[edzo8]

Just curious, can anyone tell me the face value for the ASG ticket and the Skill ticket? I just want to have an idea how badly I am getting stung by scalpers. Much appreciated.

[DianeNC]

City of Raleigh ready to rock All-Star Weekend
Friday, 01.21.2011 / 2:50 PM / 2011 NHL All-Star Game - Presented by Discover
By John Manasso - NHL.com Correspondent

RALEIGH, NC -- A fever pitch.

That's the way Doug Warf, the Carolina Hurricanes Senior Director of Marketing, described the anticipation among team employees and the city of Raleigh for the NHL All-Star Weekend once the calendar turned to January.

Much of that, he said, was spurred by team captain Eric Staal being voted one of the captains along with goalie Cam Ward being named to the team for the 2011 NHL All-Star Game presented by Discover, and rookie Jeff Skinner earning a spot in the Honda NHL SuperSkills competition.

The Hurricanes and the city's business community first started discussing the possibility of hosting the All-Star Game almost 10 years ago, said Scott Dupree, Vice President for Sports Marketing with the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau and a co-chair of Raleigh's local organizing committee to host the game.

So in a very real sense, the game represents the culmination of a decade's worth of work and preparation and the city is doing its best to make the events memorable for the 40,000 to 50,000 visitors expected to attend.

"There's a clear sense that Raleigh's on the brink of something special," Dupree said. "We're really trying to make an impression and roll out the red carpet. This is a big deal for us."

Among the events is a two-day street festival, stretching seven city blocks, that will take place Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crowd estimates for what is being called NHL All-Star Wide Open top 50,000.

Each day will be headlined by a free concert at the Raleigh Amphitheater. The band "Three Doors Down" will play Friday and Saturday will feature up-and-coming country artist Chuck Wicks.

"It's great," Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said. "There are local people that have been working on it and setting up the special functions and they have done an outstanding job. Everybody's excited about it and we have a history of being good hosts here for different sports, everything from the U.S. Open to the NHL Draft to college basketball.

"The '04 Draft here was very successful. The building was full, the fans were excited. They made it an exciting day, an exciting week for people and people will appreciate the fact that the All-Star Game is hosted here."

The Research Triangle -- named after the neighboring cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill -- is known for its rich basketball history. In 2004 and 2008, Raleigh hosted rounds of the NCAA men's basketball tournament at the RBC Center, which is home to both the Hurricanes and the North Carolina State Wolfpack.

Part of the reason Raleigh had to wait so long to finally land the All-Star Weekend was that it did not have the infrastructure for an event of this scale. That changed starting in 2008, when three new hotels and the city's new convention center opened.

Three of the six hotels used for the event -- the Marriott City Center, the Renaissance North Hills and the Umstead Hotel and Spa, a five-star property in nearby Cary -- have opened within the past three years. The Raleigh Convention Center, which will host the NHL Fan Fair, and the Marriott City Center, which are connected, both opened in the fall of 2008. The convention center was built at a cost of $221 million.

"Those shortcomings have been addressed," said Dupree, who chaired the local organizing committee, along with Alison Barnwell of the Greater Raleigh Sports Council. "That tipped the scales and made it so Raleigh clearly would be able to host."

Being able to host the event also has helped the Hurricanes' bottom line. The franchise has made two trips to the Stanley Cup Final since 2002, winning in 2006, and a third trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2009, helping create a solid fan base. Still, the Hurricanes often fight the battles of an organization located in a smaller, non-traditional market.

By enabling season ticket holders to purchase All-Star Game tickets, the Hurricanes received a financial boost.

"The timing of it was good for us because we missed the playoffs last year and the fact that we host the All-Star Game really helped us increase our season-ticket base," Rutherford said.

Enthusiasm for the game was such that the Hurricanes did not have to conduct a public sale of tickets. Their allotment, approximately 8,000 tickets, went to season-ticket holders and demand has exceeded supply, Warf said.

Normally an anonymous figure, Warf said he recently did an interview on local television. Walking back through the concourse of the RBC Center, he estimated that 40 people stopped him with questions about jerseys and other things.

"People are thirsting for knowledge about every event that's out there," he said. "We're getting hammered (with phone calls). 'How can I get into this? How can I see this?' It's great to see how excited people are. Tickets sales are through the roof for this event. Season-ticket holders have taken up all the events. There are more who want tickets. We never had to go to a public on-sale.

"It's a great testament to the hockey community here in Raleigh."

[TSA]

edzo8, on 23 January 2011 - 04:16 AM, said:

Just curious, can anyone tell me the face value for the ASG ticket and the Skill ticket? I just want to have an idea how badly I am getting stung by scalpers. Much appreciated.

