New Jersey Devils Promotional Schedule Released

by John Fischer on Sep 5, 2009 1:19 PM EDT in Devils Issues, Views & Analysis

The season is upon us. If you're a season ticket holder, like me, you may have already got your tickets by now. If not, then individual tickets will go on sale this Wednesday according to the official Devils website. The box office prices that first came out in March when season ticket offers were first presented appear to have stayed the same. I've went through each section to note the difference - be it savings or an increase - from the 2008-09 prices to the 2009-10 prices back then. It's still holds true so I recommend checking that out. The short version is that unless you're in the upper balcony on the sides, you're likely to spend less on tickets this season - but not nearly as much as those of us with season ticket prices.

I just got a letter from the organization - sent to all season ticket holders, I imagine - revealing their promotional schedule for home games this season. There are a total of 14 dates on the list, representing 34% of all Devils home games. Some are charitable, such as Toys for Tots and the annual Coat Drive. Others are traditional give-aways like a baseball cap, youth hockey jersey, or a puck. And a few honor the past, such as the already-revealed throwback jerseys to be worn on March 17 as well as games that honor the 3 Stanley Cup championship teams. The latter is particularly inspired given that those teams will be honored as the Devils host the opponents that they beat in the Stanley Cup Final in their respective years.

Most of the promotions - 9 to be exact - before 2010. I figure that is to try and boost attendance early in the season. This fits in with owner Jeff Vanderbeek's theory that attendance picks up from late December onwards, so we'll see if it has an impact or not. For the Devils' sake, I hope it does.

The only headscratcher I see here is the first one for Championship Plaza Ribbon Cutting outside of the Rock; and that's only because it's at 2 PM. The season opener against Philadelphia is at 7 PM, so I openly wonder what one can do for the three and a half hours before the Rock opens up. Party at the plaza? Explore Newark? Ideas, anyone?

Date	Opponent	Promotion (for all fans unless otherwise noted)
10/3/2009	Philadelphia	Championship Plaza Ribbon Cutting at 2 PM Magnetic Schedule
10/16/2009	Atlanta	Calendar
11/11/2009	Anaheim	Honoring 2003 Stanley Cup Champions
11/14/2009	Washington	Charity - Canned Food Drive
11/28/2009	NY Islanders	Youth Hockey Jerseys for Ages 13 and Under
12/4/2009	Tampa Bay	Charity - Toys for Tots
12/5/2009	Detroit	Honoring 1995 Stanley Cup Champions
12/18/2009	Ottawa	Charity - Coat Drive
12/30/2009	Pittsburgh	Puck
1/5/2010	Dallas	Honoring 2000 Stanley Cup Champions
2/12/2010	Nashville	Baseball Cap
3/17/2010	Pittsburgh	Devils to wear Throwback Jerseys
4/10/2010	NY Islanders	Fan Appreciation Weekend Pt. 1
4/11/2010	Buffalo	Fan Appreciation Weekend Pt. 2

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Good Job by the Devils

john, I just got the same letter. A few thoughts

1) Overall, I think a VERY good job by the Devils this year on the ticket prices. I think they anticipated very well the impact of the economic situation on ticket demand. Personally, I can tell you the package they put together convinced me to go from half season to full season this year (granted I split with some family members). Bottom line is I am paying 20 bucks less a game this year than last year to be in the Devils Red section, between the ticket price cuts and the bigger discount for season tickets

I also think some of the other sports, and the new york teams in particular are really screwing their fans over. I know of ALOT of Jets and Giants fans who are giving up their tickets next year because the simply can’t or won’t pay the outrageous PSL costs. They are long term cutting off their own noses, because they are taking out the next generation of fans. Stories are going around that the Jets could even be blacked out in NY

2) I like the promotions, but if I were them I would actually do a few more kids only promotions. I love the youth hockey jersey promo, and that is one of the games I have now circled for “my games”. I think the kids are when you start getting the die hard fan who is going to stay with you – look at how many of the posts on your article a couple weeks back and how many talked about being hooked when they went to their first game as a kid or something similar

3) I too am not sure why they would make the ribbon cutting so early. I wonder if they are perhaps partnering up with some of the local merchants and restaurants to have some activities going on or meal discounts, etc. They do seem to be trying to add more tie ins with the local restaurants from what I can see

All I know is I am totally fired up for the season to start.

by Devilssection21fan on Sep 6, 2009 8:19 AM EDT reply actions

What To Do After The Champion Plaza Ribbon Cutting at 2pm? Read Here.

Yes, a good time to explore downtown Newark.

A must stop is the Newark Museum, which is only ten blocks from The Rock (Prudential Center), 2 blocks west of Broad on Washington Street. The museum is adjacent to Rutgers University, Washington Square Park and St Michael’s Medical Center and only 2 blocks from Riverfront Stadium and 3 blocks from the NJPAC. While you’re in the neighborhood stop in the main public library, located next door to the museum.

Take a subway ride north to Branch Brook Park or hop off and visit the Sacred Heart Church Basilica on the corner of Park Ave and Ridge St. Make plans for a return visit to Branch Brook Park in the springtime to view the cherry blossom trees in full bloom (and there are more here than in Washington DC!)

Take a stroll through Military Park, eat at one of many amazing restaurants downtown or in the Ironbound.

Check the NJPAC (Performing Arts Center) for an afternoon performance or stop by the box office to check their schedule for a return evening trip.

Also in the spring and summer take in a baseball game at Riverfront Stadium to see the Newark Bears play some ball. There’s always some fun times in Newark if you just take the time to explore.

Enjoy the downtown but more importantly, enjoy the game! Let’s Go Devils!!

by TheIceDog on Sep 29, 2009 6:55 PM EDT reply actions