‘Free’ Montreal Canadiens watch party tickets popping up on Marketplace for up to $50

Montreal Canadiens fans cheer on their team prior to game 4 of the NHL Stanley Cup final against the Tampa Bay Lightning, outside the Bell Centre in Montreal, Monday, July 5, 2021. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

Want to watch a Montreal Canadiens playoff game in person? Get ready to have $500 on hand.

Want to watch the game outside of the arena? You may need $50.

“Free” tickets for the Canadiens watch parties outside of the Bell Centre for games one and two against the Tampa Bay Lightning got snapped up fast, and they are starting to pop up on Facebook Marketplace.

At 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, some “free” tickets are being offered on the site, in addition to some for $40 tickets and more.

Fans online began voicing their displeasure at fans cashing in on the Habs popularity.

“Lots of bandwagoners coming out of retirement just in time when the Habs are good again,” wrote one Reddit user. “I dont blame the city for this, but they should at least make an effort to accomodate those without tickets. People are already reselling a FREE watch party ticket for $50+, it’s absurd.”

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Montreal isn’t the first team to require tickets for outdoor watch parties.

Toronto Maple Leafs fans eager to watch their team lose in the first round of last year’s playoffs on a big screen outdoors at Maple Leaf Square also required tickets.

Those wanting to head to “Jurassic Park” for Toronto Raptors playoff games this season also need tickets to get in.