The Final Four of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States. Fans from across the country flock to the host city each year to watch the national semifinals and championship game. With demand so high, Final Four tickets don’t come cheap.
What are the Final Four ticket prices for 2023?
The 2023 Final Four will be held at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on April 1st and 3rd. Based on prices from the last several Final Fours, here are the estimated ticket costs for Houston:
- Upper deck end zone seats: $200 – $300 per ticket
- Upper deck sideline seats: $350 – $500 per ticket
- Lower deck end zone seats: $500 – $800 per ticket
- Lower deck sideline seats: $800 – $1,200 per ticket
- Courtside seats: $1,500+ per ticket
These are the “get-in” prices just to be in the door. Prices can be 2-3x higher for seats closer to midcourt or the team benches. Luxury suites and hospitality packages can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
How do Final Four ticket prices compare to other sporting events?
Final Four tickets are arguably the most difficult to get in American sports outside of the Super Bowl. Only around 70,000 fans can fit in a typical domed stadium versus 100,000+ for the Super Bowl. With fewer available seats, demand drives prices higher.
Here’s how Final Four ticket costs compare to other major US sporting events:
Event | Get-In Price |
---|---|
Super Bowl | $2,500 – $5,000 |
Final Four | $200 – $1,500 |
World Series | $150 – $400 |
NBA Finals | $300 – $600 |
College Football Playoff | $150 – $500 |
Kentucky Derby | $100 – $300 |
Only the Super Bowl clearly exceeds Final Four prices. World Series and NBA Finals tickets can be obtained for less depending on the specific teams involved. For a neutral site championship event, the Final Four stands alone in its ticket demand.
How have Final Four ticket prices changed over time?
As the NCAA Tournament has grown into a billion dollar enterprise, Final Four ticket prices have steadily increased. Here are the average ticket costs over the past decade according to secondary market data:
Year | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
2023 | $622 (estimated) |
2022 | $549 |
2021 | $312 |
2020 | $463 |
2019 | $437 |
2018 | $359 |
2017 | $380 |
2016 | $297 |
2015 | $280 |
2014 | $242 |
The limited 2021 tournament held during COVID-19 deflated prices temporarily. But over the past decade, the average price to get inside a Final Four venue has risen from around $240 to over $500. With the growth of the secondary ticket market, huge premiums are being paid for prime lower bowl seats.
When should you buy Final Four tickets?
Timing your Final Four ticket purchase depends greatly on which teams make it to the semifinals. If two or more basketball powerhouses like Duke, North Carolina, Kansas and Kentucky advance, demand will be even higher.
In general, the best time to buy is often:
- Right after the Final Four teams are determined
- The week leading up to the games
If your team is slated for the Final Four, you’ll want to buy during the first onsale period after the brackets are set. Otherwise, wait for the secondary market to develop and monitor prices. Buying the day before or day of the games is very risky and not recommended.
Where can you buy official Final Four tickets?
The authorized sources for Final Four tickets are:
- Directly through the NCAA via onsales to partner groups
- Official March Madness ticket resale site PrimeSport
- Official March Madness travel packages
- Team schools if your team is playing
The NCAA holds some tickets for fans of the participating teams. Get on your school’s ticket office list in advance if you think your team could make it.
Should you use the secondary ticket market?
Secondary market sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats can provide access to Final Four tickets, but always use caution and vet the seller:
- Buy from reputable exchanges not individual sellers
- Review seller ratings and purchase guarantees
- Confirm tickets before traveling to event
- Know the market value before buying
Counterfeits do exist so buyer beware. But the secondary market essentially serves as a stock exchange for tickets, allowing fans to shop competitive prices.
Most popular secondary Final Four sites
- StubHub
- Vivid Seats
- SeatGeek
- TicketCity
Conclusion
Final Four tickets don’t come cheap. But for college basketball fans, the experience of seeing the national semifinals and championship game in person is priceless. With high demand and low supply, selling out huge venues is guaranteed. Plan ahead, monitor prices, use reputable sources, and brace yourself for some sticker shock.