Lower Bowl for the entire weekend is $260
Skills = $80 All Star game = $180
Upper Bowl for the entire weekend is $200
Skills = $65 All Star game = $135

Good luck

[DianeNC]

DianeNC, on 23 January 2011 - 10:39 AM, said:

"People are thirsting for knowledge about every event that's out there," he said. "We're getting hammered (with phone calls). 'How can I get into this? How can I see this?' It's great to see how excited people are. Tickets sales are through the roof for this event. Season-ticket holders have taken up all the events. There are more who want tickets. We never had to go to a public on-sale.

"It's a great testament to the hockey community here in Raleigh."

I'm probably gonna make some enemies by this post, but I don't know if selling all the tickets for the ASG to just season-ticket holders was the smartest move by the Canes organization - especially if their long-term goal is to try to attract new hockey fans here in NC. It's clear there's an interest in this event by the public, but what type of message is it sending when they're told the event is sold out before tickets could even go on sale?

Then there's folk like myself, who are already big Canes fans but due to different reasons (mostly financial, as in my case), are not season-ticket holders. What type of message is this sending to us, who (many of us, at least) have been Canes fans for years?

Just saying...

[TSA]

DianeNC, on 23 January 2011 - 10:59 AM, said:

I'm probably gonna make some enemies by this post, but I don't know if selling all the tickets for the ASG to just season-ticket holders was the smartest move by the Canes organization - especially if their long-term goal is to try to attract new hockey fans here in NC. It's clear there's an interest in this event by the public, but what type of message is it sending when they're told the event is sold out before tickets could even go on sale?

Then there's folk like myself, who are already big Canes fans but due to different reasons (mostly financial, as in my case), are not season-ticket holders. What type of message is this sending to us, who (many of us, at least) have been Canes fans for years?

Just saying...

Understandable and frustrating for some but the long term goal of any pro sports team is to increase their STH base, its the bread and butter of any organization and is dependable revenue to pay bills. They've made tons of events available to the general public including opportunities to interact with players but the two main events were exclusive to STH's for a reason.

[DianeNC]

TSA, on 23 January 2011 - 11:08 AM, said:

Understandable and frustrating for some but the long term goal of any pro sports team is to increase their STH base, its the bread and butter of any organization and is dependable revenue to pay bills. They've made tons of events available to the general public including opportunities to interact with players but the two main events were exclusive to STH's for a reason.

I think it's a "Catch-22" situation for the Canes organization. You want to definitely take care of your STHs, and make sure every STH who wanted to attend had the option to do so. It's just unfortunate they didn't also have an allotment set aside for the general public (potential future season ticket holders) as well.

After seeing the ticket prices you quoted edzo8, I wouldn't be able to attend anyway, even if I was able to find a ticket but I can always catch it on Versus...oh, that's right, I don't have cable, LOL.

[TSA]

DianeNC, on 23 January 2011 - 11:28 AM, said:

I think it's a "Catch-22" situation for the Canes organization. You want to definitely take care of your STHs, and make sure every STH who wanted to attend had the option to do so. It's just unfortunate they didn't also have an allotment set aside for the general public (potential future season ticket holders) as well.

They did though. Up until the last home game, they were still offering the opportunity for All Star weekend ticket(s) to anyone who purchased a new STH plan, any plan.

But I do understand your frustration.

[g105]

Maybe this isn't the place for this post, but here goes anyhow. Question; will I be able to take my camera (digital SLR with detachable lens) into the arena for the events? I see that the rules as established by the current management prohibit cameras. but they seem to have stopped enforcing it over the past few years. But this event is under the direction of the NHL, so I wonder how strictly this will be enforced. Anyone have any info on this? I also have an older point and shoot digital camera I could take if SLRs are banned.

[TSA]

Maybe the VoteSkinner.com folks may have something to cheer about?

http://fans.hurrican...iew__getnewpost

[TSA]

News & Observer's coverage:
http://www.newsobserver.com/allstars/

Friday

3 p.m.: NHL Fan Fair, Raleigh Convention Center, and All-Star Wide Open, Fayetteville Street, opens.

4 p.m.: Meet Carolina Hurricanes rookie Jeff Skinner, Fan Fair.

4:30 p.m.: Hindu Society of North Carolina and Natya Academy, international dance/music, City Plaza

4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.: Live music at Martin Street Stage.

5 p.m.: Doors open at Raleigh Amphitheater; Hostess eating contest, City Plaza.

5 p.m. - 10 p.m.: Beer Garden, on Martin Street, west of Fayetteville Street; Heated artisan village, West Davie, local arts and crafts.

5:30 p.m.: All-Star Energy Rally, City Plaza.

5:50 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.: Former Hurricanes defenseman Aaron Ward, RBC Bank Autograph Stage.

6 p.m. -10 p.m.: Live music at Raleigh Amphitheater.

