arena, but there is a catch.

To get the tickets, fans have to purchase a minimum season ticket package of 24 games for next season and a $500 deposit is required.

"This is not something new that the Carolina Hurricanes invented. Other teams and different franchises have done this," said David Olsen, Hurricanes vice president. "What it does is give us the opportunity to increase our season ticket base which is always our objective."

Last week, fans like Dave Nobles lined up for hours at the Entertainment and Sports Arena hoping to get tickets for the home games. He, like most, got nothing for his trouble, until Thursday.

"I bought two tickets for 24 games and now I'm going to get my Stanley Cup tickets for all three games tomorrow," he said.

Carolina Hurricanes officials said the tickets were offered via e-mail to 5,700 people who expressed an interest in season tickets or had complained after not getting Stanley Cup tickets after waiting in line for hours at the ESA box office last week.

The Hurricanes said some of the tickets freed up are still available if you sign up for season tickets. For more information call a ticket representative; do not come to the box office.