Rogers Place gives Oilers fans peek at potential ticket prices

Oilers fans are getting a glimpse at the amenities being offered in the future downtown arena, as well as the potential prices season-ticket holders will have to pay to enjoy them.

The team hired Banister Research to conduct a market survey to determine what fans would be willing to pay when the new Rogers Place opens in 2016.

“It's a range," said team president Patrick LaForge. "We're not trying to trick anybody or set them up. We're trying to initiate the dialogue."

“We want the debate. And we need to know.”

The online survey, which was sent out to season tickets holders, gives a peek into some of the features of the $460-million arena, which is still under construction.

One of the survey pages details a two-level Sky Lounge, which offers complimentary food service and will be converted into a nightclub after games.

Another tier offers theatre-box suites with leather armchairs and access to a private bar and “premium” meal service. The luxury items come with a hefty price tag, however, with one option floating a potential price of $19,000 per seat for the season.

LaForge said the prices are based on the amenities that fans tell them they would like. But many of the Oilers faithful have gone online to vent frustrations with the prices, considering the team’s dismal place in the standings.

On Oilfans.com, some commenters worried about being squeezed out of seeing games live.

"Raise ticket prices, when they raise up the standings. At this rate I won't be able to afford to go to the games at the new rink," someone wrote under the handle Rocksteady.

Another post, signed by Adam, echoed that sentiment.

"How do you jack ticket prices to watch the worst hockey team ever assembled? " he wrote.

LaForge said a season where the team is struggling might be the ideal time to figure out how much people will pay to watch games.

“Everybody wants the team to be better, but in terms of doing research and finding out what value is ... maybe this is the best time to do the research.”

He said the team will likely have more concrete information on tickets prices for fans come spring.