Leafs Fan’s Disney World Dilemma: To Florida and Back for Game 3
Father-Son Duo Flying to Sunrise for Historic Game
A dedicated Toronto Maple Leafs fan, Paul Valenti, is making his young son Hugo’s dream come true by flying to Florida for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the defending champions, the Florida Panthers. This is an exciting moment for four-year-old Hugo, who is an avid fan of Leafs captain Auston Matthews.
The Plan: A Sunny Game Night over Downtown Traffic
Valenti, a Bradford, Ont. resident, sees this trip as a no-brainer. He opted for the warmer climes of Florida over the usual Toronto traffic to the Scotiabank Arena.
"For another $500, I’m getting four, five days in the sun as opposed to one night in traffic in downtown Toronto," Valenti said.
The total cost for the two tickets and travel is around $1,400, with family accommodations near West Palm Beach significantly reducing expenses. The drive to the BB&T Center will take only 40 minutes, compared to the usual hour-and-a-half commute in Toronto.
Leafs Fans in Paradise: Lower Costs, Top-Notch Seats
"(Hugo’s) been asking me for the last month or so, ‘When are we going to go to a hockey game?’" Valenti told CTV News Toronto.
Valenti acted fast when the Leafs clinched the series against the Ottawa Senators, snapping up tickets for Game 3. The duo will enjoy prime seats in the upper bowl, right by center ice and just two rows back, at a cost of $150 per ticket.
As of 2:50 p.m., the cheapest resale tickets in the 300-level for Game 3 are $96 each. If the series extends to Game 5 in Toronto, comparable seats in the Air Canada Centre would set Valenti back $752 per ticket. However, they’ve decided to head back home in time for Mother’s Day instead.
Go Leafs Go under the Florida Sun
The father and son will wear their Leafs jerseys and hats to the game, rallying alongside Valenti’s cousin, who also flew in from Toronto. Despite occasional cheers for the Panthers, their loyalties lie with the Leafs.
"We’ll see how the game goes," Valenti said. "He’ll chant, ‘Go Leafs go.’"
Puck drop is at 7 p.m. EST for Friday night’s game.
## **Did You Know?**
– The Toronto Maple Lead, established in 1917, has made it to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 2004.
– The Florida Panthers, founded in 1993, are seeking their first-ever Stanley Cup victory.
## **Pro Tip**
– Consider getting tickets in advance, like Valenti did, to secure the best seats and prices. StubHub is a popular platform for resale tickets.
## **FAQs**
### **Q: How much do tickets to Friday’s game cost?**
– Resale tickets start at $96 for the 300-level. Valenti paid $150 per ticket for seats in the upper bowl, right by center ice.
### **Q: Why did Valenti choose Florida over Toronto for the game?**
– Valenti opted for Florida to avoid downtown Toronto traffic, enjoy four days in the sun, and minimize costs, including travel and accommodations.
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