Eagles to sell one-game tix tomorrow

OK, Eagles fans, it's the annual exercise in frantic frustration - the quest to get single-game tickets.

The tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster, with online and phone sales only.

By 10:30, if not sooner, almost every seat will be gone.

Unless you want to sit by yourself at one of the lamer games, like San Francisco on Dec. 20.

Then again, that suggests a popular strategy: Rather than get shut out, pounce on the less desirable games.

Forget the New York Giants (Nov. 1, 4:15 p.m.) and the Dallas Cowboys Nov. 8, 4:15 p.m.), and maybe forsake the Washington Redskins (Nov. 29, 1 p.m.) and the return of Brian Dawkins with the Denver Broncos (Dec. 27, 1 p.m.).

That leaves the New Orleans Saints (Sept. 20, 1 p.m.), the Kansas City Chiefs (Sept. 27, 1 p.m.), the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Oct. 11, 1 p.m.) and the Niners (Dec. 20, 1 p.m.)

Unless you really want to pay to see a pre-season game.

The cost is $70 to $95 each, plus taxes and fees. The limit is four tickets per person.

Ticketmaster's national sales number is 1-800-745-3000, and its "express" self-service line is 1-866-448-7849.

Other words to the wise:

(1) If using Ticketmaster.com, have your account ready and activated to expediate your shot.

(2) If phoning, try an out-of-town Ticketmaster office, which is less likely to be jammed. To find a number, go to this page and click a state: www.ticketmaster.com/h/orderbyphone.html. You might test early, to make sure orders will be taken at the number you want to call.

(3) Enlist friends to try multiple screens on multiple computers - many fans and brokers do. But if the system's searching for your tickets, be patient. Don't hit "back" or "refresh," which can lose your place in line.

Tickets will not be sold at Ticketmaster retail outlets or the Lincoln Financial Field ticket office.

Tickets are already available for two other Eagles events:

Cheerleaders 2009-2010 Calendar Unveiling. The squad will perform and pictures will be shown on big screens at 7:30 p.m. July 15 at the Prince Music Theater in Philadelphia. The $22.50 tickets include a copy of the calendar, which covers the 2009 season as well as next year. To purchase tickets, go to PhiladelphiaEagles.com and click "Cheerleaders."

Flight Night. At 7 p.m. on Aug. 2, fans can welcome the new 2009 football team at Lincoln Financial Field. Activities include a live practice with miked players, cheerleader performances, a chance to win a player's jersey, and fireworks. Tickets start at $20 for adults and $10 for children. Event benefits the Eagles Youth Partnership. The Flight Night fund-raiser takes the place of the annual Eagles Youth Partnership Carnival and Auction.