How Much Do Football Tickets Cost? [Football Ticket Prices Revealed]

John Rizzo

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Football Tickets Cost

Football is one of the most popular and exciting sports in the world, attracting millions of fans who love to watch their favorite teams and players compete on the pitch. 

However, watching football live can also be an expensive hobby, as football tickets can vary widely in price depending on several factors, such as the level of play, the popularity and success of the teams, the location and capacity of the stadium, the day and time of the game, and the demand and availability of the tickets. 

In this essay, I will how much football tickets cost, such as the NFL, college football, and youth football.

How Much Do Football Tickets Cost?

The cost of football tickets depends on several factors, such as the level of play, the popularity and success of the teams, the location and capacity of the stadium, the day and time of the game, and the demand and availability of the tickets. 

Here are some points about how much football tickets cost:

NFL 

Football Tickets Cost

NFL Tickets usually cost between $75 and $200 on average, according to SeatGeek data. However, the price can vary significantly depending on the team, opponent, and seating section. 

For example, the most expensive average ticket prices in the NFL, by the team, were tickets for games played by the Las Vegas Raiders ($153.47), the San Francisco 49ers ($139.71), and the New England Patriots ($131.45).

The least-expensive tickets by the team were for the Buffalo Bills ($74.95), the Cincinnati Bengals ($79.37), and the Los Angeles Chargers ($78.38). 

The average cost for an NFL playoff game ticket is about $270. The average Super Bowl ticket, based on data from 2022, costs over $5,0001.

College Football

College football tickets start off cheaper, at around $30, but can get just as expensive for the most desirable seats and games. 

The price can vary depending on the conference, division, ranking, and rivalry of the teams, as well as the size and prestige of the stadium. 

For example, tickets for games played by Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Texas are among the most expensive in college football, often exceeding $100 or even $200. 

Tickets for games played by smaller or less successful teams can be much cheaper, sometimes as low as $10 or $15. The average cost for a college football playoff game ticket is about $400. 

The average national championship game ticket, based on data from 2022, costs over $1,000.

High School Football

High school football tickets are usually the cheapest, at around $5 to $10, depending on the location and popularity of the teams. 

Some high school football games can attract large crowds and generate higher ticket prices, especially for state or regional championships or rivalry games. 

However, most high school football games are affordable and accessible for fans of all ages and backgrounds.

Youth Football

Youth football tickets cost are usually the cheapest among all levels of football, typically costing less than $10 per game. 

However, the price can vary depending on the location, popularity, and level of competition of the teams, as well as the size and quality of the stadium or field.

Fans should always buy tickets from reputable and secure sources and avoid scalpers or counterfeiters. Some websites that offer youth football tickets are Rookie Road, Soccer For Kids, and Manchester United.

Youth football ticket costs can also vary depending on the type of game. Regular season games usually have lower prices than postseason games, such as regional or national championships or tournaments. 

The most expensive youth football tickets are usually for international events, such as the FIFA U-17 World Cup or the UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

When Is The Best Time To Buy Nfl Tickets?

The Best Time To Buy Nfl Tickets

The best time to buy NFL tickets depends on several factors, such as the teams playing, the location, and the demand. Here are some general tips on when to buy NFL tickets to save money:

Game Day

This is the best time to buy a ticket to an NFL game, as tickets on game day are 29% cheaper than average. However, only 4% of resale tickets are sold that day, so you may have limited options or risk not getting a ticket at all.

Week Of The Game

This is another good time to buy a ticket to an NFL game, as tickets during the week of the game are 18% cheaper than average. You may have more choices and chances of getting a ticket than on game day.

The Month Of The Game

This is a decent time to buy a ticket to an NFL game, as tickets during the month of the game are 10% cheaper than average. You may have more flexibility and security in getting a ticket than during the week or the day of the game.

Two Months Before The Game

This is the average time to buy a ticket to an NFL game, as tickets two months before the game are about the same as the average price. You may have more variety and availability of tickets than closer to the game date.

One Month Before The Game

This is a slightly worse time to buy a ticket to an NFL game, as tickets one month before the game are 4% more expensive than average. You may have less bargain and value for your money than earlier or later.

Three Months Before The Game

This is a bad time to buy a ticket to an NFL game, as tickets three months before the game are 16% more expensive than average. You may have less savings and more competition for your tickets than later.

Three Or More Months Before The Game

This is the worst time to buy a ticket to an NFL game, as tickets three or more months before the game are 29% more expensive than average. You may have fewer benefits and more risks for your tickets than later.

FAQs

How much do football tickets typically cost? 

Football ticket prices vary widely based on factors such as the level of competition, teams playing, stadium location, and seating section. On average, tickets for college football games may range from $30 to $100, while NFL tickets can cost between $50 to $200 or more.

Are prices different for different football leagues? 

Yes, ticket prices can significantly differ between college football and professional leagues like the NFL. College football tickets tend to be more affordable, while NFL tickets are generally higher due to the higher demand and larger stadiums.

Do ticket prices fluctuate during the season? 

Yes, ticket prices can fluctuate based on the team’s performance, the opponent, and the importance of the game. Big rivalry matchups or playoff games often command higher prices. Additionally, ticket prices may decrease for less popular games or as the game date approaches.

Are there additional fees when purchasing football tickets? 

Yes, additional fees such as service charges, processing fees, and taxes are common when purchasing football tickets. These fees can vary depending on the ticketing platform and the type of ticket purchased.

How can I find affordable football tickets? 

To find affordable football tickets, consider purchasing them during presales or early ticket releases. Checking ticket resale platforms and official team websites can also help find deals. Attending less high-profile games or games against less popular opponents may offer more budget-friendly options.

Conclusion

The cost of football tickets can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the level of competition, teams playing, stadium location, and seating section. 

College football tickets tend to be more affordable compared to tickets for professional leagues like the NFL. Additionally, ticket prices may fluctuate throughout the season based on the team’s performance, the opponent, and the importance of the game. 

While attending high-profile games or rivalry matchups may come with higher price tags, fans can find more budget-friendly options by exploring early ticket releases, presales, and ticket resale platforms. 

Understanding the factors influencing ticket prices allows football enthusiasts to make informed decisions and find tickets that fit their preferences and budget. 

Ultimately, the experience of witnessing the excitement and passion of football live in the stadium makes the cost of tickets a worthwhile investment for devoted fans seeking to be part of the game-day atmosphere.

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John Rizzo

I am a professional rugby player in the Washington DC-Baltimore area. I have been playing rugby for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to play in many different countries. I am also a coach for both youth and adult rugby teams. I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Sports Management and Marketing. I am currently working on my MPA from American University and plan to pursue this career path after graduating next year. LinkedIn