Sunday, 2006-10-01
buying tickets to the red river shootout
Last year I queried HornFans and craigslist for ticket buying advice for the annual Red River Shootout. I hadn't missed the Texas/Oklahoma game the previous four outings (since freshman year 2001) and wasn't going to last year either.
As craigslist doesn't preserve postings, I figured the advice I gathered might be helpful to others in this situation. So I'm updating my notes and offering them below.
Everyone who responded that had attempted to buy tickets around the State Fair in the past were successful. I kind of expected this response, though, based on what I already knew about the process. Some pointers I received:
- Ask everyone you see in Dallas and along the way if they have tickets to sell. Talk to fans in gas stations as you drive in, at your hotel, etc.
- Fans with extra tickets who want to see the game would rather take a hit on the tickets (i.e. sell them less than they are going for on craigslist or eBay) than end up stuck with them. With that in mind, someone already inside the fairgrounds should be especially ready to negotiate.
- Two different frames of mind about where to buy the tickets: some said buy them outside the fair, still others said inside. If you attempt the second, entrance to the fair (day of) for adults is $13 (as of this posting). Factor this into your decision-making.
- Tickets drop in price as game time approaches. If you can stand to miss kick-off you might be able to score a good deal.
- I've heard of people who have handed money to folks at the gate — in lieu of a ticket — now and ever since arriving at The University of Texas five years ago. Not going to condone this option, but to each his/her own.
- From what I know of Dallas law (not much) it's illegal to sell tickets unless you work for a company that sells tickets in the city. As a buyer you should be okay.
No matter what, there is the risk that you may go to Dallas and end up empty handed. But that risk, according to responses received, does seem rather low.
This year, I'm already off to a better start with one ticket secured (three left to go). But I'm still short the tickets needed — as I imagine will be the case many more times in the future.
comments
2006-10-06 10:24 / eliz. s.:
This post is included in this week's Best of the Austin Blogs on Austinist.