Commemorative tickets for NFL games have become increasingly popular collectibles for football fans. These special tickets are produced to mark memorable games or championship victories. With the popularity of commemorative tickets, a common question arises – are NFL commemorative tickets real tickets that provide admission to the game, or are they purely collectible souvenirs?
What are NFL commemorative tickets?
NFL commemorative tickets are special tickets produced to commemorate a significant game, event, or achievement. They have a unique and artistic design that is different from a regular game ticket. Commemorative tickets celebrate events like the Super Bowl, conference championships, playoff games, opener games, and record-breaking games. They may also commemorate team anniversaries and hall of fame inductions.
Commemorative tickets are authorized by the NFL and contain imagery and text related to the commemorated event. They display information like the teams playing, date, venue, and occasion being commemorated. The artistic design often incorporates team colors, logos, and iconic imagery related to the teams or city. These collectible tickets are glossy, colorful, and visually striking.
Are commemorative tickets valid for admission?
NFL commemorative tickets are not valid for admission into the game. They are not actual tickets to the event, but rather souvenirs and collectibles. The commemorative tickets sold by the NFL and teams are essentially high-quality photocopies of actual tickets with artistic modifications. They do not have a barcode or seating assignment that would allow entry into the venue on game day.
Commemorative tickets state clearly on the ticket that they are not valid for admission. The small print will typically read “This is a souvenir ticket and not valid for admission.” They cannot be scanned or accepted by ticket takers at the stadium gates.
Why are commemorative NFL tickets not valid for admission?
There are a few key reasons why commemorative tickets are not valid for game admission:
- They do not have barcode technology – The barcode on standard game tickets contains important data that is scanned to validate and record ticket use. Commemorative tickets lack this tech.
- No assigned seat – Commemorative tickets do not have a specific seat assignment like standard tickets. This information is required for admission.
- Risk of counterfeiting – If commemorative tickets allowed admission, it would be easy to counterfeit them without barcode tech. This would lead to lost revenue.
- Designed as collectibles – Commemorative tickets are produced specifically as artistic collectible items to commemorate events, not to provide game access.
The NFL and teams want to provide fans with a lasting keepsake to celebrate meaningful games and moments. However, commemorative tickets are designed purely as collectibles and souvenirs rather than tickets for admission.
When are commemorative tickets issued?
Commemorative tickets are most commonly issued for the following notable NFL games and events:
- Super Bowl – Special Super Bowl commemorative tickets are issued annually. They celebrate the championship game and teams playing.
- Conference Championships – Commemorative tickets celebrate both the NFC and AFC conference championship games.
- Playoff games – NFL teams issue commemorative tickets for home playoff games leading up to the Super Bowl.
- Season openers – Some teams issue commemorative tickets for the first home game of a new season.
- Marquee matchups – Big matchups, like division rivals, may warrant a commemorative ticket.
- Record-breaking games – If major records fall, a commemorative ticket may note the occasion.
- Anniversaries – Team anniversaries often call for a commemorative ticket issue.
- Hall of Fame inductions – Special tickets may commemorate a player or coach entering the Hall of Fame.
These are the standard occasions when the NFL and teams opt to create a special commemorative ticket. The more historic and significant the game and achievement, the more likely a commemorative ticket will be produced.
Do teams issue actual commemorative tickets?
Some NFL teams do issue a very limited number of actual commemorative tickets that allow entry into a game. These function as valid game tickets and also serve as commemorative items. However, the supply is extremely limited – often only a few hundred tickets printed.
Teams like the Green Bay Packers have printed small batches of commemorative tickets for season ticket holders that can be used for admission. Other teams may provide actual commemorative tickets to executives, players, and VIPs.
These limited edition admission tickets have special artwork and commemorate historic games and moments. They contain the barcode and seat assignment needed for entry. The supply is small though, so most fans need to buy the souvenir version.
Where can you buy NFL commemorative tickets?
There are a few places commemorative NFL tickets can be purchased by fans and collectors:
- Directly from the NFL – The NFL Shop sells officially licensed commemorative tickets for events like the Super Bowl online.
- Team websites and pro shops – Many teams sell their own commemorative tickets through their online team store or at stadium retail shops.
- Online marketplaces – Sites like eBay and Etsy have individual sellers offering commemorative tickets.
- Memorabilia retailers – Some sports memorabilia stores and auction houses sell commemorative tickets.
- Ticket resellers – Secondary ticket providers may also offer commemorative tickets.
The most reliable source is directly from the NFL or team websites. Otherwise, reputable secondary retailers and marketplaces offer commemoratives, but buyer beware of potential fakes.
What is a typical price range for commemorative tickets?