6 p.m.: Flying Ace All-Stars, Aerial tricks by Olympic athletes, City Plaza.

7 p.m.: Hostess eating contest, City Plaza.

7:30 p.m.: Flying Ace All-Stars, Aerial tricks by Olympic athletes, City Plaza.

8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.: NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft, Raleigh Convention Center, ticket required (TV: Versus).

8:30 p.m.: Three Doors Down, Raleigh Amphitheater.

9 p.m.: Flying Ace All-Stars, Aerial tricks by Olympic athletes, City Plaza.

9:30 p.m.: Brazilian Association of the Triangle, international dance/music, City Plaza.

10 p.m.: NHL Fan Fair closes, fireworks being at Raleigh Amphitheater.

10:30 p.m.: All-Star Wide Open closes.

Saturday

9 a.m.: NHL All-Star 5K, RBC Center.

10 a.m.: NHL Fan Fair, All-Star Wide Open and Raleigh Amphitheater opens.

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.: Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos, RBC Bank Autograph Stage.

11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.: Live music at Raleigh Amphitheater and Martin Street Stage.

Noon - 1 p.m.: Hurricanes rookie Jeff Skinner, RBC Bank Autograph Stage.

Noon - 5 p.m.: Heated artisan village, West Davie, local arts and crafts.

Noon - 7 p.m.: Beer garden, on Martin Street, west of Fayetteville Street.

1 p.m.: Flying Ace All-Stars, Aerial tricks by Olympic athletes, City Plaza.

1 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Youth Hockey Clinic, with Hurricanes rookie Jeff Skinner, Hall of Famer Grant Fuhr, former Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette and Toronto president/general manager Brian Burke, RecZone.

1:30 p.m.: Hostess eating contest, City Plaza.

2 p.m.: Meet Edmonton Oilers rookie Taylor Hall, Fan Fair; Nippon Club Taiko Drummer, international music, City Plaza

2:30 p.m.: Flying Ace All-Stars, Aerial tricks by Olympic athletes, City Plaza.

3 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Former Hurricanes center Rod Brind'Amour, RBC Bank Autograph Stage.

3 p.m.: All-Star Adrenaline Rally, City Plaza

3:30 p.m.: Hostess eating contest, City Plaza.

4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Player red carpet arrivals, RBC Center, lawn across from Carter-Finley Stadium.

4:30 p.m.: Flying Ace All-Stars, Aerial tricks by Olympic athletes, City Plaza.

5 p.m.: All-Star EnergyWave Rally, City Plaza.

6 p.m.: Holy Trinity Greek Dancers, City Plaza.

7 p.m.: NHL Fan Fair and All-Star Wide Open closes.

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.: NHL SuperSkills, RBC Center (TV: Versus).

Sunday

10 a.m.: NHL Fan Fair opens.

3 p.m.: NHL Fan Fair closes.

4 p.m.: NHL All-Star Game, RBC Center (TV: Versus).






2011 NHL All-Star Weekend: How to get around Raleigh

NHL's stars will light up Raleigh


Skinner ready for a busy, 'cool' week
It's shaping up as a busy All-Star week for Canes rookie Jeff Skinner.

Let's see: Canes Corner appearance on Thursday, Fan Fair appearance and the NHL Fantasy Draft on Friday, the NHL SuperSkills competition Saturday and possibly playing in the All-Star Game on Sunday.

Yes, the All-Star Game. There is speculation now the league may replace any injured all-stars with rookies and put them in the big game. As the NHL's leading rookie scorer, and with the game in the RBC Center, Skinner would have to be a leading candidate as a replacement.

"I guess that would be pretty cool," Skinner said today after an off-ice workout at the RecZone. "I guess we'll see what happens. That would be crazy.

"I can remember vividly watching All-Star games as a kid. ... It's so cool, as a young kid and as a fan, seeing all those top-end players in one building. I think it's pretty special. To be a part of it, at such a young age, is pretty cool."

But first things first. The Canes Corner radio show Thursday at the Backyard Bistro has been likened to an appearance by another Canadian teenager, Justin Bieber. Skinner, 18, has quickly made a lot of fans in his rookie season, a lot of them surely being teenage girls, and the Bistro could be packed.

"I think it's a radio show, live, right?" he said. "We had something like that in junior. I'm sure it's not as big as this. Should be interesting, I guess."

As far as the SuperSkills, a smiling Skinner said he has given up on the fastest skater event, saying, "I'm not going to get much faster in the next couple of days."

He said he did ask goalie Justin Peters for some advice on shootout moves but noted, "I don't know that I have good enough hands to do some of the things he's suggesting."

