The cost of a single ticket to an NFL game can vary quite a bit depending on the team, seat location, and other factors. Generally speaking, NFL tickets range from around $50 – $150 per seat for regular season games. Playoff and primetime games often cost more.
Average NFL Ticket Prices by Team
According to data from Statista, the average price for an NFL ticket during the 2019 regular season was $92. However, this varied significantly between teams. The most expensive average ticket price was for the New England Patriots at $122. The cheapest average ticket price was for the Cincinnati Bengals at just $54. Here is a table showing the average regular season ticket prices for all 32 NFL teams in 2019:
Team | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
New England Patriots | $122 |
San Francisco 49ers | $117 |
Seattle Seahawks | $113 |
Green Bay Packers | $112 |
Chicago Bears | $108 |
New York Giants | $107 |
Pittsburgh Steelers | $106 |
Minnesota Vikings | $103 |
Los Angeles Rams | $102 |
Philadelphia Eagles | $100 |
Denver Broncos | $99 |
Baltimore Ravens | $98 |
Dallas Cowboys | $97 |
New York Jets | $95 |
Houston Texans | $94 |
Atlanta Falcons | $92 |
Washington Redskins | $91 |
New Orleans Saints | $89 |
Arizona Cardinals | $88 |
Detroit Lions | $86 |
Los Angeles Chargers | $85 |
Carolina Panthers | $84 |
Tennessee Titans | $83 |
Kansas City Chiefs | $81 |
Cleveland Browns | $78 |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | $77 |
Jacksonville Jaguars | $76 |
Miami Dolphins | $75 |
Buffalo Bills | $72 |
Indianapolis Colts | $69 |
Las Vegas Raiders | $66 |
Cincinnati Bengals | $54 |
As you can see, Patriots tickets were more than double the price of Bengals tickets on average. Location, team success, market size, and stadium amenities all factor into NFL ticket prices.
NFL Ticket Prices by Seat Location
In addition to varying by team, NFL ticket prices also fluctuate quite a bit depending on seat location within each stadium. Lower level sideline seats are generally the most expensive, while upper deck endzone seats are cheaper. Here are some example ticket prices for different seat locations:
– Lower Sideline Seats: $200 – $350
– Lower Corner/Endzone Seats: $150 – $250
– Upper Sideline Seats: $100 – $200
– Upper Corner/Endzone Seats: $50 – $125
Teams often have club seats or luxury boxes that cost even more than typical lower level seats. Additionally, specialty areas like the Dawg Pound in Cleveland or The Black Hole in Oakland are iconic sections fans pay a premium for.
Factors Impacting NFL Ticket Prices
Why such large variances in NFL ticket prices? There are a number of factors that influence the supply and demand equation:
Team Performance and Popularity
Winning teams and popular franchises can charge more for tickets. Teams like the Cowboys, Patriots, and Packers have a consistent track record of contending for Super Bowls. Large fanbases are willing to pay top dollar, even for preseason games. Struggling teams have a harder time selling tickets, leading to discounts.
Opposing Team
When top teams like the Chiefs or 49ers come to town, ticket prices are higher. Divisional rivalry games also often command higher prices. Packers-Bears, Steelers-Ravens, and Cowboys-Eagles are classic matchups fans get excited for.
Day and Time of Game
Sunday afternoon games are the most common and have lower demand than other prime slots. Sunday night, Monday night, and Thursday night games draw national TV audiences, leading to increased demand. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and playoff games also see ticket spikes.
Stadium Location and Amenities
Stadium location influences ticket prices too. Large metro areas like New York have more fans competing for tickets. Newer stadiums with high-end amenities and club seats can also drive up costs. Visiting fans in particular pay more at destinations like Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.
Secondary Market Prices
While teams set initial seasons ticket prices, the secondary market can cause fluctuations. Third-party sellers on sites like Stubhub allow pricing based on real demand. For high-profile games prices get driven up well above face value.
Where to Buy NFL Tickets
Now that you know the typical price range for NFL tickets, where are the best places to actually buy them? Here are some of the most common options:
Directly from the Team
The most straightforward way to purchase NFL tickets is directly through the team’s official website or box office. Many teams sell full season ticket packages to season ticket holders, but most release some individual game seats as well. This is the safest way to get legitimate seats directly from the source.
Ticket Reseller Websites
Third party ticket resellers like StubHub, VividSeats and SeatGeek are convenient options for finding NFL tickets. These sites work with season ticket holders looking to sell their seats for specific games. This provides more inventory, often at discounted prices. But it does come with some risks of counterfeits or scams.
Online Retailers
Large general retail sites like Ticketmaster or Walmart also sell NFL tickets. They operate as licensed partners with the leagues and teams, so their tickets are guaranteed legitimate. But selection is often limited compared to other secondary sources.
Scalpers
In the past, ticket scalping outside NFL stadiums was common. However, this practice is now illegal in many places due to fraud risks. Fake paper tickets make buying from any random person extremely risky. Scalping has largely moved online to secondary sites.
Conclusion
There is no definitive fixed price for NFL tickets. Based on many factors, they can range dramatically – from as low as $50 to over $350 per seat. Your best bet is to compare prices for your desired game and seating location across multiple sources. Stay away from any offers that seem too good to be true, as they often are when counterfeit tickets are involved. As long as you use reputable sources, you can find great NFL tickets within your budget. Enjoy the game!