Kings, Ducks Raise Prices

Although most NHL teams held the line on ticket prices this season, the Kings and Mighty Ducks got deeper into the pockets of their fans.

The Kings, raising ticket prices for the first time in five years, had the greatest increase in the NHL at 28%. The Ducks, raising prices for the fifth time in five years, had a 7.9% increase, after the worst season in franchise history.

Of the 26 NHL teams, excluding the expansion Nashville Predators, 14 froze or cut their average ticket price. According to Team Marketing Report of Chicago, which released its annual price survey Thursday, the league’s average ticket price rose 2.8% from last season, to $42.92.

The Kings’ average ticket price is $45.19 and the Ducks’ is $44.36, according to the survey.

The Fan Cost Index, defined as the cost for four average-price tickets, four hot dogs, four small soft drinks, two small beers, two programs, two caps and parking, rose to $269.25, up 19.4%, for the Kings, and $248.96, up 7.3%, for the Ducks. The NHL average rose to $239.50, up 1.6%.

The New York Rangers’ average ticket price, $58.83, ranks as most expensive; the Calgary Flames’ average of $26.04 ranks as least expensive.