The process for season-ticket holders to get a pass to the Super Bowl is more complex than the Giants’ defense — and almost as expensive as a championship ring.
Less than an hour after Lawrence Tynes’ game-winning kick sailed through the uprights Sunday night, the Giants started delivering the bad news to many of their lower-status and newer season-ticket holders.
The team sent out emails after its 20-17 overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers, announcing the results of a lightning-fast lottery based on luck, seniority and club-lounge membership.
Season ticket holders were automatically entered into the lottery. Their entries were weighted by whether they held club membership or the number of years they had owned the tickets, regardless of how many seats they held, makig the draw in favor of long-time or deep-pocketed fans.
Big Blue fan Neil Kalakowski, who hadn’t been notified yet, said he was still holding out for good news.
“I’ve been a Giants fan my whole life,” Kalakowski said as he shopped for Giants gear at the Times Square Modell’s.
“We may drive out [to Indianapolis] for the Super Bowl. I’m automatically in a lottery for Super Bowl tickets because I’m a season-ticket holder, but I’ll have to wait and see.”
Those lucky enough to have already made the cut received an email telling them they are eligible to purchase only two tickets — for $900 each.
First, they will receive a FedEx letter — chemically treated to prevent copying or duplication — which they can redeem only in person at MetLife Stadium Friday and Saturday. Tickets must be purchased with a certified check.
Each team gets 12,250 tickets to the game, including seats for players and staff.
Giants fans, meanwhile, appear to be more pumped for the game than their New England rivals.
According to Orbitz.com, the Giants have 67 percent more fans flying from area airports to Indianapolis on Super Bowl weekend than the Patriots do.
The average ticket price for this year’s Super Bowl is $3,984.73, according to Chris Matcovich at TiqIQ. The lowest is $2,175.
The most expensive ticket currently available is located in Sec 113 Row 3 for $15,343. There is a suite available for more than $700,000.
First-class Giants fans might have to settle for second-class accommodations when they travel to Indianapolis. An agent who books high-end travel packages said high-rolling New Yorkers with money to burn are already grumbling about having to rough it at a Hilton or a Sheraton.
But that may be the best they can do, because Indianapolis has nothing that compares to the Four Seasons or St. Regis.
“It hasn’t been a matter of cost,” said Robert Tuchman, president of Elite Experiences, a hospitality and event company. “It has been about what type of hotel is available, and access to parties.”
Additional reporting by Amber Sutherland