It’s an interesting situation to follow. I’m firmly in the ‘Hockey’ camp, it’s The Cup Final and I’ll go whenever I can spare the time and get a ticket, much like POFW.
The initial online ticket rush was the usual chaos and the system clearly couldn’t cope with what, is now clear, really wasn’t all that much demand. I find that aspect slightly disappointing, that the ticket system fell over dealing with less than half the traffic it faced last year and presumably would face again with Devils playing. It took most of a hour and multiple failed attempts to get tickets on the Monday morning.
That said, I don’t mind that they are now just looking for ways to fill the arena. Obviously I could get the tickets cheaper now, but for ‘worse’ seats, so swings and roundabouts there. More people (almost certainly) makes for a better atmosphere, and more ‘neutrals’ likely reflects well on The Devils when it comes to bidding for the event in future seasons.
Season Ticket holders are an obvious candidate if they are looking to pack out the stands over the last few days, as are the Junior teams (and their families).
Ultimately, it’s not that hard to pick a team during any game. Do you really want the Giants to win it ... AGAIN? Or maybe you have a long standing chip on your shoulder about that player on the Flames roster. Personally, it’s kinda therapeutic. I want that team to win, and that team to get annihilated, but I can switch sides mid-game if something happens and I’m (probably) not going to lose any sleep no matter which way it turns out.
And... by turning up, you are still supporting the Devils.