Memphis Grizzlies ticket prices increase after Lakers revealed as NBA playoff opponent
The Memphis Grizzlies didn't have problems selling out NBA playoff games inside FedExForum last season, and that’s not expected to change now with a highly anticipated series against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Game 1 is Sunday (2 p.m., TNT). Game 2 is also in Memphis on Wednesday (6:30 p.m.) before the series shifts to Los Angeles on April 22 and April 24.
Memphis sold out 19 regular season games this season as the Grizzlies went an NBA-best 35-6 at home. The sold out games was the highest “in a a while,” Grizzlies vice president of ticket sales and service Dennis O’Connor told The Commercial Appeal.
“Our fan base has really showed up this year,” O’Connor said. “We did really well leading up to the regular season, but all our other metrics were up, too. We did phenomenally in groups this past year.”
A series against one of the NBA’s most storied franchises has caused some concern in Memphis that Lakers fans could purchase a higher number of tickets than a typical away team. Lakers fans have shown up in waves at FedExForum for years, but this is the first time the two teams have met in the postseason.
According to Tick Pick, the get-in price for Game 1 jumped from $107 to $145 after it was learned that the Lakers were the first-round opponent. The Game 2 get-in price increased from $89 to $122 before the date of the game was released. More than 52% of Tick Pick’s orders for the first-round series as of Wednesday came in the 16 hours after the opponent was learned.
“Every team that LeBron goes to impacts that local market, but also when that team travels to an away market, it impacts demand significantly,” Tick Pick content strategy leader Kyle Zorn said.
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Grizzlies pre-sale tickets went on sale for MVP members and season-ticket holders a day before the public. O’Connor noted that the team quickly sold out of that inventory.
According to Ticketmaster, standing room tickets are going for $100, terrace level seating is as low as $115, and plaza level prices are starting as low as $400.
The Grizzlies have an analytics department that puts together the model for pricing. Prices have slightly increased from the playoff run of last season, but so has the demand.
“Get your tickets early,” O’Connor said. “We’ve sold out every playoff game we’ve had here. Last year, we had a phenomenal run in the playoffs. Looking for another run this year.”
The Grizzlies are aiming to provide a good pregame experience for fans ahead of Game 1. On Friday, the Grizzlies will have a party outside of FedExForum from 4-6 p.m. that will serve as a pep rally. Food trucks, music, entertainment and a chance to get free swag will be available.
“We’re asking companies, buildings, schools, anyone with an ability to light up something to light their building in Grizzlies colors,” O’Connor said.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Expect to pay more for Memphis Grizzlies tickets for Game 1 vs Lakers
