Canes Road Trip to Washington - 11/24

[WhalerCanes]

I briefly mentioned this in the schedule thread but I wanted to make sure that everyone on the board saw it in case they were interested.

I'm very serious about putting together a bus trip to go see the Canes play the Capitals in Washington on 11/24. I already have about 10 people that I know would definitely go and about 10 more that expressed some interest. The buses usually hold 45-50 people and while they are pricey, when you factor in the cost of driving, parking (or stopping further outside the city and taking the train in) and the higher cost of getting individual tickets from Ticketmaster, I don't think the price of a big trip together is all that much more. On the positive side, everyone gets to go together and no one has to drive all the way there and back which is probably worth a few bucks as well.

Right now the plan is to book the bus and buy the tickets sometime in September. I would like to get lower level seats, probably in the preferred section, at the end the Canes shoot at twice. The bus, which would allow beer and have bathrooms, would leave around noon from a meeting point in Raleigh. That should give us plenty of time to get to the game and will allow folks to spend some time around the arena or get into the game early. We'd leave right after the game ends and arrive back in Raleigh around 3 AM.

If we have 35 people total, it'd be around $110 a ticket. I've got a couple bus quotes already and am still shopping around so I think I can get that price down a buck or two per person minimum. If we end up with a full bus, it'd be around $100 per person. I'm only going to charge whatever it costs me - I'm not looking to make any money off of this.

At this point, I'd like anyone who is interested in this to PM me. I know it's early and I'm not looking for any payment now but I need to know if booking a bus makes financial sense. If I get around 35 people, it'll be worth it but obviously if I'm stuck at 20, it's not going to fly. Once I know if there's enough interest, I can confirm the plans and ask people to commit.

In addition to letting me know if you or any friends are interested, I'm open to any ideas of how to make this trip better. If you think of anything to make the trip easier/more fun/more feasible, by all means let me know.

One last note: for those that don't know me, my name is Ryan and my wife and I have been season ticket holders since 2004 (when we moved to Raleigh). We've met several of our friends down here through Canes-related events which is why meeting some more people on a big road trip seems like so much fun. We did a couple weekend trips with a few friends last year to Pittsburgh and Atlanta and we're trying to make a couple away games a yearly tradition.

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

[hyena]

Thanks for organizing this. I think your price sounds very reasonable.

I really hope this works out! I'd love for us to take over an entire section of the Phonebooth. :evil:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

We would be in but, that's my weekend to work and I sincerely doubt anyone would be willing to pick up a weekend (or switch) right after Thanksgiving. :(

[LostTexan]

I think it would be a lot of fun to do a trip like that but I'm not sure if I could do it Thanksgiving weekend.

If you are talking about $100 for the whole trip (bus and ticket) I think that would be a good deal since the tickets are like $75 if you buy them individually.

[Jay]

I'm in as long as total cost <$125

[nccanes]

I am hoping to make that game, but may travel separately. I certainly wouldn't want to complicate your organization, but if you are getting group tickets from the Caps and are willing to ''add on" some folks for tickets only, let us know.

Thanks SO much for offering to do this. As far as suggestions about making it a successful trip, I'll just mention again that the Caps Road Crew would likely give you pointers/advice. Sparky who posts here has traveled with them many times and he may be able to give you the email address for someone there.

I always HATE to see large visiting groups at the RBC, but the CRC is a decent bunch and I know they LOVE coming to the RBC center because the trip is well attended and the cost and time is reasonable. So I imagine the same would hold true for the reverse trip.

You might want to check in with the Caps group sales -- I have no idea of how fast a game date like this would sell.

I'm already excited - I was really impressed with the turnout of Canes fans when I went in Jan of '06.

[WhalerCanes]

Yes, I am talking around $100 - $110 for the whole trip (lower level ticket, bus and parking). As long as we had about 27 people, the cost would be less than $125 per person and obviously the more people attending and riding the bus, the less it'd be per person. Already there seems to be enough interest to get about 25 people on the bus and at that point we'd have to make a judgement call to see if it'd really be worth it. If we can hit 30 attending, then I think it makes financial sense to do it. If you read this and have friends who may go but aren't on this board, please pass this info along to them.