Commemorative NFL tickets can vary in price based on the significance of the game, production volume, and demand. Here are some typical price ranges:
Event | Price Range |
---|---|
Super Bowl | $50 – $200 |
Conference Championship | $25 – $100 |
Playoff Game | $20 – $75 |
Season Opener | $15 – $50 |
Marquee Regular Season Game | $10 – $40 |
Team Anniversary | $10 – $40 |
Prices can surge for championship games and marquee matchups. Limited edition actual commemorative tickets issued to executives and VIPs can sell for thousands.
How can you tell if a commemorative ticket is authentic?
Here are some tips for assessing the authenticity and legitimacy of NFL commemorative tickets:
- Inspect quality and materials – Authentic tickets use high-quality cardstock, printing, and embossing.
- Research the seller – Buying directly from reputable sellers ensures authenticity.
- Verify license logos – Authentic NFL and team logo trademarks should be present.
- Check for disclaimers – Authentic tickets state “Not valid for admission” in fine print.
- Match to images – Compare to images of authentic tickets issued for the same game.
- Inspect security – Features like holograms and embossing are hard to duplicate.
Scrutinizing these details can help identify counterfeit commemorative tickets and avoid purchasing fakes. The ideal is purchasing directly from the NFL or teams when possible.
Are PDF commemorative tickets valid?
Some websites advertise “virtual commemorative tickets” in PDF digital format. These can usually be purchased instantly and downloaded or printed at home. However, PDF commemorative tickets are not officially licensed or authorized by the NFL. They do not offer the same value or authenticity as real printed commemorative tickets.
PDF commemorative tickets are essentially novelty items made by third-party designers. They mimic the appearance of real commemorative tickets but cannot be used for admission or collected in the same way. Most serious collectors do not consider PDF commemorative tickets valid or worthwhile compared to genuine printed tickets.
Do commemorative tickets increase in value?
Like other sports memorabilia, commemorative NFL tickets can appreciate in value over time, especially for significant games and franchises. Their value is driven by:
- Significance of the game
- Rarity and production volume
- Condition and quality
- Iconic teams and players involved
Super Bowl and conference championship commemorative tickets tend to see the highest demand and value growth. Tickets from classic games and dynasties also attract collector interest. Limited edition actual commemorative tickets for VIPs can become extremely valuable.
Factors like condition, manufacturing defects, and player autographs also impact ticket value. Commemorative tickets issued in lower production runs and properly stored and cared for tend to realize the best long-term returns if held as collectibles.
Are there valuable commemorative tickets throughout NFL history?
Some of the most valuable commemorative tickets in NFL history include:
- 1969 Super Bowl III – Joe Namath’s Jets upset win over the Colts. Tickets worth $400+.
- 1958 NFL Championship – Historic Colts vs. Giants sudden death game. Tickets over $500.
- 1992 Hall of Fame Game – Part of inaugural Cowboys vs. Redskins match in Canton. Tickets around $300.
- 1982 strike shortened season – Scarce tickets from abbreviated 9 game season command over $150.
- 1999 Super Bowl XXXIII – Elway’s final Super Bowl win. Tickets average $275.
These are some of the must-have commemorative tickets for serious NFL collectors and investors. Their scarcity and historical significance make them very valuable to fans over the decades.
Should you frame commemorative tickets or keep them loose?
Displaying commemorative tickets can further enhance their visual appeal for collectors. Framing is one popular presentation option. The key considerations with framing include:
- Cost of quality frames
- Difficulty accessing tickets if loose in frame
- Potential for UV damage if tickets exposed
- Flexibility to rearrange collection
For these reasons, many collectors opt to keep commemorative tickets loose, stored in protective sleeves or cases. This allows:
- Cheaper cost than quality framing
- Tickets remain accessible
- Tickets can be readily rearranged
- Damaging light exposure is minimized
Loose storage is generally recommended for commemorative ticket collecting. But framing can be suitable for high-value individual display pieces if done properly.
Do team commemorative tickets make good gifts?
Commemorative team tickets often make great fan gift ideas. Reasons they work well include:
- Allow celebrating a meaningful game/moment
- Artistic designs appeal as display pieces
- Unique from typical apparel gift
- Classic teams and designs don’t go out of style
- Relatively affordable price points for gifts
Commemorative tickets also rate well for father’s day, birthday, Christmas, and anniversary gifts. They can nicely complement other memorabilia like signed helmets and photos.
Conclusion
In summary, commemorative NFL tickets serve as artistic souvenirs and collectibles – they are not valid for game admission. Legitimate commemorative tickets are authorized by the league and teams. Digital commemorative tickets lack collectibility. Prices vary based on the game’s significance and production volume. Certain commemoratives have become quite valuable over decades of collecting. They make great display pieces and fan gift ideas when celebrating treasured NFL memories and milestones.