With professional hockey teams battling it out on the ice night after night, NHL fans often find themselves with extra tickets or unable to use tickets they’ve already purchased. This leads many fans to wonder – can you exchange NHL tickets if you can’t attend the game?
The short answer is yes, NHL tickets can be exchanged, but the specific policies, fees, and restrictions depend on the team and where you purchased the tickets. Teams and ticket resellers each have their own rules regarding exchanges, so you’ll need to check the fine print before attempting to swap out your tickets.
Exchanging Through the Box Office
If you purchased tickets directly from an NHL team’s box office, you can likely exchange them by contacting the box office directly. Many teams allow season ticket holders and individual game buyers to exchange tickets for another game in the same season.
However, there are usually restrictions in place:
- There is often a deadline, usually 24-48 hours before the scheduled game time, for exchanging tickets.
- An exchange fee, often $10-$20 per ticket, frequently applies.
- The tickets must be exchanged for another game in the same season – you likely can’t exchange them for cash or credit.
- The new game must be equal or greater value; you likely can’t exchange expensive seats for cheap seats.
It’s a good idea to call the team box office as soon as you know you can’t use the tickets to begin the exchange process. Provide them the seat locations and price paid, and ask about available games to exchange into. The box office will confirm if an exchange is possible and let you know the exact fees and restrictions involved.
Exchanging Through a Reseller
If you purchased from a ticket reseller like StubHub or Ticketmaster, the exchange policies get a bit more complicated. Each reseller has their own guidelines, so you’ll need to consult the specific terms you agreed to when buying the tickets.
That said, here are some common exchange policies among major resellers:
- Exchanges are usually allowed, for a fee of 10-15% of the ticket price.
- Exchanges must be into another game in the same NHL season.
- Upper-level seats can typically only be exchanged for other upper-level seats in the same section.
- Lower-level or premium seat exchanges may require an upgrade fee.
- Exchanges are typically restricted to 5-7 days before the scheduled game.
Resellers also tend to impose strict limits, like only allowing each ticket to be exchanged once. Be sure to read all policies before purchase. If exchange seems likely, buy from a reseller with flexible options.
Exchanging Paper Tickets
In today’s digital world, more and more teams are using mobile tickets rather than old-school paper tickets. Mobile tickets are loaded into your smartphone’s digital wallet for entry scanning at the venue. Paper tickets are less common but still used by some NHL teams.
Paper ticket exchanges follow the same policies – contact the box office or reseller you bought them from. However, you’ll likely need to physically mail in the paper tickets for exchange and have new paper tickets mailed back.
This is important if buying paper tickets secondhand. There is risk the original ticket holder will report them lost or stolen before you can exchange. Digital tickets avoid this risk.
Can You Exchange NHL Tickets on Game Day?
Exchanging tickets on game day is rare with either box offices or resellers. Most have exchange deadlines at least 24 hours before the scheduled game. This allows time for the new tickets to be issued and prevents last minute exchanges from impacting attendance. Game day exchanges are generally prohibited.
That said, some teams do occasionally allow game day swaps. This is most common for season ticket holders with a relationship with the box office staff. Individual game buyers are unlikely to find a team willing to exchange on game day.
If an unavoidable conflict arises on game day, your best bet is to recoup some of the cost by reselling the tickets through a marketplace like StubHub, VividSeats or Ticketmaster. While you likely have to sell at a discount, especially for day-of sales, it at least provides some compensation.
Steps to Exchange NHL Tickets
When you need to exchange NHL tickets, follow these steps for the best results:
- Call the box office immediately if you purchased directly from the team.
- Consult the reseller’s website if you purchased from a reseller.
- Note any exchange deadlines – usually 1-2 days before the scheduled game.
- Ask about exchange fees – often $10-$20 per ticket.
- Inquire about seat limitations – upper level for upper level, etc.
- Provide ticket details – section, row, seat.
- Discuss game options to exchange into.
- Obtain new ticket issuance confirmation.
- Return any paper tickets via certified mail.
Moving quickly is key, as early exchanges have the most options. Research all policies in advance of your purchase to avoid hassles. With some planning, you can usually exchange unwanted NHL tickets with reasonable ease.
Exchanging Partial Ticket Purchases
If you purchased multiple NHL tickets but can only attend some of the games, Partial ticket exchanges are generally allowed. For example:
- You buy a 4-game pack but can only attend 2 games. You can typically exchange the 2 unused games for 2 other games.
- You buy 6 tickets for 1 game but only need 4 tickets. You can often exchange the 2 extras for another game.
The same exchange fees and deadlines apply. Some resellers have minimum numbers for exchanges – like at least 2 or 4 tickets. Check policies before partial exchanges.
Refunds Instead of Exchanges
While NHL teams and resellers allow ticket exchanges, direct refunds are extremely rare in the absence of a full event cancellation. Once you purchase the tickets, you own them and are responsible for either using or exchanging them.
Even in extenuating circumstances, like injury or illness, you will need to exchange into another game rather than get a refund. Refunds eat into sales, so exchanges are vastly preferred. Only in the most extreme cases, like a lockout, do teams consider refunds.
Exchanging Other NHL Events
The exchange policies outlined above refer specifically to NHL games. However, other NHL events like the All-Star Game, NHL Draft, and special ceremonies generally follow similar guidelines.
The league and teams want consistency across exchanges, so expect comparable deadlines, fees, and limits. Read the fine print for your specific event just in case of any unique details or restrictions.
Can You Exchange Playoff NHL Tickets?
Exchanging tickets for the NHL playoffs follows the same process as the regular season – contact your point of purchase and inquire about options. However, the stakes become higher and policies tighter during the postseason.
Many teams prohibit playoff ticket exchanges altogether. Those that allow often have earlier deadlines, like a week in advance. Fees also tend to rise to deter exchanges. Availability plummets as well.
The bottom line – don’t buy playoff tickets unless sure you can attend. The combination of high demand and tighter policies makes playoff exchanges extremely difficult.
Selling vs. Exchanging NHL Tickets
If your plans change after buying NHL tickets, you have two options – try to exchange the tickets, or sell them. Which route makes the most sense depends on several factors:
- Fees – Exchanges often carry a fee, while sales just cost a commission percentage.
- Pricing – You may recoup more by reselling in-demand games and seats.
- Options – Wider selection of games to choose from when exchanging.
- Deadlines – Sales can sometimes happen closer to game time than exchanges.
Exchanges provide flexibility to pick new games but often cost extra. Sales maximize your money but limit your new game choices. Evaluate both paths when tickets go unused.
Conclusion
NHL teams understand that ticket buyers’ plans can change unexpectedly. To provide some flexibility, box offices and approved resellers offer exchange options in most cases. While restrictions and fees apply, exchanges provide a viable alternative to eating the full cost of unused tickets.
Just be sure to move quickly once you know you can’t attend, as early exchanges maximize your game options. Carefully review all exchange details before buying to avoid confusion. With some foresight and planning, NHL ticket exchanges can help salvage your investment if you can’t use the seats you purchased.