Big East Tournament Tickets

[GoMuskies]

Who's going to the Big Apple in three weeks? What are your plans for tickets? Personally, I plan to buy session by session so long as Xavier advances. As big as MSG is, I can't imagine there will be any issue getting tickets for a session. Plus, my wife probably will not go to all three games if Xavier gets to the finals, so I kind of need to play it by ear with respect to the number of tickets I'll need for a given night. For those who have been the last two years, what has your experience been in buying tickets (if you did not spring for the strip)?

[drudy23]

Who's going to the Big Apple in three weeks? What are your plans for tickets? Personally, I plan to buy session by session so long as Xavier advances. As big as MSG is, I can't imagine there will be any issue getting tickets for a session. Plus, my wife probably will not go to all three games if Xavier gets to the finals, so I kind of need to play it by ear with respect to the number of tickets I'll need for a given night. For those who have been the last two years, what has your experience been in buying tickets (if you did not spring for the strip)?

If you're springing for the strip, I'm going!!

[Emp]

Full disclosure, I've bought the package throughout Xavier the past two years. But I'm a junkie, I go for the entire schedule. However, I do not get the lower level seats.

MSG Ushers are pretty cool about moving down and around, at least until the real ticket holders show, and until the final. Get the cheapest upper level tickets and scout before you move. Moving down from upper to lower seems confusing initially, separate ramps, etc. but there are plenty of stairwells connecting the levels where there are no ushered checking tix, and once you are on a level, just act like you belong.

Also, fans leave after the first game of a session and are usually willing to give up tix. Surprisingly useful in succeeding sessions.

The real hidden gem seats are upper level first row. There are playback monitors for every 3-4 seats.

There are plenty of scalpers on the street as well.

Also, check out where Xavier fans are watering. Always seem to be some tickets.

[GoMuskies]

Thanks, this is helpful. I assume there will be some sort of alumni reception before the quarters that we will attend. Hopefully at that event I will be able to assemble a drinking crew for the rest of the weekend!

[EastCoastXman]

The official XU bar the last 2 years for the tournament is the Thirsty Fan on W 31st St right across the street from The Garden. You can always find a Muskie draped over the bar Weds-Sat. Last year there was a big reception prior to our quarter final game including band and cheerleaders.

[SemajParlor]

I've gone the last 2 years. The pre game for alumni's /fans last year was a lot of fun. A lot of X fans, giveaways, brought the pep band etc. I recommend.

As far as tickets, I have never bought through the school and usually go the Stubhub / scalping outside MSG route. The first rounds you will be able to sit anywhere. The Semi's and the Finals have been a lot harder to move around - obviously depending on the team they are facing.

Hopefully X will make a run again because it really has been one of my favorite weekends of the year.

[BMoreX]

This is my first year going and I bought through the school. I assume we'll be getting those tickets mailed to us relatively soon.

Really looking forward to it.

[THRILLHOUSE]

My first time, got tickets through the Big East. Probably would've typically done StubHub or scalpers, but I used my fantasy football winnings which is covering a majority of this trip. So money wasn't a big object.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Looking forward to going to this one of these years but I but my dollars towards a Vegas trip for march madness this year.

Hopefully one of the next 2 or 3 years I will make it. I go to NY often enough but usually during football season.

[XMuskieFTW]

I went last year and had a blast. I bought tickets as the tourney went on and as we won. Not the best idea because I decided it was a good idea to splurge for good seats for the semis and finals when I got drunk after the quarters and semis. Spent way more than I would have liked too, but that's what happens when your cousin is a bartender at the place across the street and you don't have to pay for drinks.

[Emp]

I went last year and had a blast. I bought tickets as the tourney went on and as we won. Not the best idea because I decided it was a good idea to splurge for good seats for the semis and finals when I got drunk after the quarters and semis. Spent way more than I would have liked too, but that's what happens when your cousin is a bartender at the place across the street and you don't have to pay for drinks.

FW, you will be in demand! Shameless plug: My birthday is March 9, opening night....70 bottle of beers on the wall....

[xu82]

I went last year and had a blast. I bought tickets as the tourney went on and as we won. Not the best idea because I decided it was a good idea to splurge for good seats for the semis and finals when I got drunk after the quarters and semis. Spent way more than I would have liked too, but that's what happens when your cousin is a bartender at the place across the street and you don't have to pay for drinks.


It sounds like the free drinks were very expensive. Interesting.