tickets

Hello again everyone. As far as tickets for Saturday's game, I'm thinking of trying to get in the B or C section this time. I've tried section A(not great), section D(same), the end zone bench backs(pretty good especially when the action is coming your way). I was wondering, and I realize I might not have much of a choice,about section I on the far side. Is this section open to everyone? Again, any suggestions you might have is appreciated. Also, ticketmaster says 1100 AM. Is this west coast time? Oh yea, would it be better to call or sit by the computer? Thanks again.

As I remember from the Notre Dame game 2 years ago, all seats were assigned, no general admission, so you may be at the whim of the computer. I think best bet is to have your CC ready online at 11AM PST!

I just hope the Ticket Mongers stay away this time, last time there were several pairs for ridiculous prices on ebay when we are at home. Anyone know if they are rolling in the additional seating like they did 2 years ago?

Also, you'll probably be hard-pressed to find seats in Section C, as these are stadium chairs and season ticket holders have claim to most of these. Section B is behind the Pilot bench, but my experience has been that those are also hard to come by.

As aleppiek mentioned, the Notre Dame game (and Santa Clara earlier this year) were all assigned seats--even if you purchased a GA level ticket.

At the computer, you're really going to be at the mercy of the machine picking the "best available." If you don't mind taking your chances that way, it's probably a good bet. Otherwise, get on the phone. I do believe for the Notre Dame sale though, that the phones went down, so it might not hurt to have the computer up as a backup plan.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure they will assign every seat and not do the open GA thing that usually tends to work itself out during the regular season.

As for temp seating... I kind of doubt it, but I suppose it's possible.

I actually kind of chuckled when the scalpers came out... I mean, I just remember shaking my head in amazement when I saw a bunch of sketchy dudes with "I need tickets" signs. To me, that cemented in my mind that UP soccer had reached big-time status.

I think the fire marshall weighed in a couple years ago about the extra seating. You probably won't ever see more than 4891 at Merlo again until permanent modifications are made. ... I think it's in the plan.

The general admission tickets are assigned seating, as they were in the previous games you all mentioned. Section B is a great place to sit, but it's part of the season ticket seating. Season ticket holders have a first right to tickets for their seats for playoff games. The process for their exercising their rights already has been completed and I'm guessing that almost all season ticket holders have bought tickets for their seats, so it probably wouldn't be a good idea to spend computer time trying to get tickets in Section B. I don't know about Section C. I'd just go for general admission and take my chances with the seats I get assigned.

If you do have to make a choice, avoid the first couple of rows in GA. With sellouts, there are a lot of people going in and out and they can block the sightlines of the first couple of rows. Also, I suggest the west half of the general admission seats on the north side of the field. The purple-painted guys typically stand on the walkway and block views of many fans on the east half of the north. I know from experience.

sections C & D are the stadium chairs. Season ticket holders almost certainly bought them up, except perhaps for some isolated ones. you certainly won't get a choice.

If last time is any judge, you'll have to work fast.. My suggestion? B or E , 6 rows or higher (row F or further down the aphabet) to avoid having the people who can't seem to sit from blocking your view.

I'm not sure why, but Portland seems to defend the East goal in the first half, so that might influence your decision.

The stadium map is at http://www.portlandpilots.com/images/Harry-A-Merlo-Field-MAP.jpg

have a couple of choices before hand, and don't dawdle! Let's pack the place!

Well, I was on at 1100 am and chose section I, row C. Section I seems to be more in the middle of the field than A or D or F. Has anyone sat in this section before? How was it? Thanks.

I sat there for the Notre Dame game two years ago and it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had at Merlo. Close to the action on the field and in the student section. You won't be disappointed.

Now yell loud so those Lady Pilots beat the Lady Vols badly!

Section I, row C is really close to the field, which is always fun. On that side of the field, row A is ground-level, as opposed to the grandstand side which is elevated about six feet or so above the pitch. So watch out for clearance balls flying at your head!

Sec. I definitely closer to the middle, so you won't have to worry too much about trying to figure out what's happening on the opposite ends of the field.

You will be pretty close to the student section, which is either a positive or a negative depending on how you feel about lots of screaming and yelling from the kids. (The drums are not allowed during tournament games, so you don't have to worry about that.) Though actually, I'm not sure how great the student turnout will be since it's Thanksgiving weekend. Anyway, it's possible that all the standing kids could block your view a little bit, depending on if security lets them stand up against the sideline or not.

All in all, I would say that you did well with your seats... of course, there's not a bad seat in the house when it comes to Merlo!

two things:

1) if you want tickets, get 'em now from ticketmaster.com or you'll be seeing the game on TV.
Portlandpilots.com says there are less that 500 tickets left. Not exactly the 5 minute sellout for the ND game, but still pretty impressive, That's after only 8 hrs or so of sales. If you remember, UP played 2 playoff games at Merlo in 2005. The Arizona game sold out, and then there was a buying panic for the second game with Notre Dame. What a problem to have!

2) don't think it's going to be quiet near the student section just because they won't have drums. they prefunc, and who knows, some group like the Lions of Batucada might show up. it has happened in the past. Officially sanctioned bands and cheer groups Are allowed.

i have a ticket in section 'b' row 'n' seat '2'. granted its kind of high, by when i can/when i'm allowd i sit in section the student section. 'j' i believe. if there is any1 w/ a single ticket that would like to trade a ticket in that section for a bench back seat, unobstructided view, let me know. i'm on my weekend an will monitor this site