But before the All-Star break there's the matter of trying to win two more games, against the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders. Skinner was still smarting today from the 3-2 loss in Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Skinner mixed it up with the Pens' Chris Kunitz late in the game. He had dropped the gloves and had a ref not stepped between them, he was clearly ready to fight.

"It was some frustration and emotions," he said. "We were down 3-1 and I think the whole team was frustrated by the way the game went. You get pretty fired up, especially in the heat of the moment."

[colliefan]

Then there's folk like myself, who are already big Canes fans but due to different reasons (mostly financial, as in my case), are not season-ticket holders. What type of message is this sending to us, who (many of us, at least) have been Canes fans for years?

There is a limited supply of tickets, and while not on the order of demand for Stanley Cup tix, the demand will exceed supply. At first Canes management restricted tix options to full and 26-game holders, they then opened it to 10 game holders. This seems very reasonable.

[wxray1]

TSA, on 23 January 2011 - 11:38 AM, said:

I think it's a "Catch-22" situation for the Canes organization. You want to definitely take care of your STHs, and make sure every STH who wanted to attend had the option to do so. It's just unfortunate they didn't also have an allotment set aside for the general public (potential future season ticket holders) as well.

They did though. Up until the last home game, they were still offering the opportunity for All Star weekend ticket(s) to anyone who purchased a new STH plan, any plan.

But I do understand your frustration.

And this reserve of seats has made for a less pleasant experience for we partial season ticket holders that are behind the reserved sections. In effect, the reserved seats pushed us up a few rows, all season. We've had to watch each game as they tried desperately to sell partial plans with little luck. The tickets then get released at the last minute to random walk ups, and they are not as friendly as your neighborhood fellow STHer. It has definitely affected the experience this year, for the worse. Honestly, I find myself many games swearing at the All Star game.

All ticket operations will say is if we don't like it, then become a full season holder. Sorry, that's not possible.

This post has been edited by wxray1: 23 January 2011 - 08:43 PM

[romansperson]

g105, on 23 January 2011 - 12:38 PM, said:

Maybe this isn't the place for this post, but here goes anyhow. Question; will I be able to take my camera (digital SLR with detachable lens) into the arena for the events? I see that the rules as established by the current management prohibit cameras. but they seem to have stopped enforcing it over the past few years. But this event is under the direction of the NHL, so I wonder how strictly this will be enforced. Anyone have any info on this? I also have an older point and shoot digital camera I could take if SLRs are banned.

I was wondering this same thing myself. The SLR is too much of a hassle to take to a game, but I think it would be great if I could take my little Nikon Coolpix with me.

[DianeNC]

NHL superstars to share the ice with musical performers, superheroes at the 2011 All-Star Game
All 30 superheroes in The Guardian Project to come to life
By Brian Mansfield, USA TODAY

Quote

NEW YORK – Raleigh native Clay Aiken, multi-platinum selling rock band 3 Doors Down and the vocal quartet Canadian Tenors will perform at the 58th NHL® All-Star Game presented by Discover on Sunday, Jan. 30 in Raleigh, N.C. (4 p.m. ET, CBC, RDS, VERSUS, NHL Radio™), the NHL announced today. Aiken and the Canadian Tenors will perform the U.S. and Canadian national anthems, respectively, prior to the start of the game. 3 Doors Down will perform in the first intermission. The second intermission will feature a special on-ice presentation of all 30 superhero characters - each representing an NHL team - from The Guardian Project™.

As part of the pre-game festivities, the NHL will salute U.S. Cpt. Darin Sweet, a U.S. Army Reserve Soldier Hero and recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor. Cpt. Sweet is assigned to the U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (USACAPOC) at Fort Bragg, N.C.

Quote

The 2011 NHL All-Star Game presented by Discover will mark the first time Carolina has hosted NHL All-Star activities. The excitement begins on Friday, Jan. 28 with the NHL All-Star Player Fantasy Draft powered by Cisco and televised live nationwide on TSN in Canada and VERSUS in the U.S. at 8 p.m. ET from NHL Fan Fair™ at the Raleigh Convention Center. On Saturday, Jan. 29, the players will take the ice in the Honda NHL SuperSkills® at the RBC Center. The League's mid-season spectacular concludes with the 58th NHL All-Star Game presented by Discover at the RBC Center on Sunday, Jan. 30. Live television coverage of both nights will be provided by VERSUS in the U.S. and CBC and RDS in Canada, with the Honda SuperSkills® at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday and the 2011 NHL All-Star Game presented by Discover at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday. Fans in Raleigh are encouraged to take part in the festivities at NHL Fan Fair™, a three-day fan festival at the Raleigh Convention Center, January 28-30.

Click here to read entire article.

This post has been edited by DianeNC: 24 January 2011 - 10:17 PM

[JLP]

It's official, no Sid: NHL, via Puck Daddy