The Super Bowl is the biggest sporting event of the year in the United States. As the championship game of the National Football League, tickets are in extremely high demand every year. Fans looking to attend the big game often have to plan far in advance to secure tickets before they sell out.
When do Super Bowl tickets go on sale?
The NFL usually releases a small portion of Super Bowl tickets to the general public through a lottery system in the fall, around mid-November. The majority of tickets are pre-allocated to the participating teams and league sponsors. The teams then distribute most of their allotment to their season ticket holders through a lottery system.
For the public on-sale, fans can register on the NFL website for a chance to buy tickets. Only a very small percentage, estimated around 1-5% of tickets, are made available this way. These leftovers are distributed through a random computerized lottery. So just entering does not guarantee you will get tickets.
How much do Super Bowl tickets cost?
The face value of Super Bowl tickets ranges from around $500 to $2500 depending on the seat location. However, the huge demand allows brokers and resellers to charge many times more than face value. On the secondary market, the average 2023 Super Bowl ticket price is over $6,800 according to some ticket agencies. Here are the average resale ticket costs for recent Super Bowls:
Year | Average Resale Price |
---|---|
2023 (projected) | $6,800 |
2022 | $6,515 |
2021 | $8,310 |
2020 | $6,410 |
2019 | $4,657 |
As you can see, tickets on the secondary market routinely cost thousands of dollars more than face value. Prices also depend on the participating teams and the city hosting. Historically, Super Bowl ticket prices peak when the event is in a major tourism destination like Miami or New Orleans.
When should you buy Super Bowl tickets?
Ideally, you should buy Super Bowl tickets as soon as they go on sale to the public in November. This gives you the best chance at finding tickets for reasonable resale prices. However, be prepared to pay at least double or triple the face value even at this early stage.
As the Super Bowl matchup gets set and it gets closer to game day, prices tend to rise. There is usually a spike after the Conference Championship games finalize the Super Bowl participants. Seat locations also factor into prices, with lower level and 50 yard line tickets fetching the highest premiums.
Here is an overview of the typical ticket price cycle:
- November – Tickets released to public, resale prices start around $2,500-$3,500
- December & January – Prices remain steady depending on matchup excitement
- After Conference Championships – Prices jump, often rising 20-30% almost overnight
- 2 weeks before game – Another price surge, with many tickets going for $5,000+
- 1 week before game – Inventory tightens more, bidding wars common for best seats
- Day before & game day – Last minute desperation sets in, prices typically peak
Keep in mind this is just a general guideline. Actual ticket prices vary each year depending on demand, location, participating teams, and current ticket supply on the secondary market. But the earlier you can buy, the better chance you have at securing tickets before costs get out of reach.
Where can you buy Super Bowl tickets?
There are a few options for where to buy Super Bowl tickets:
NFL Ticket Exchange
The NFL Ticket Exchange is the official secondary ticket marketplace of the NFL. Season ticket holders resell tickets here, with the sales going towards their ticket package costs. Prices are often lower than other resale sites.
Ticket brokers
There are many large online ticket brokers that specialize in Super Bowl ticket sales, like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek. Prices are competitive and all purchases are protected by buyer guarantees.
Online marketplaces
General marketplace sites like Craigslist and eBay have Super Bowl ticket listings sold by individual sellers. Be careful buying here as there are more scams and less buyer protection.
Ticket agencies
Brick and mortar agencies that specialize in major events like the Super Bowl are another option. You pay a premium for the personalized service. Make sure the agency is reputable before making a big purchase.
Secondary sites
Many secondary marketplaces like Vivid Seats and StubHub offer Super Bowl tickets. These sites are generally safe with buyer guarantees, but you will pay higher service fees.
Beware of Super Bowl ticket scams
With Super Bowl tickets in such high demand, scams are unfortunately common. Here are some tips to avoid getting ripped off when buying tickets:
- Never pay with cash, wire transfer or pre-paid credit/gift cards. Use credit cards only.
- Be skeptical of prices that seem too good to be true.
- Avoid non-secure websites or individuals with no online reviews.
- Make sure tickets can be verified and authenticated before purchase.
- Only buy from reputable exchanges with buyer guarantees.
- If a deal seems suspicious, it probably is. Trust your instincts.
Buying from a highly-rated exchange like StubHub or NFL Ticket Exchange provides the most protection. They guarantee all tickets and have secure processes in place to avoid fraud.
Can you get Super Bowl tickets at face value?
It is highly unlikely. The huge demand allows resellers to charge significant markups. The only way to get true face value tickets is if you are lucky enough to win them in the team or NFL lottery.
Even season ticket holders of the Super Bowl teams rarely get to buy their allotted tickets at face value anymore. Teams know they can command top dollar, so they place premiums on season ticket holder purchases. Most fans end up paying thousands above face value even through official channels.
When should you avoid buying Super Bowl tickets?
The worst time to buy Super Bowl tickets is in the 2-3 weeks leading up to the game. This is when prices hit their peak and inventory becomes very limited. Desperate buyers often get into bidding wars that drive costs up higher. Buying this close to the game is risky and expensive.
The day before and day of are typically the absolute worst times to buy. Wait until this late, and you will end up paying ridiculous premiums if you can even find tickets at all. It is also very risky buying tickets right before the game as there is no time for the order to get resolved if issues come up.
In general, avoid buying tickets in January entirely unless you find an amazing deal you cannot pass up. Prices are inflated by this point, and you miss out on the deals available earlier.
Are Super Bowl tickets a good investment?
Super Bowl tickets can be a profitable investment if you get in at the right time. Tickets purchased early in the public on-sale often appreciate significantly leading up to game day. For example, tickets that sold for $2,500 in November could easily command $5,000+ closer to the Super Bowl.
However, buying too close to the Super Bowl is risky and often not a good investment. You may end up paying so much that even high late-game prices will not bail out your investment. And if you cannot resell unused tickets in time, you end up eating the entire cost.
Targeting tickets in the public on-sale or right after playoff matchups are set allows time for prices to climb. Just don’t wait too long or overpay early, and Super Bowl tickets can yield solid returns.
Are Super Bowl packages worth it?
Travel packages that include Super Bowl tickets, hotels, and other perks can provide convenience but at a big premium. Here are the pros and cons of Super Bowl packages:
Pros
- Packages take care of all planning – tickets, hotels, parties
- Can be easier than booking everything separately
- Packages often include bonus perks and gifts
- Provides Super Bowl trip logistics in one transaction
Cons
- Packages cost thousands more than just the tickets alone
- Hotels, parties, gifts may not match what you actually want
- Often still need to book your own airfare and local transportation
- Less flexibility to pick each component of your trip
For die-hard fans that want a seamless Super Bowl experience, packages can provide convenience. But you pay a big premium for the bundled perks. Carefully consider if the extras are worth the inflated costs compared to planning a custom trip.
Conclusion
Attending the Super Bowl takes significant planning and preparation. Tickets sell out extremely fast, and costs on the secondary market routinely run thousands of dollars. To maximize savings and actually get a seat at the big game, fans need to act early.
Buying tickets as soon as the public on-sale happens in November provides the best prices and availability. But you still have to be prepared to pay well above face value. As the matchup gets set, inventory shrinks, and game day approaches, prices continue climbing higher. Waiting until late January or February to buy is risky and costly.
While no bargain, getting Super Bowl tickets at the earliest opportunity gives fans the best shot at securing seats. Given the huge demand seen every year, those who plan ahead get rewarded with the chance to attend the biggest spectacle in American sports.