Yes, it is possible to buy tickets to the NBA All Star Game. The NBA All Star Game is an annual exhibition basketball game featuring the league’s star players. It is a highly anticipated event for NBA fans and tickets are in high demand. There are a few different options for purchasing All Star Game tickets including directly through the NBA, official ticket resellers, and secondary marketplaces. Planning ahead and understanding the process for securing tickets is key for fans hoping to attend this popular game.
When and where is the NBA All Star Game held?
The NBA All Star Game is held every February during NBA All Star Weekend. The game venue changes each year as it is hosted in an NBA arena in different cities across the United States. Upcoming NBA All Star Games will be held in:
Year | Host City |
---|---|
2024 | Indianapolis, Indiana |
2025 | San Antonio, Texas |
The game is typically played on Sunday night, capping off a weekend filled with other skill competitions like the Slam Dunk Contest, Three-Point Contest, and Rising Stars Challenge game featuring the league’s top rookies and sophomores.
Key All Star Weekend Events
- NBA All Star Celebrity Game – Friday night exhibition featuring celebrities, retired NBA players, and WNBA players
- NBA Rising Stars Challenge – Friday night game with first and second year NBA players
- NBA All Star Saturday Night – Saturday evening featuring the Slam Dunk Contest, Three-Point Contest, and Skills Challenge
- NBA All Star Game – Sunday evening exhibition game with Eastern and Western Conference All Star rosters
The All Star Game itself tips off Sunday evening, usually around 8 pm local start time. It is one of the premier events in the NBA calendar and draws significant fan interest and attention.
When do NBA All Star Game tickets go on sale?
Tickets for the NBA All Star Game go on sale to the general public 5-6 months prior to the game. However, presales for certain groups and ticket packages may be available even earlier than that through the host arena and NBA.
Here are approximate NBA All Star Game ticket on-sale dates:
All Star Game Year | Public On-Sale Date |
---|---|
February 2023 | October 2022 |
February 2024 | September 2023 |
February 2025 | September 2024 |
Sigining up for presales or joining fan clubs like a team’s season ticket waitlist can sometimes give earlier ticket access. There are also special travel packages sold through the NBA that bundle All Star Game tickets with hotel accommodations, parties, and other exclusive events.
Overall, mark your calendar for around 5-6 months prior to the game for the main public on-sale. Have your ticket accounts created and payment information ready to go beforehand as demand is extremely high.
What is the cost of NBA All Star Game tickets?
Tickets to the NBA All Star Game can be quite expensive given the limited supply and high demand. In recent years, the average ticket price has been around $750-$1,000 but can exceed $1,500+ for better seats.
Here are some example price ranges:
Ticket Location | Price Range |
---|---|
Upper Level Corner/End | $400 – $600 |
Upper Level Sideline | $500 – $850 |
Lower Level Corner/End | $750 – $1,200 |
Lower Level Sideline | $1,000 – $1,500+ |
Floor Seats | $2,000+ |
Prices can fluctuate based on the specific city and demand levels each year. In general though, the NBA All Star Game is one of the more expensive NBA tickets of the season. Tickets on the resale market like StubHub may be marked up higher than face value as well.
Factors that determine NBA All Star Game ticket prices:
- Venue size – Smaller NBA arenas can drive up demand
- Location/destination city – Popular tourist destinations can increase prices
- Star power – Big name players attract fans
- Special events – Milestone anniversaries or ceremonies raise demand
- Resale market – Third-party sellers may inflate prices
For those looking to save money, upper deck corner seats provide the most affordable way to get in the door, usually under $600. But expect to pay over $1,000 if wanting lower bowl sidelines near the court.
Where can you buy NBA All Star Game tickets?
There are a few different options when looking to buy NBA All Star Game tickets:
NBA All Star Game Ticketmaster
The NBA partners with Ticketmaster to be the official ticketing provider for All Star events. Tickets can be purchased directly through Ticketmaster online, by phone, or at in-person Ticketmaster outlets depending on availability. Fans can create a Ticketmaster account ahead of the public on-sale date and save payment information to streamline the buying process as tickets go quickly.
Ticketmaster provides access to tickets at all price points including VIP packages. There are typically presales for certain groups like local team season ticket holders before the general public on-sale as well. Ticketmaster tickets are guaranteed valid by the NBA and arena.
Team and Arena Websites
For the host arena and the NBA teams playing in the All Star Game, they will also sell tickets directly through their own box offices and websites. The host team venue is a good option for buying tickets as they have an allotment set aside. The arenas for the participating teams are another avenue, especially if you are a season ticket holder and can access presales.
Check team sites like Pacers.com or Spurs.com as All Star Game approaches. They provide access to the same NBA ticketing system so seats are verified.
StubHub
StubHub is the largest secondary ticket marketplace operating both online and via their mobile app. Fans can buy NBA All Star Game tickets from other fans and ticket brokers reselling tickets. This opens up access to thousands more seats, though prices are determined by supply and demand.
StubHub is reliable and offers buyer guarantees on valid tickets. However, prices are often inflated well over face value. Use caution buying on StubHub and look for seller reviews and ratings first. Sort by the lowest price tickets to find the best deals.
