Cubs fans pay highest ticket prices

Here's the latest from the shocking news department: Cubs fans spend more for playoff tickets than anyone in the galaxy.

By a long shot.

Averaging all post-season tickets sold at TicketsNow.com by team, the Cubs clock in at a hefty $466 per ticket.

The Phillies are next on the price spectrum -- but at an average of $292 per ticket, it really isn't close.

Those astronomical prices aren't so surprising when you consider it's been 99 years since the team won a World Series, said Jennifer Swanson of TicketsNow. Plus, this is the playoffs -- on home turf.

"Cubs fans want to live, eat, breathe, drink and smell baseball when you're there at the field," she said.

And they are shockingly loyal, which explains the highest-priced tickets sold through the online site: $21,823 for a 30-person skybox.

If you divide that up, though, it's only about $728 per person -- and you get catering, to boot. Such a bargain.

If that news isn't enough to send you running in fear of your credit card statement, gear up for Round Two of the ticket wars. The Cubs are opening the flood gates today at 10 a.m. for the first three home games of a potential National League Championship Series.

Well, technically they open at 9:30 a.m. for eager beavers. That's when the virtual waiting room at Cubs.com opens. Don't think you're going anywhere for the next 30 minutes, though. That just gets you a seat at the dance.

They don't start randomly selecting the lucky few who'll get tickets with face values ranging from $25 to $275 until 10 a.m.

For the love of Harry Caray, make sure you've already registered for your Cubs.com account. If you're selected for tickets, then don't have an account, it won't be pretty.

Not technologically up-to-speed? The number to call this morning for tickets is (800) 843-2827. If you need ADA/wheelchair access seats call (773) 404-4107.