Heat Release NBA Finals Schedule, Fans In Frenzy For Tickets
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – It's game on for the Miami Heat as they face off against the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA finals. But it's also game on for the fans on the offense to find a seat.
"This is the biggest ticket in the history of this town," said Michael Lipman, president and CEO of White Glove International and TicketsOfAmerica.com.
It's not wonder Lipman is smiling.
"Obviously when you're getting into the higher end market, like, the flagship the premium seats…you're looking at anywhere from four to $5,000 and all the way to the courtsides 15 to $25,000," he said.
Lipman said he does have seats in the upper levels going for around $300, and it's a numbers game as fans look around online and see wide range of prices.
On eBay tickets range from $600 to $18,000, CBS4's Tiffani Helberg reported.
Michael McCullough with the Miami Heat said ticket purchasers should beware.
"Look, the scalpers are out there, the scammers are out there and this is the perfect time for them because people really want to go to the games and they're willing to pay kind of whatever it takes," he said.
McCullough said if fans plan on attending the games make sure you really make it inside the arena and buy from a reputable place. Season ticket holders sell their seats at the Heat's website under their ticket exchange section.
"It's guaranteed," he said. "Meaning if you buy tickets on ticket exchange from our season ticket holders and something happens or there's a problem we will guarantee your entry into the game."
CBS4 found tickets there ranging from $350 to $6,650 just for your average seats.
And prices are bound to go up along with the hype.
"Tuesday last second, this thing could spike to the moon," Lipman said.
A limited number of tickets went on sale to the general public at 1:00 p.m. Friday. The Heat have placed a four ticket purchase limit for the Finals.
The tickets will be available online at Heat.com, ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-4NBA-TIX. Tickets will not be on sale at the AmericanAirlines Arena box office for the initial sale.
But you can get your Heat gear at the AAA.
Also, check out CBS4's Fan Store for everything from hats to t-shirts and everything in between by clicking here.
"It's crazy right now," said Andy Montero of Heat retail sales. "You can see the whole city of Miami is with us right now. We love it."
The Heat also announced they will intermittently release Lower Level tickets throughout the days leading up to both games. The tickets are for NBA executives and personnel and will sell quickly.
Game 1 will be played Tuesday, May 31 at the AAA and Game 2 will be played Thursday June 2. Tip off for both games will be 9:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The HEAT announced Saturday the schedule for its NBA Finals series against the Dallas Mavericks. The complete schedule is as follows:
Game 1 will on Tuesday, May 31 in Miami beginning at 9 p.m.
Game 2 will on Thursday, June 2 in Miami beginning at 9 p.m.
Game 3 will on Sunday, June 5 in Dallas beginning at 8 p.m.
Game 4 will on Tuesday, June 7 in Dallas beginning at 9 p.m.
Game 5 will on Thursday, June 9 in Dallas beginning at 9 p.m.
Game 6 will on Sunday, June 12 in Miami beginning at 8 p.m.
Game 7 will on Tuesday, June14 in Miami beginning at 9 p.m.
Games 5, 6, and 7 will be played if necessary.
Plus, the Heat revealed to CBS4's David Sutta that Thursday night's road rally was such a huge success that more are planned for the Heat's three road games in the NBA Finals, assuming of course all the road games are needed.
"Once we go on the road, we will have the road rally here at the AmericanAirlines Arena," McCullugh said. "Maybe one outdoors similar to what we had last night."
