The DC Traveler

Redskins Tickets - Easier Than You Think

by Jon on August 29th, 2007

The NFL preseason is here, and the Washington Redskins are looking… well, let’s hold off any evaluations just yet. Come on, it’s only the preseason and it doesn’t really count until the season opener on September 9th against the Miami Dolphins at FedEx Field.

Coming off Joe Gibb’s worst career coaching season at 5-11, a struggling offensive line and a relatively untested QB Jason Campbell, who has only 7 games under his belt in his 3 years with the Skins; the team has some challenges this season. But attending a Redskin’s game is still great fun.

But getting tickets to a Redskins game can as be tough as converting a 3rd down and 16.  The Skins don’t offer individual tickets, only season tickets and there’s a waiting list. But you can still find tickets, even good tickets, if you know where to look.    

First, let’s look at the types of seats at FedEx Field that might be available.

• Dream Seats - For the rich celeb or super fan.  First few sidelines rows.
• Lower Level - High enough to see all the action, close enough to hear the grunts and groans of the players.
• Club Level Seating - Oversized comfy seats, waiter service, great views of the field.
• Loge Suite Seating -  Theater-style seating,  a roof to protect you from rain and snow, waiters delivering your catered food or visit the buffet and access to the Joe Gibbs club level (indoors).
• Upper Level - There’s really no bad views at FedEx field and even of you are in the last row, you still get a good view of the game.

Washington Redskins Ticket Sources 

Stub Hub - The Redskin’s authorized ticket resale site allows you to safely buy or sell Skin’s tickets.  Stub Hub lets sellers use a fixed price (buy now), auction or declining price selling at the game day gets closer selling scheme.  Stub Hub also charges a a 10% commission and a shipping/handling fee that ranges from $11.95 to $24.95 per ticket, even if you pick-up the tickets.

Their interactive seating map lets you click on a section and see how many tickets are available, the largest number of seats together and the lowest/highest prices. 

The best aspect is Stub Hub guarantees your tickets are authentic and will be in your hands by game day. 

craigslist DC - Click on the “Tickets” link under “For Sale” and use the handy search menu to find specific games.  And don’t get discouraged if your search returns offers from ticket scalpers with ridiculous prices, there are usually lots of individual ticket sellers offering tickets are face value or below. Check back often.

eBay - Yes, people sell their Skin’s tickets on eBay.  Last check, over 700 listings, including 10 for season Redskin tickets were available, with starting bids of only 99¢ (but don’t expect these listing to stay that low).  The Redskins announced a couple years ago that they will revoke season tickets belonging to fans caught selling them above face-value on Ebay, but it seems fans are taking the risk. So eBay may be a great place for sub-face-value tickets.

Local Ticket Brokers - Check the Yellow Pages or online for local ticket brokers.  There are dozens in the DC area and they all seem to offer tickets (plu$ a $urcharge).

At the Stadium - There are usually a few ticket holders selling tickets at the stadium, and good negotiations skills are the key as well as judging the seller’s honesty during a 2-minute transaction.  If the seller looks homeless and is selling $550 2nd row 50-yard line seats, be wary.  Again, the Redskins prohibit tickets to be sold above face-value so try to bargain.  And remember, ticket prices plummet quickly after kickoff.

Parking Passes - One final note, parking is at a premium and ask if your tickets include a pass for one of the lots.  

Ticket Buying Tips

When buying tickets from a unknown seller, I’d recommend that you:

1. Never wire money; handle the transaction only in person, unless using eBay or a recognized ticket source such as a ticket broker (with a dispute resolution policy).
2. Ask to meet the seller at their place of business or home, to help verify that the tickets are legit. If they refuse, look for another seller, it may be a scam.
3. If you must meet at another location, let them know you want to meet in a public area and that for your security you’ll be writing down the seller’s license plate number.  If they hesitate or mention they don’t have a car, get suspicious.
4. Be careful with print-at-home tickets (Redskins tickets are not).
5. Ask the seller to send a scan or photo of the tickets or proof of authenticity, especially for expensive tickets.
6. If possible, pay using a credit card or PayPal.
7. Always verify the location of the seats and that seats are together before buying.
8. Ticket prices well below market value are either a really great deal, perhaps because the team is in the cellar, there’s a prediction of two feet of snow on game day, or there’s abundance of tickets for sale. Or the deal is simply too good to be true.
9. Buyer beware!!!
10. If the guy is offering his sister for your ticket, just walk away!!

Images -  Flickr

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