I believe the team holds some tickets available for groups; when I spoke to one of the group sales managers, he did not make it seem like I had to order them right now. I do want to get them as early as possible, however, since no tickets kind of hurts the whole road trip game concept. I mean, we could always get upper level tickets and the cost of the trip would be a lot less but most people I've spoken to would much prefer sitting closer.

[car3hur]

Yes, I am talking around $100 - $110 for the whole trip (lower level ticket, bus and parking). As long as we had about 27 people, the cost would be less than $125 per person and obviously the more people attending and riding the bus, the less it'd be per person. Already there seems to be enough interest to get about 25 people on the bus and at that point we'd have to make a judgement call to see if it'd really be worth it. If we can hit 30 attending, then I think it makes financial sense to do it. If you read this and have friends who may go but aren't on this board, please pass this info along to them.

I believe the team holds some tickets available for groups; when I spoke to one of the group sales managers, he did not make it seem like I had to order them right now. I do want to get them as early as possible, however, since no tickets kind of hurts the whole road trip game concept. I mean, we could always get upper level tickets and the cost of the trip would be a lot less but most people I've spoken to would much prefer sitting closer.

Yes everyone, definately let your friends know who may be interested in attending. The LL seats, and having the game be in D.C., I think is an awesome idea! A few people mentioned earlier in the thread how reasonable the price is for the bus and the ticket, and I definately agree.

And also, nothing is better than sitting with a huge group of fellow Caniac's, and cheering on our team! I've sat with a group like this before for an ECHL game, when I was living in GA...Gwinnett was playing the Everblades, and the Blades brought almost 40-50 people that sat in half a section...they were so loud after a goal when you're sitting with them, it seems like the whole place is going crazy...that'd be nice to do up in the Caps barn, that's for sure!

So seriously consider taking this trip all...it's gonna be one helluva time!

[nccanes]

I think 16 of us sat together in Philips Arena in the '03-'04 season and we were pretty full of ourselves. :D

[Scottie2hottie]

I've never done anything like this before, but I know it promises to be a great time! I look forward to it! :D

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I think 16 of us sat together in Philips Arena in the '03-'04 season and we were pretty full of ourselves. :D

Why, I don't know what you mean. :angel:

[svandijk1]

but the CRC is a decent bunch and I know they LOVE coming to the RBC center

Well they are a hell of a lot better than that Simon's Soldiers mob that used to show up!

[kermelbar]

My current part-time gig is at a Hallmark store so there's not a snowball's chance in hell of me being able to get off for that one, but if there's ever another bus trip under similar circumstances -- "day" trip, price, etc. -- I'd definitely be interested.

Very cool of you to organize!

[SC06]

My husband told me not to read this thread and get any bright ideas because that is the day of the last home NC State football game. I wish we could go and if you get any other trips planned we would definetely be interested in going.

[Shattered]

We might be interested in the tickets-only part. I wouldn't dream of subjecting a 3-year-old to that kind of bus ride (or the other passengers to a 3-year-old). :) Thanks for organizing this!

[Shell]

^aww, come on, I thought we could alll bring our 3 year olds LOL. Where is your sense of adventure?? ;)
That is a reasonable price and very good deal!

[kermelbar]

They could entertain each other in the luggage compartment. I kid! I kid! :D

[car3hur]

My husband told me not to read this thread and get any bright ideas because that is the day of the last home NC State football game. I wish we could go and if you get any other trips planned we would definetely be interested in going.

Tell your husband to give me a call then...I'll talk to him for ya! :D

[ButtersSaysNo]

Tell your husband to give me a call then...I'll talk to him for ya! :D


That won't do any good. I'm not missing the last home fb game of the season. :)

[car3hur]

That won't do any good. I'm not missing the last home fb game of the season. :)

And nor should you!

[ButtersSaysNo]

SC06 and I are likely doing the Pens and Flyers games when Canes go back to back up in PA so she can deal with having to miss Caps road trip game. ;)

[car3hur]

So...how many people are we up to so far?

[sharkwing1]

count me and a friend of mine in....im sure some of you well recognize us. There were a lot of photos floating around with captions commenting on the amount of drinks we had consumed before arriving at the airport during the 06 cup run

[puck_it]

you sure did consume a lot :lol:

[WhalerCanes]

Since we are closer to the season actually starting, I'm bumping this thread to let everyone know where we currently stand.

