Florida Panthers limit non-U.S. residents from buying Maple Leafs playoff road tickets
Toronto Maple Leafs fans hoping to make a trip down south to catch a playoff game against the Florida Panthers will hit an unexpected road block.
According to a notice on Ticketmaster's website, tickets to the second round series will be restricted to residents of the United States for the first 24 hours of sales.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
The American ticket company said residency will be determined based on customers' credit card billing address.
Moreover, anyone who tries to buy a ticket for the playoff games at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Fla. who doesn’t have a U.S. address before the first 24 hours is up will have their order cancelled and be issued a refund, Ticketmaster says.
The restriction does not apply to season-ticket holders who already have passes to the game, which means the resale market isn’t affected by the policy.
Tickets for Game 3 in Florida went on sale at 11 a.m. Monday and are already listed on sites like StubHub with the cheapest pair at time of writing going for $244 each – that’s less than half of what a ticket to Game 1 in Toronto will cost you at $528
In a statement to CTV News Toronto, a spokesperson for the Florida Panthers said the decision to limit ticket sales gives “local fans first access” to the game.
After the initial 24 hours has passed, anyone can buy a ticket regardless of their residence, the team confirmed.
This isn’t the first time an NHL organization has tried to restrict fans of the visiting team from buying a ticket.
Back in 2013, the Ottawa Senators offered fans extra tickets to upcoming home games against the Leafs and the Canadiens for 15 per cent off – as long as the tickets weren’t resold to non-Sens fans.
That decision was brought on, at least in part, by the strong showing of Leafs fans that travelled east for their rivals’ home games, and added a strong blue-and-white contingent to the former Scotiabank Place’s red and black.
Coincidentally, the last time the Leafs made it to the second round of the playoffs was back in 2004 when they iced out the Senators in Game 7.
That 19-year-drought ended Saturday when the Leafs took the series against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6.
The Leafs will have home ice advantage in their second round series against the Panthers, who beat the Boston Bruins in seven games on Sunday.
Game 1 goes Tuesday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.