Tickets for Raiders Eastern Conference Final already in standing room

The Eastern Conference Final starts in just a few short days for the Prince Albert Raiders, and the hype in the city is already palpable. With tickets going on sale at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, some fans were already lined up and waiting at the door as early as 7 a.m.

Lonny Olson was one of the first people in line around 7:15 p.m. with a list of family needing tickets and a lawn chair ready to go. For him, this weekend will be only the second playoff game he’s seen this year.

“Just great hockey, Raider fan. I just wanted to be at the games and it’s going to be a great series. I’ve been chasing the grandson around so I’ve just caught the one Red Deer game and caught a couple on my phone.”

Russell Smith was another one of the early ticket buyers at the Art Hauser Centre, but he had to get ready well in advance. Smith lives in Martensville and said he woke up at 2 a.m., then left the house by 3 a.m. to make sure he was in line to get his tickets.