Attending a National Hockey League (NHL) game is an experience like no other and with a season of over 1,300 matchups, there’s plenty to choose from. We’ve put together this handy guide to help you make the choice that’s right for you when purchasing a ticket.
- Choosing Which NHL Game to Attend
- When do NHL Tickets go on Sale?
- Where to Buy NHL Tickets
- Types of NHL Tickets Available
- NHL Ticket Prices
- Ticket Delivery
- Planning Parking & Travel for an NHL Game
- Booking Accommodation When Attending an NHL Game
- Top Tips for Buying NHL Tickets
Choosing Which NHL Game to Attend
With each of the league’s 32 teams playing 82 games in a regular season – not to mention the NHL playoffs – there is quite the range of games to choose from. You can find a complete guide to the NHL schedule here.
The NHL teams are based across Canada and the US meaning that fans across the North American continent can access a game in one of the big metropolitan areas. There are also international games in the NHL Global Series where regular season games are played overseas: in the 2024-25 season, there were 2 held in Tampere, Finland.
If you’re an NHL newbie and not sure which teams are for you, some of the most popular franchises in the league are the Boston Bruins, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Montreal Canadiens, and the Los Angeles Kings to name just a few.
Take a look at the complete NHL schedule here.
When do NHL Tickets go on Sale?
The release of NHL tickets will vary depending on the team and venue; however, most games will go on sale before the start of the season. Throughout the offseason from August to October, tickets will be gradually released with teams tending to put all their home games on sale in one go.
For the NHL playoffs, tickets will either be released as soon as a team has qualified (even if the opponent is not known) or when dates and all teams are confirmed following the end of the regular season. Some teams may even sell tickets before their place in the playoffs is confirmed and the franchise will refund purchased tickets if they do not qualify. In a similar fashion – as playoff rounds are best-of-7 series – most teams will sell tickets to Games 5, 6, and 7 even though they may not be played, and fans will be refunded if the series is won before these games are played.
Certain fixtures will be more in-demand than others; for example, matchups between rivals – i.e. the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs – or those featuring some of the most popular teams. Similarly, specific ticket types may be more in-demand than others. For these tickets, it is worth purchasing as early as possible to ensure that you secure it at the cheapest price.
Where to Buy NHL Tickets
Primary Sellers
Each of the NHL teams uses an official ticket provider to sell their tickets. For most of the 32 franchises, this is Ticketmaster, though some use AXS or SeatGeek. Generally, anyone can purchase a standard admission single-game ticket and membership is not required. To purchase multi-game tickets, season tickets, or some hospitality packages, you may need to become a member. When buying tickets through the primary seller, you will usually have to create an account.
Depending on availability, you may be able to buy tickets at the arena box office on the day of the game.
Resellers
NHL tickets can be found on a wide range of sites in the reseller marketplace, including via the primary seller and through reliable resellers. Resale ticket prices can fluctuate significantly according to demand and the seat being sold.
Koobit helps you to compare prices from a selection of top resellers, including:
Types of NHL Tickets Available
Different arenas will have unique layouts to an extent; however, seating maps will have some similarities across the league. Arenas will have upper and lower tiers of seating, and some may have a middle level which is normally club seating. There will be hospitality options and shared and private suites or boxes. When configured for ice hockey, venues will also have seating right behind the plexiglass next to the ice.
Upper Level
Seating on the Upper Level is of course further from the action on the ice, so will usually be the most affordable seats in the house. Don’t let this put you off though: seats up here often provide some of the best atmosphere as well as a more bird’s eye view of the rink.
Lower Level
Lower Level seating is closer to the action on the ice meaning you can get nearer to the players and really feel involved in the game while appreciating the arena’s atmosphere. This makes these seats more expensive than those on the Upper Level.
Club Seats
In some arenas, there is a Club Level between the upper and lower tiers or there are Club Seats in sections and rows of the Lower Level (usually in blocks looking directly across centre-ice). Due to the premium view offered and the added perks – such as access to club or lounge areas, all-inclusive packages, and parking – Club Seats are one of the more expensive options for a game.
Suite/Box
Suites and boxes are often found on the Club Level or a level between the upper and lower tiers. These are either shared or private areas usually with dedicated extras such as a bar or food and drink service, TV screens, and wait staff. Suites and boxes are ideal for large groups and corporate parties (or just as a special experience)! Fans in suites and boxes often also have access to other hospitality perks such as all-inclusive food and drink packages, lounge passes, and VIP parking.
