With the Cubs game ending around 5:45 pm, I had plenty of time to drive to the United Center in time to buy a ticket for Game 1. As I write in the ticket buying guide for Championship games, I had done my research ahead of time. However, instead of buying ahead of time, I had a feeling ticket prices would drop outside of the arena so I went to the United Center empty handed. My first stop was outside of Billy Goat Tavern where most scalpers congregate for sporting events at the United Center.

Beg, Borrow and Deal
I was with Hospitality Jim’s two sons who also needed tickets. After some slight negotiations I ended up buying three upper level tickets for $350 each. With the amount of extra tickets outside of Billy Goat Tavern I probably could have paid less. However, as I also write in the ticket buying guide, you do not need to be a strong negotiator to buy tickets outside of the venue. Most likely ticket prices will be less outside the venue then if you bought ahead of time. And, upper level seats were cheaper. For most of the week upper level seats ranged from $400 to $500 each and we paid less than that. Thus, we saved money even though we did not negotiate very well.

Pre Game Dining
Rather than hang out at Billy Goat’s we went to the United Center immediately after buying tickets – the main reason being that Billy Goat’s did not have enough parking.

NHL Finals Game 1: Philadelphia Flyers at Chicago Blackhawks
It was Game 1 of the NHL Finals and the emotion started to run over me. After having lived in Chicago since the 1994-95 season and having attended over 100 Blackhawks games since then, it was amazing to actually be sitting in the stands for a Chicago Blackhawks NHL Finals game.

And, the Blackhawks did not disappoint. The game went back and forth. There were four lead changes as the Blackhawks won Game 1 6-5 to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The 11 total goals were the most in a Stanley Cup Finals Game 1.

Philadelphia’s goal tender Michael Leighton was pulled in the second period after giving up 5 goals.