If you're a hockey fan and want to see your team in the Stanley Cup Finals next June (2003), you have a dilemma. If you wait until you're sure they will be in the final play-offs, there may no longer be seats available. On the other hand, if you book now and your team doesn't make it to the finals, you don't want a seat to see some other teams play each other.
Worry no more. Roadtrips, one of the country?s leading sports travel companies, says that if you book seats now and your favorite team doesn't make it to the finals, you will get a full refund. The firm's packages aren't cheap, but they're better than paying scalper prices for seats and "special event" prices at hotels near the Finals venue later on. If you're a real fan and want to go to the ultimate hockey game, this seems a reasonable offer.
Roadtrips say for any of their sports offerings, you will get premium seats in season ticket areas, first class hotels (often where the pro teams stay), and access to the At Your Service Desk to make all the arrangements for your sports vacation.
Dave Guenter, president of the firm, says this is a "no-risk opportunity for fans to guarantee they see their favorite team." The Stanley Cup Finals Packages include prime seats to Game 3 or 4, two nights of first class hotel accommodation, an official program and souvenir, and access to the At Your Service Desk mentioned earlier. Packages begin at $995, $90 lower than for the 2002 Cup. The rates are per person, sharing a double room. $995 gets you the hotel for 2 nights, 2 tickets as mentioned earlier, in the Upper Level stands. Lower Level is $1545. Single rooms $300 extra. Rates include all local and state taxes and service charges, as well as Game Day transfers. If you want both Games 3 and 4, there's a package for that, too.
For more information, phone Roadtrips at 800/465-1765 or visit them at www.roadtrips.com.