Hawks' 2008-09 season ticket plans show average increase of 16 percent

For the first time since the 1997-98 season, the price of going to a Blackhawks game is going up.

And a lot more for some ticket-holders than others.

Fans can purchase season ticket packages when they go on sale Tuesday, and the Blackhawks said the average price increase is 16 percent.

The cost of sitting in the cheapest seats in the United Center is going up 50 percent, however, from $10 per game to $15 per game next season. Some ticket-holders in the 100 level will see price increases of 66 percent.

While those percentages carry significant sticker shock, the average Blackhawks ticket price will still be below the NHL average of $61.

The top ticket along the glass will cost $12,825 for 45 games, up $575 from last season.

The lowest-priced season ticket in the 300 level will cost $675 next season, a boost of $225 from last season, or $5 more per game.

While the Blackhawks kept eight pricing structures, they are not the same eight levels as last season. Fans can go to chicagoblackhawks.com to see the changes for all sections and rows.

Tickets can be purchased at chicagoblackhawks.com or by calling (312) 455-7000 beginning Tuesday.

Comparing Blackhawks ticket prices

The Blackhawks have changed the pricing structure for next season, and some sections and rows fall into certain levels. Here's how the new levels compare to last season's prices:

100-level (Platinum) glass, row 1 in 2007-08: $11,250

100-level (Platinum) glass, row 1 in 2008-09: $12,825

Other 100-level seats in 2007-08: $3,375

Other 100-level seats in 2008-09: $3,825; $5,625

200-level seats in 2007-08: $3,250; $3,700

200-level seats in 2008-09: $3,700; $4,150

300-level seats in 2007-08: $450; $675; $1,125; $1,800

300-level seats in 2008-09: $675; $1,215; $1,800

Source: Blackhawks.com for 2007 and 2008