It looks like I'll be able to get a group of tickets at the end the Canes shoot at twice if I reserve them by 9/15. After getting a couple more bus quotes, I think that we'll need 38 people to make the trip worthwhile financially (under $110). Right now, we've got 23 who said they'd go so we still need more. That being said, if you or anyone you know is interested in going to the Washington game on 11/24 (and returning that night), please let me know.

Because I need to know how many tickets to reserve on 9/15, I will need a firm commitment on whether you're going to attend or not by 9/7. In addition to this, I'll also need a deposit of $40 by 9/15 from those wishing to attend. This is the cost of your bus seat; if you end up not being able to attend, I will only refund the money if we are able to find someone to fill your spot (otherwise I'll personally eat the cost of your seat - and your ticket if I can't sell it - so I hope you can understand). The balance of the trip will be due by the middle of October.

Since we still a need a good number of people to make this trip happen, I'll keep you updated on where we're at numbers-wise. If we don't get enough to fill the bus, I'll look into group tickets for those still wishing to attend the game (and drive there themselves).

If you've PM'd me about this before, please PM again letting me know if you are definitely in.

Thanks,
Ryan

[cmw00]

I went to DC last season had a great time loved the arena and the fans were great also!

[CC]

I am in for 2 seats. Send me a PM or email at vermontcc@aol.com

We can talk about the particulars.

CC

[hyena]

C'mon people, DC is a great trip (and short). WE NEED TO INVADE THEIR ARENA.

It will be tons of fun and the price is pretty sweet.

[WhalerCanes]

Just to keep you updated, it looks like we've got 25 confirmed. I haven't heard a definite yes from a bunch of people that initially expressed interest and I do need to have a final count by this Friday in order to get the block of tickets (or decide if the trip isn't worth it).

For those that have confirmed, I'll be sending payment information as soon as I know whether the trip will happen or not.

Thanks,
Ryan

[Shattered]

We now have a wedding to attend, which unfortunately is not in DC. Anyone going is in for a great time, though!

[guinevere]

I dont know if you are dealing with a ticket rep with the Caps but I know a great one. I got 8 tickets last year at half price and he has been sending me little specials ever since.

I got one today offering 2 free tickets to any of the 3 preseason games and an invitation to Fanfest.

Here's his contact number...

Matt Winkler
Washington Capitals
Tel (202) 266-2340
Fax (202) 266-2330
E: mwinkler@washcaps.com

[WhalerCanes]

I've given it a few days past my 9/7 deadline and it looks like we only have 25 definites. The price per person with that level of attendance is not worth the bus trip as I think some of the people who have confirmed would balk at the price (and even though I'm willing to spend extra for the luxury of not driving, I also find the price too high). I think the timing of the trip hurt - a lot of people said the holiday weekend was a problem for them - so maybe next year the weekend dates will work out a lot better.

At this point, the initial group and I have to reevaluate the trip and therefore I don't think that group tickets will be an option. I appreciate everyone's interest and maybe next year we'll be able to find a better weekend for a road trip together.

Thanks,
Ryan

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I really appreciate you trying to put this together! I hope you will try again in teh future! I just could not find anyone to pick up my shifts that weekend or we would definitely have been on board.


Just to throw it out there again, I'm definitely still up for the LGC group trip via Amtrack to a game...Caps, probably. Probably wouldn't be a budget trip but it sure would be fun.

[brindyfan]

Just to throw it out there again, I'm definitely still up for the LGC group trip via Amtrack to a game...Caps, probably. Probably wouldn't be a budget trip but it sure would be fun.

I've done the Washington-Raleigh Amtrak route before--though not for a hockey game. Not sure the trip would be to everyone's taste but I rather enjoyed the train ride. Longer than driving but with a lot less stress and hassle. I bet it would be a blast doing one for a Canes game. If one comes up---count me in.

[CC]

"At this point, the initial group and I have to reevaluate the trip and therefore I don't think that group tickets will be an option. I appreciate everyone's interest and maybe next year we'll be able to find a better weekend for a road trip together."



Well that sucks. Nuff said!.

[hyena]

Not surprising.

[rkbrasse]

Well I won't be able to take the bus in. I would love to meet the group there. Since I live in the DC Metro I will be heading to the game.

-Rich