Vivid Seats
Along with StubHub, Vivid Seats is another big secondary ticket site for resold NBA tickets. It operates similarly with fans listing extra tickets for games like the All Star matchup. An advantage on Vivid Seats is they show the seats listed on an interactive map so you can pinpoint exact locations.
Vivid Seats has a 100% Buyer Guarantee and offers filtered search tools as well as sorted lists of cheap seats. Buy with confidence here as one of the best resale marketplaces online today.
SeatGeek
SeatGeek provides an aggregator model, pulling inventory from different primary ticket sites and resale marketplaces into one customized listing. This lets you comparison shop prices and listings all in one place.
They use Deal Score technology to rate each ticket listing from 0-100, making it easy to spot the best deals. Make sure to filter specifically for NBA All Star Game when searching SeatGeek for tickets.
Gametime
As a last minute ticket app, Gametime can provide access to cheap last second tickets to big events like the NBA All Star Game. Prices plummet on Gametime up to tipoff as sellers scramble to unload extra tickets.
Downside is very limited availability further in advance. But can grab seats at up to 60% below market price if you are lucky. Gametime e-tickets are 100% guaranteed by their FanProtect Guarantee as well.
NBA Ticket Exchange
Run by Ticketmaster, the NBA Ticket Exchange is the official resale marketplace for the league. Season ticket holders and other fans resell game tickets they can’t use. An advantage here is the tickets were originally sold by the NBA or team sites so 100% verified and real.
Pricing is usually competitive too. Sort by Price to find All Star Game tickets below sites like StubHub. Requires having a Ticketmaster account to use the Ticket Exchange.
Tips for buying NBA All Star Game tickets
Here are some tips and best practices when looking to purchase NBA All Star Game tickets either during presales or the public on-sale:
- Set up accounts in advance on NBA/team/arena sites and ticket marketplaces so your information and payment details are stored ahead of time.
- Join fan clubs and sign up for team or venue newsletters and presales to get early ticket access before the general public.
- Be ready online on your computer and phone right when tickets initially go on sale as the best seats go fast.
- Have a budget in mind and know the market value for different seating areas so you don’t overpay.
- For resale sites, carefully read seller reviews and ratings first and confirm seats on a map before purchasing.
- Enter the specific quantity of tickets needed and be signed into accounts so you can checkout faster.
- If tickets sell out during an on-sale, keep checking back for new seat releases in the months leading up to the game.
Buying ahead gives the best opportunity to lockdown good seats at face value prices. But flexibility on seating areas and buying last minute can sometimes yield big savings on the secondary market.
Can you get NBA All Star Game tickets for cheap?
Yes, there are usually ways to get cheaper NBA All Star Game tickets below the average resale prices:
- Buy upper deck or corner/end seats instead of lower or mid-level seating.
- Wait until the last 1-2 weeks before the game when tickets get dumped by brokers.
- Check fan-to-fan exchanges like the NBA Ticket Exchange for below market prices.
- Follow ticket accounts on Twitter for special promo codes and discounted tickets.
- Consider single tickets instead of pairs which are very limited in supply.
The biggest cost saver is buying upper deck tickets farthest from the action. These can run as low as $400-$500 depending on the venue and demand for that year’s game. Last minute buys on Gametime or other mobile apps are good for bargain hunters too.
Overall getting NBA All Star Game tickets below face value takes effort and flexibility. But cheap seats can be found with persistence if cost is the main factor.
Are NBA All Star Game tickets worth it?
The NBA All Star Game brings together the league’s biggest superstars and most talented players for an exciting showcase of skills and high-flying athleticism. Fans in the arena get to witness dunks, three pointers, fancy passes and more as the game’s elite battle it out on the court.
Beyond the game itself, NBA All Star Weekend offers numerous other events like the Celebrity Game, Rising Stars Challenge, Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Shootout. It is essentially a 4-day basketball party celebrating the sport.
For diehard NBA and basketball fans, getting to experience this marquee annual event in person even just once is absolutely worth it. The atmosphere and energy is electric. It’s a bucket list sporting event.
However, the tickets come at a big price. Cost often exceeds $1,000 per seat unless sitting way up high or in the corners. Travel expenses like airfare and hotels also add up fast.
For those on a budget or casual NBA viewers, watching on TV may make more sense. But for true basketball lovers with the means, NBA All Star Game tickets are a worthwhile lifetime experience. The long weekend creates memories that will last forever.
Conclusion
The NBA All Star Game brings excitement as the league’s most elite players converge for an action-packed exhibition matchup. For basketball fans, attending this annual tradition can be an incredible bucket list experience.
While tickets are expensive and in high demand, they can be purchased if planning ahead. Outlets like Ticketmaster, team sites, and the secondary market offer various ways to secure seats. Setting up accounts, knowing price ranges, and monitoring on-sales improve chances of getting tickets.
Strategies like buying upper deck or last minute can increase affordability. Ultimately going to the NBA All Star Game is a dream come true for hoops fans that is worth the time, effort and cost. Witnessing basketball’s biggest stars up close is an unforgettable thrill.