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9 = 8 Tips For Buying Rays' Tickets On The Street

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TBO.com

Published: October 9, 2008

TAMPA - Officials say the games are sold out, but you can still get tickets to see the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox play in the American League Championship Series. Expect ticket brokers and fans with extra tickets to be around Tropicana Field looking to sell as game time approaches. But how much you pay might depend on how and when you consummate the deal. Here's a guide.

1. Print out a map of the stadium. Whether you're planning to buy tickets on the street or online, keep a copy of the seating chart handy so you can see for yourself where the seats you're thinking about buying are located. A printable version of the Tropicana Field seating chart is at Ticketmaster.com.

2. Check prices online. Even if you plan to buy tickets on the street, check online to get a sense of how much reasonable sellers are asking. If you find a good deal, consider buying online, but double-check to make sure you can receive your tickets before the game, either by picking them up at will call or meeting the seller in a public place.

A few Web sites to check for reselling rates are Craigslist.org, StubHub.com, TicketsNow.com and RazorGator.com.

3. Show up early. Really early. The best ticket prices are offered by fans, not ticket brokers. Those fans generally head down to the field early to sell their extra tickets. You can get a great deal on someone's extra seats if you position yourself close to the parking lots, the stadium and Ferg's Sports Bar, 1320 Central Ave., an hour or more before game time.

4. Wear your Rays gear. Rays fans are much more likely to sell to other Rays fans, especially when the team is playing the rival Red Sox. Let other fans know you're looking for tickets by raising your hand and holding up two fingers for two tickets, four fingers for four tickets, etc. Making eye contact and smiling will make you more approachable.

5. Decide how much you want to spend before you approach a ticket seller. Once you start a conversation with a ticket seller, the seller usually has the advantage — he has something you want, and he knows it. If you work out the numbers ahead of time, you'll find it easier to think on your feet, and you'll be more likely to walk away satisfied.

6. Separate your cash. If you're carrying $120 but only want to spend $100 on tickets, stash the extra $20 in a front pocket or purse. Then, if a seller tries to talk you into spending more than you want, you can pull out the $100 and show him that's all you have. At that point, he'll either walk away or sell you the tickets at your price.

A word of warning: Never let a seller see that you have more cash than you're offering. Some sellers will even point you toward the nearest ATM if they see you're carrying a debit card.

7. Be flexible. If you have your heart set on press-level seats but can't find any for a good price, consider looking for high-row seats on the lower (100) level or low-row seats in the upper level (300). On the other hand, if you're looking for 100-level tickets but can't find a low price, consider buying seats in the middle (200) level.

Many people assume the 200 level has the second-best view compared with the 100 level, but at the Trop, the 200 level is less crowded and sandwiched between the suite levels, so you're getting a top-dollar view. Take advantage of prices that don't reflect familiarity with the stadium.

8. Be patient. If you can't immediately find tickets you like at a price you like, don't worry. Many ticket brokers work with partners. If you're straightforward about how much you're willing to pay, and if it's a reasonable offer, many sellers will get on the phone and ask around to see whether brokers have the tickets you're looking for at your price.

Also, other fans will be scrambling to get rid of extra tickets as game time approaches. If you don't mind missing a few minutes of the first inning, you can find rock-bottom prices just after the game starts. Just don't wait too long — most fans trying to sell extra tickets will give up and go inside.

If all else fails, keep walking, and try not to let your frustration show. If you look friendly, people are more likely to approach you and sympathize. Walking an extra lap around Ferg's and the stadium won't cost you anything, and the closer it gets to game time, the more likely it is to pay off.

Note: The reselling of tickets became legal in Florida in 2006 under a law signed by then-Gov.Jeb Bush.

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