Glass
Glass seats are the perfect location for those who really want to feel the passion and fury of the game. These seats are right next to the plexiglass separating the ice from the fans. Glass seating generally comes with access to certain club or hospitality benefits and VIP parking may also be included. Although some fans may argue the views from here are too close to ice-level to enjoy the game to its maximum, sitting here is an unrivalled experience. Don’t forget to make a sign to request a puck from the players!
NHL Ticket Prices
The cost of NHL tickets will vary substantially due to the teams playing, the arena itself, the city in which the game is played, the type of ticket including the view of the action and additional perks, as well as many other factors and specifics on gameday.
Season ticket prices will vary significantly depending on the team with some costing only USD $660 and others setting you back around $25,000 (according to Dan Kent at Hockey Chirpers).
For an NHL regular season game, you can buy a ticket for as little as $11 for standard admission or you can splash out over $1,000 for more premium tickets.
Tickets for playoff games will be more expensive due to there being fewer games and it being the conclusive part of the season. In particular, the best-of-7 Stanley Cup Final series will have some of the most expensive tickets of the entire season as fans will want to see who will lift the trophy.
Ticket Prices by Ticket Type
As we’ve gone through above, the type of ticket makes a huge difference to the price you are spending to see an NHL game. Upper Level tickets are usually the most affordable and can cost under USD $10. Lower Level seating is still standard admission, but as it is closer to the action, so tickets are more expensive and often around $50.
When it comes to premium seating, Club Seats or the Club Level offer great views from the middle or lower levels of the arena as well as additional benefits such as lounge access. These seats will usually cost over $100. Glass seats – seating right beside the rink – often include these perks too on top of the chance to be as close as possible to the passion on the ice, and so are a similar price.
The most premium and expensive seating option at a venue is often Suite or Box seating which can cost either hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Ticket Prices by Team
Prices for tickets will also vary depending on the teams playing. Some of the most historic and popular teams will have the most expensive tickets. Or even those with a universally recognised star player will be charging more.
According to a recent study by Action Network, the most expensive NHL team to see live is the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena with a cost of USD $703.88 for a family of 4 to see a game (inclusive of parking, and food and drink). At the other end of the scale – not counting the now-inactive Arizona Coyotes – the most affordable team to see is the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena with a cost coming in at $298.91. Considering the Panthers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals and lifted the trophy last season, it’s quite the bargain to see them live!
Finding Cheap Tickets
The cheapest tickets can be found for seating in the upper tiers of venues and/or for less in-demand games.
It can be worth waiting close to gameday, as tickets tend to drop in price as puck-drop approaches. However, more popular games will sell out, so it is best to buy early if you’re looking at purchasing a ticket for a big rival game for example.
Flexibility is beneficial when it comes to buying NHL tickets. Weeknight games are generally more affordable than those on weekends. Perhaps you are just keen to see a hockey game and you are not particular about which teams you see. If you see a pre-season game or a game later in the season when a team may have already failed to qualify for the playoffs, tickets will be cheaper.
Koobit compares prices from a range of primary and secondary ticket sellers from across the marketplace to help you secure the best deals.
Ticket Delivery
The majority of NHL tickets will be sold in digital format and will be available immediately after purchase. Some may take longer to arrive with you, but each supplier will specify a timeframe. Sometimes it is possible to buy a physical ticket as a keepsake.
Planning Parking & Travel for an NHL Game
Most arenas will have their own on-site parking which is usually available for pre-booking (this parking is sometimes included with a premium ticket). On top of this, there are normally several nearby car parks run by private companies, but you may be further from the venue. Parking can cost as little as USD $5 or over $50 depending on proximity and availability. As most rinks are in downtown locations, there are usually good public transport links. Parking information and travel details can be found on Koobit by clicking on the Travel & Parking tab of an event or venue.
Booking Accommodation When Attending an NHL Game
As all 32 NHL franchises are based in major metropolitan areas in the United States and Canada, there will be a wide range of accommodation options within proximity to the arena. Certain locations will be more expensive than others but if you arrange your accommodation early, you should be able to get a good deal. Accommodation and tourism information can be found on Koobit by clicking the event’s Accommodation and Destination tabs, which also include a map of places to stay and book close to the venue.
Top Tips for Buying NHL Tickets
- Purchase your tickets early if a game is likely to be a sell-out
- Games on a weeknight are cheaper than those at the weekend
- Tickets for Upper Level seats will generally be the most affordable and you will still get a great view of the action and be able to soak up the atmosphere
- Remember to buy any add-ons (such as parking or hospitality extras) in advance
- The most expensive teams to see are the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vegas Golden Knights
- The most affordable team to see is the Florida Panthers