Here's the PR release ...

The Detroit Red Wings today announced that the price of every ticket in every round of the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs has been reduced by up to 43% over last year’s playoffs. In addition to the roll back in pricing, the Wings are offering several additional premium benefits for season ticket holders including preferred pricing, a “Pay As The Wings Play” payment plan and a guarantee not to raise prices for the 2008-09 season.

“We asked our season ticket holders what they wanted,” said Red Wings Senior Vice President of Business Operations Steve Violetta. “They spoke. We listened, and acted.

“Our team’s on-ice performance has our fans very excited about the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs,” continued Violetta. “We’re confident they will be equally happy with our new reduced prices, payment option and season ticket holder benefits.”

Everyone is going to save as individual game prices have been reduced between 17% and 37% over 2007 playoff prices for the first round alone, depending upon seat location. And season ticket holders will save even more as they will enjoy preferred pricing that has first round prices reduced 24% to 43%.

Playoff ticket brochures were mailed to season ticket holders today and include all the details on the new pricing and payment plans. The new pricing represents a significant reduction across the board from last year’s playoff pricing. As an example, regular season $44 seats will rise only $10 to $54 per seat.

Another great new offering is a “Pay As The Wings Play” payment plan which eliminates the need to pay for the entire playoffs up front. With this new plan, season ticket holders will only be charged for home games that are guaranteed to be played. For example, fans will initially only be charged for the first two games of the opening round. They won’t be charged for an additional first round game until a third home game is determined necessary. This new billing system will continue throughout all playoff rounds through the Stanley Cup Finals.

As an additional bonus to ticket holders who join in by March 3, the Wings are offering to lock in next year’s regular season tickets at the same price as this year – guaranteeing a league-best seventh consecutive year without an increase in ticket prices. To take advantage of the preferred pricing and “Pay As The Wings Play” offers and reserve their season tickets, fans need only place a $250 deposit for upper bowl seats and a $500 deposit on lower bowl locations.

Regular Season $22
1st round $36-$40 ($63)
2nd round $50-$55 ($72)
2rd round $70-$75 ($99)
SC final $90-$95 ($135)

Regular Season $44
1st round $54-$60 ($81)
2nd round $60-$70 ($90)
3rd round $90-$100 ($135)
SC final $170-$190 ($203)

Regular Season $54
1st round $68-$75 ($99)
2nd round $80-$90 ($108)
3rd round $125-$140 ($158)
SC final $210-$230 ($270)

Regular Season $76
1st round $95-$105 ($126)
2nd round $120-$130 ($135)
3rd round $180-$200 ($225)
SC final $300-$350 ($405)

Regular Season $85
1st round $110-$120 ($144)
2nd round $135-$150 ($153)
3rd round $195-$215 ($270)
SC final $315-$395 ($450)

For each Round, the first price listed is the Preferred Season Ticket Holder Pricing; The second price listed is the individual game gate pricing. Last year’s pricing is in parenthesis.

The deadline for current season ticket holders to reserve their playoff tickets is March 3. The general public who wish to become season ticket holders and guarantee this year’s playoff tickets and next year’s regular season pricing can place their order beginning February 25. Individual tickets for the first round of the playoffs will go on sale to the general public March 21.

“The lower pricing, payment plans and guaranteed pricing are all part of our continuing efforts to create value and make this a great time to be a Red Wings season ticket holder,” concluded Violetta. “There’s nothing like being in The Joe for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.”