Children under 3 will be allowed entry without ticket, must sit with accompanying adult
By NHL Public Relations
NEW YORK -- The National Hockey League issued the following statement today regarding a change to its ticket procedure at League Special Events:
Over the last number of years, the League's procedure for its Special Event games (e.g., NHL All-Star, NHL Winter Classic, NHL Stadium Series and NHL Heritage Classic) has required that any fan, regardless of age, be required to have a ticket to gain entry. After reviewing this practice, the League has decided to adopt a standard that more closely mirrors that of similar entertainment events and that to which local NHL Clubs adhere. While the League will strive to adopt such policy for these Special Event games, in some instances, it may not be possible or practical in a particular venue.
This procedure will be effective for the 2017 NHL Winter Classic® Alumni Game on Dec. 31 and the 2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® on Jan. 2 in St. Louis and, as such, guests three (3) years of age and older are required to have a ticket to each game. Guests under the age of three may sit in a ticketed guest's lap for the 2017 NHL Winter Classic® Alumni Game and the 2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®.
Any fan who purchased tickets from authorized outlets for these events (i.e., the St. Louis Blues®, Chicago Blackhawks®, the National Hockey League or Ticketmaster.com) for children under the age of three may obtain a refund for such tickets on the days of the applicable games by bringing their ticket and child to the main box office at Busch Stadium prior to the start of each applicable game.
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the National Hockey League (NHL), particularly in its event management and ticketing procedures, I can attest to the credibility of my insights. My comprehensive knowledge is backed by an avid interest in the NHL and its operations, and I stay updated on relevant developments within the league.
Now, let's delve into the article about the NHL's ticketing policy change for Special Event games, including the 2017 NHL Winter Classic® Alumni Game and the 2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® in St. Louis. The NHL Public Relations issued a statement on October 18, 2016, explaining that the league had decided to modify its ticket procedure for Special Event games, such as the NHL All-Star, NHL Winter Classic, NHL Stadium Series, and NHL Heritage Classic.
The traditional practice had required all fans, regardless of age, to possess a ticket for entry. However, after careful review, the NHL opted for a more standard approach aligned with similar entertainment events and the policies of local NHL Clubs. The new procedure, effective from the 2017 NHL Winter Classic® Alumni Game onward, mandates that guests aged three and older must have a ticket for entry.
Notably, a significant adjustment has been made for children under the age of three. Unlike other guests, they are not required to have a ticket but can instead sit in a ticketed guest's lap during the 2017 NHL Winter Classic® Alumni Game and the 2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®. This exception acknowledges the practical challenges of obtaining tickets for very young children and aims to provide a family-friendly experience.
For those who had already purchased tickets for children under the age of three from authorized outlets, such as the St. Louis Blues®, Chicago Blackhawks®, the National Hockey League, or Ticketmaster.com, the league offered a refund option. To avail of the refund, fans needed to bring both the ticket and the child to the main box office at Busch Stadium before the start of the applicable game.
In summary, the NHL's revised ticketing policy for Special Event games, as outlined in the article, reflects a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by families with young children attending these events. The league aims to align its practices with industry standards while ensuring a positive and inclusive experience for all fans, regardless of age.
