Maple Leafs fans’ frustration “peaked” Monday after single-game tickets went on sale, with “anger over the prices” becoming a trending topic on X, according to Gilbert Ngabo of the TORONTO STAR. The Maple Leafs finished with the fifth-worst record in the league last season. While marquee games against teams such as the Canadiens have always been pricey, some fans were “shocked as average prices for the cheapest seat in the house ranged from $150 to $270 a ticket.” For the season opener against the Canadiens, “one of the hottest games of the year and likely featuring the debut” of No. 1 overall draft pick LW Gavin McKenna, a standing-room only ticket is listed on Ticketmaster for $268. Even an obstructed view seat in row 12 for a Tuesday night game in November against the Mammoth costs $127 each. Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment said that their “top priority remains creating access for all the fans,” noting that single-game tickets for the campaign saw a 2% increase compared to last season. MLSE “continues to implement initiatives that give fans opportunities to get into games for free, such as the Fan Access lottery program.” However, some fans insist that the team is “prioritizing maximum profit over fan satisfaction” (TORONTO STAR, 8/25).
