WWE Raw and SmackDown are two of the most popular weekly wrestling TV shows in the world. Both shows feature WWE’s top superstars competing in high-energy matches and dramatic storylines. Raw and SmackDown ticket prices vary depending on the venue and seat location, but generally range from $20-$250 per ticket on average. There are a variety of factors that contribute to the ticket pricing for WWE events, which this article will explore in detail.
Average Ticket Prices
For most WWE Raw and SmackDown events, the average ticket price is around $50-$150 per seat. However, prices can fluctuate substantially depending on the specific show details. WWE divides seating into categories based on location in the arena. Front row and floor seats are most expensive, generally $200-$250 per ticket. Ringside seats a few rows back typically cost $150-$200. Lower bowl or first level seats tend to be $100-$150. Upper bowl or second level seats are usually $50-$100. Nosebleed seats high up in the top sections can run as cheap as $20-$50.
Ticket prices also differ depending on whether the event is a major pay-per-view show like WrestleMania or SummerSlam rather than a regular weekly TV taping. Pay-per-view events generally have higher average ticket prices, sometimes upwards of $300 or more for front row seats. Weekly Raw and SmackDown TV shows are more reasonably priced for average fans.
Factors Impacting Ticket Prices
There are several key factors that impact WWE Raw and SmackDown ticket pricing:
Venue Size and Location
Bigger venues like football and basketball arenas that can seat 15,000+ fans will have lower average ticket prices than smaller arenas only seating 5,000-10,000 people. The city or region where the event is held also affects pricing. Major markets like New York City and Los Angeles tend to have higher ticket prices than a smaller city like Fresno, California.
Event Popularity
The card or match lineup for the event influences pricing too. Shows with more star power and marquee matchups between top wrestlers will drive up demand and prices. WWE shows leading up to major pay-per-view events like WrestleMania also attract more interest and higher ticket prices on average.
Ticket Class
WWE offers different ticket class options for each show, ranging from general admission seats to courtside seats to VIP floor seats with a meet-and-greet. The more exclusive ticket class, the higher the price. VIP packages can run into the thousands for premium extras.
Third Party Sellers
Many WWE tickets are resold on secondary marketplaces like StubHub and VividSeats, sometimes at big markups over face value. These third party sellers can drive up the average prices substantially, especially right before event dates when demand spikes.
Dynamic and Surge Pricing
WWE utilizes demand-based dynamic pricing, so ticket prices can fluctuate leading up to events based on market demand factors. When shows start selling out fast, dynamic pricing results in prices rising across all inventory. WWE also uses surge pricing for very high demand events.
Season and Timing
WWE ticket prices change based on timing and seasonality as well. Prices typically peak around the WrestleMania season in the springtime when most major events are scheduled. Prices are often lower for TV tapings in the late summer and fall after WrestleMania when WWE tours smaller markets.
Comparing Raw vs SmackDown Ticket Prices
As WWE’s flagship show running for over 25 years, Raw has generally commanded higher average ticket prices than the SmackDown show. However, the pricing differential has narrowed in recent years with SmackDown moving to live broadcasts on network TV. Here is a comparison of average Raw vs. SmackDown ticket prices:
Show | Average Price |
---|---|
WWE Raw | $100 |
WWE SmackDown | $80 |
VIP floor seats typically run $300-$400 for Raw compared to $200-$300 for SmackDown events on average currently.
Secondary Market Comparison
On the secondary resale market, WWE Raw tickets generally have higher prices than SmackDown tickets for equivalent seating sections. Here are sample average resale prices:
Section | Raw Price | SmackDown Price |
---|---|---|
Floor Seats | $350 | $250 |
Lower Bowl | $150 | $120 |
Upper Bowl | $80 | $60 |
The higher average prices for WWE Raw tickets reflects the brands perception as the more premier show with a longer history.
Changes Over Time
Like all live event ticket pricing, WWE Raw and SmackDown ticket prices have gradually increased over the past decade as demand remains strong. From 2010 to 2020, average WWE ticket prices rose roughly 50% to keep pace with inflation and rising industry costs. For example, ringside seats that were $100 in 2010 now go for $150 or more at most venues. This steady price growth is expected to continue, with average WWE ticket prices predicted to rise 25-50% over the next 10 years as well.
Best Deals and Discounts
There are ways for budget-conscious WWE fans to save on WWE Raw and SmackDown tickets:
- Buy upper bowl or nosebleed seats – Usually under $50 per ticket.
- Look for ticket discounts online – Rakuten, Groupon, etc. sometimes offer WWE promo codes.
- Attend a TV taping – Weekly shows tend to be cheaper than pay-per-views.
- Buy on secondary sites – Prices can dip below face value close to event times.
- Buy in groups – Many sites offer bulk discounts for group orders.
Joining fan clubs like the WWE Universe can also provide access to special offers and presales. Using flexible dates helps as well, since you can choose the lowest priced events.
Future Outlook
WWE remains a hugely popular sports entertainment brand with passionate fans who are willing to pay to see their favorite superstars in action live. Unless audience demand falters substantially, WWE Raw and SmackDown should continue selling out arenas for the foreseeable future. Ticket prices will keep rising gradually to keep pace with overall inflation and the live event industry. Fans hoping to get cheap WWE tickets will likely need to look to secondary sites and be flexible on dates.
In terms of relative price differences, WWE Raw will probably maintain a pricing premium over SmackDown since it has more brand prestige as the longer running flagship show. But expect the pricing gap to continue narrowing as SmackDown solidifies its popularity. Both brands should continue to offer exciting live wrestling action at major venues across the country for fans wanting to see top superstars like Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Ronda Rousey and Becky Lynch.
Conclusion
WWE Raw and SmackDown give fans an incredible opportunity to witness the best wrestling entertainment in an exciting live environment. Ticket prices vary based on many factors, but great seats can be found in every price range. With WWE’s popularity showing no signs of waning, Raw and SmackDown should remain must-see shows for years to come. The next time WWE comes to your city, be sure to check it out and cheer on your favorite superstars live – it’s an experience every fan should have at least once.