The campers are camping

It was early this morning, about 4:50 in the AM, and I made a detour from my normal route of going around downtown St. Paul and decided to instead cut through the city so that I could take a peek at the small patch of grass that is next to the Xcel Energy Center, on the Kellogg Blvd side. Not really expecting to see much of anything, it was double-take action time as I noticed that not only was there one tent erected, but three! And we are talking about just over 2 days from the start of the regular season ticket sales. Now that is either simply crazy or dedicated...you can judge that one for yourselves.

Maybe I am getting forgetful with my increasing age, but I don't remember seeing a three-some this early before the Saturday ticket scramble, so surprised would not quite describe my thoughts today.

Fans get a break

Remember back in early February, on the 4th to be exact, when the Minnesota Wild issued a press release assuring fans that for the upcoming season, the season before us now, that the organization planned on freezing ticket prices? What a nice gesture...

Well by my calculations, the Wild will more than recoup that 'loss' with a few things that were done this off-season. First off, the 'premium' ticket games that were introduced one season ago, was increased by 2 games this season, going from 12 to 14. In addition, this season the Wild introduced two 'companion' games, where the ticket buyer of the games against the Rangers & Penguins must also buy tickets to the Coyotes & Predators respectively. This will all but assure a sellout for two games that may have otherwise been a close call for a team that has never witnessed anything less than a packed arena. Oh and by the way, the Rangers and Penguins tickets are of the 'premium' variety.

Finally, the big cash cow...the introduction of another 'new' third jersey. And with it, the 'newness' of this franchise wearing out will have to be pushed back even further with this introduction because you know that many Wild rubes, including myself, will grab one of these so that we can add them to our collection. Since Minnesota was awarded an NHL franchise, they have always been listed as one of the top merchandise generating franchises in the league, and there is no doubt that this will keep them high in those standings.

Rumor has it that before next season, after once again announcing a ticket price freeze, the team will be installing several toll booths around the X...