The Ohio State vs Michigan football game, known as “The Game”, is one of the biggest rivalries in college sports. This matchup between the Buckeyes and Wolverines typically takes place late in November each year, with the winning team earning bragging rights and keeping their championship hopes alive. Ticket prices for The Game are always highly sought after, given the matchup’s popularity and implications on conference standings and potential playoff berths. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at ticket costs for the 2023 edition of The Ohio State vs Michigan game, including factors that influence pricing and the best ways to find deals.
When and Where is The Game Taking Place in 2023?
The 2023 Ohio State vs Michigan football game will take place on Saturday, November 25, 2023. The game is slated for a 12:00 PM ET kickoff and will be held at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan Stadium has an enormous capacity of 107,601, making it the largest stadium in the United States and the second largest stadium in the world.
Average Ticket Prices
According to secondary market ticket sites like StubHub and VividSeats, the average ticket price for the 2023 Ohio State vs Michigan game currently ranges from $250 – $400 as of October 2023. Prices can fluctuate leading up to the game based on team records, ranking implications, and demand. The cheapest tickets available are in the upper decks of the stadium and can be found for around $200. The most expensive tickets are near the 50 yard line on the lower level and exceed $1,000 each. Club seats and suites with premium amenities are also available for thousands per ticket.
Factors That Influence Ticket Prices
Several factors influence the ticket prices for The Game each year:
Team Performance Leading Up to The Game
If both Ohio State and Michigan are highly ranked and competing for a Big Ten Conference championship and potential playoff spot, demand dramatically increases and drives up costs. The 2021 edition was exceptionally expensive since both teams were undefeated.
Location of the Game
Ticket prices tend to be more expensive when the game is hosted in Ann Arbor at Michigan Stadium due to its mammoth size and demand from the passionate Michigan fan base. Games hosted in Columbus at Ohio Stadium (capacity 104,944) tend to have lower average costs.
Rivalry Implications
Regardless of team records, the rivalry aspect of this game makes it popular. If the matchup has championship or bragging rights implications, fans are willing to pay more. Key matchups (like milestones in the series) also drive up prices.
Day and Time of Game
Afternoon and evening games are preferred. Night games add an extra level of energy and demand. Games scheduled on holiday weekends also get a pricing bump.
When to Buy
Here are some tips on the best time to purchase Ohio State vs Michigan tickets:
Months in Advance
Buying tickets during the offseason ensures access before prices rise. For marquee games, season ticket holders sometimes resell at this time.
Just Before the Season Starts
There is a lot of speculation around teams at this point. Pricing is moderate and availability is decent.
After a Few Games
Several games into the season, there is more data on how good teams are. Some fans resell tickets at this point if teams are underperforming.
1-2 Weeks Before The Game
This is crunch time as it’s the last chance to buy tickets before game day. Prices can fluctuate rapidly depending on hype and team rankings. Move fast to get good deals. Avoid buying the day before or day of unless absolutely necessary.
Where to Buy
Here are some of the best places to purchase Ohio State vs Michigan football tickets:
Online Ticket Resale Marketplaces
Stubhub, VividSeats, and SeatGeek are reputable secondary marketplaces with huge ticket inventories. Comparison shop for the best deals.
Ohio State and Michigan Athletic Department Websites
A limited number of tickets may be sold here, often to donors and season ticket holders first. Sign up for presales and waitlists.
Scalpers Near the Stadium
Buying from scalpers is very risky and not recommended. However, they tend to slash prices right before kickoff. Use extreme caution.
Box Office at the Stadium
Walk-up sales on game day are unlikely unless the teams are underperforming and tickets are available. Prices at the box office still tend to be expensive.
Season Ticket Holders
Ask friends, family or find reputable resellers on fan forums. Long-tenured season ticket holders sometimes have extras.
How to Get the Best Deal
Here are some tips for getting the best value on Ohio State vs Michigan tickets:
– Purchase upper deck or end zone seats to get lower costs
– Avoid club seats, suites and midfield tickets if budget conscious
– Buy groups of 2 or 4 tickets for better pricing
– Search for promo codes online before purchasing
– Consider Michigan student ticket lottery for huge discounts
– Follow fan resell forums for reputable sellers offloading tickets
– Have flexibility on day of game in case cheaper tickets become available
– Set price alerts on secondary market sites and jump when there’s a drop
– Purchase last minute if both teams are having down years
Conclusion
The annual Ohio State vs Michigan football game is one of the hottest tickets in sports. Given the teams’ success and the rivalry’s legacy, demand for tickets is always high. While prices typically range from $200 to over $1000 per seat, there are ways to find deals through secondary markets, strategic timing of purchase, and flexibility. With clever planning, attending this storied Big Ten matchup in the enormous Big House stadium can still be attainable for many college football fans. Wherever you end up sitting, experiencing the electric atmosphere of The Game in person is worth the effort and cost.