Best way for an aussie traveller to get tickets (NBA etc.)

Anybody recommend a hotel concierge, or is that more at four star inns and for theatre tickets?

 

Has anyone told you about Craigslist?

 

The easiest way would be to check the website of whichever team you're going to see, but that only works if they aren't sold out.

You can check www.stubhub.com/, which is basically a service that allow fans to resell their tickets to games. Prices vary depending on the opponent, you may be able to get them close to face value or you may be paying a lot more. I've used it a couple of times and never had a problem.

You can also try scalpers outside of the events if it comes down to that. Scalping laws vary by state but I doubt you'd have a problem, and there's also the risk of somebody selling you fake tickets.

 

Do you know who SmeggySmeg is? Another Aussie who will be in the States at the same time as you. I think he will catch a game at MSG as well. He has a thread about his trip; you should look for it.

To purchase tickets, if you can't buy online, and you are not staying at an expensive hotel where a concierge will secure a ticket for you, then you can always just call a brick and mortar ticket broker.

 

Catching a Raptors game in Toronto should be easy, although expect to pay more than you would in the US. Avoid buying from the official website since they're damn expensive and the cheapest you can get is probably $40 after taxes/fees. Stubhub is a good source or simply get them from scalpers before the games around the Air Canada Centre.

As for NHL games in Toronto, good luck. You need to spend at least a couple hundred to be get to a Leafs game. A cheaper option would be the Toronto Marlies, who play in the AHL (NBDL of the NHL) and are the farm team of the Maple Leafs.

 

Parking around air canada center was super expensive last time I was there. You should hit up a nets game you can get there on the subway tickets out to be cheap.