NHL Rumors: Florida Panthers Restricting Ticket Sales For Series Against Maple Leafs

The Florida Panthers have implemented a restriction on ticket sales for their upcoming NHL playoff games against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The restriction limits sales to residents of the United States only, with any orders placed by individuals with a non-US billing address being cancelled and refunded.

And, in case you're a Toronto Maple Leafs fan thinking of the (possibly) cheaper option of flying to Florida for a game -- you'll have to go resale. Panthers restricting ticket sales to US-based addresses. #LeafsForever #StanleyCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/RTQc6GVeJO

— Mark Yolkowski (@markyolkowski) May 1, 2023

While the exact reason for this restriction is unclear, it's likely related to the Maple Leafs' well-known fan base that often makes their team's away games at FLA Live Arena feel like a home game.

Despite the ticket sales restriction, resellers may still offer tickets to anyone with the necessary funds. This could include Canadian snowbirds who meet the residency requirements through their American credit cards and Florida addresses.

Hahaha this is just sad. Guess what Florida… it’s not gunna stop half that arena being blue!

“Panthers restricting ticket sales for series against Maple Leafs to U.S. residents” https://t.co/CbCtuFc39X

— Kyle Stephenson (@kstephenson93) May 1, 2023

The Panthers' decision may have been made to preserve the home-team advantage and ensure that most fans in attendance are rooting for the home team. However, it remains to be seen whether this will be successful in preventing a potential influx of Maple Leafs fans during the playoffs.

This season, the Panthers ranked 26th in average home-game attendance with 16,682 (86.7% capacity). The Maple Leafs ranked fifth with an average attendance of 18,753 (99.6% capacity). Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports