Attending a University of Tennessee football game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville is an exciting experience for any sports fan. As one of college football’s most storied programs, the Tennessee Volunteers have a proud tradition and a passionate fan base. However, attending a game can also be a significant investment. Ticket prices vary based on factors like the opponent, seat location, and time of purchase. Here is an in-depth look at how much Volunteers football tickets cost for the 2023 season.
Ticket Prices by Opponent
The cost of a Tennessee football ticket depends heavily on which opponent the Volunteers are facing. Marquee Southeastern Conference matchups and non-conference games against major rivals command the highest prices. Games against FCS opponents or less prominent SEC teams are more affordable.
For the 2023 season, the most in-demand games at Neyland Stadium include the matchups against Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. These are Tennessee’s biggest conference rivals, and tickets for these premium games can cost hundreds of dollars each.
Oregon and Virginia Tech – two non-conference opponents with large fan bases – will also attract above-average ticket prices. On the other end of the spectrum, games against UT-Martin, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt have much more affordable ticket options.
Here are estimated price ranges for 2023 Tennessee football tickets based on the opponent:
Opponent | Low Price | Average Price | High Price |
---|---|---|---|
Florida | $325 | $475 | $650+ |
Alabama | $325 | $500 | $750+ |
Georgia | $300 | $450 | $600+ |
Oregon | $225 | $300 | $400 |
Virginia Tech | $200 | $275 | $375 |
Kentucky | $175 | $225 | $300 |
Missouri | $125 | $150 | $200 |
South Carolina | $100 | $125 | $175 |
Vanderbilt | $75 | $100 | $150 |
UT-Martin | $50 | $75 | $100 |
As you can see, marquee SEC games can cost over 6 times more than buying tickets to see Tennessee play an FCS team like UT-Martin. Planning your ticket purchase around the schedule is one way to get deals.
Additional Factors Affecting Ticket Prices
In addition to the opponent, other factors like seat location, when you buy tickets, and third party vendors also impact Tennessee football ticket prices:
- Seat Location – Lower bowl seats between the 30 yard lines are most expensive. Upper decks and end zone seats cost less.
- Time of Purchase – Buying early gets better deals than waiting until last minute.
- Third Party Vendors – Sites like StubHub can have major markups over face value prices.
Always consider these factors when purchasing Tennessee tickets to find the best deals.
Where to Buy Tennessee Football Tickets
Now that you know how much Volunteers tickets generally cost, where should you actually buy them? Here are some of the best options:
Directly from the University of Tennessee
The most straightforward option is to buy tickets directly from the Tennessee ticket office. Season ticket holders get the first priority, but any remaining single game seats go on sale to the general public over the summer.
Buying this way ensures you’re paying face value prices with no markup. The downside is there is often limited inventory left for big games by the time public sales open.
Season Ticket Packages
For the ultimate Volunteers fan, season tickets guarantee seats for all home games at Neyland Stadium. While requiring a major upfront investment, season tickets usually offer the best overall value and loyalty perks.
Season ticket holders can often resell unwanted tickets to in-demand games to offset costs. Be aware that there is generally a multi-year commitment required to maintain priority ordering.
Online Resellers
Third party ticket marketplaces like StubHub, VividSeats and SeatGeek are an option for buying and selling Tennessee football tickets. This opens up access to tickets even after direct sales sell out.
The major caution with reseller sites is prices are almost always marked up well above face value. There are also concerns about fraudulent ticket listings on some platforms.
Gameday Ticket Scalpers
Looking to buy right before kickoff? Scalpers selling just outside Neyland Stadium offer last minute ticket inventory. Prices here often start lower than online, but can climb higher closer to game time.
The risk of counterfeit tickets is also elevated with scalpers. Exercise caution to avoid buying invalid or fake paper tickets.
Best Practices for Getting Cheap Tennessee Tickets
While Tennessee football tickets are expensive for big games, here are some tips for saving money:
- Buy group tickets – groups 4+ often get discounts off face value pricing
- Target less popular opponents – games against underdogs are more affordable
- Sit in upper decks or end zones – get lower prices for less desirable seat locations
- Buy early – gives access to best deals before prices rise
- Shop around – compare prices across multiple vendors to find cheapest seats
- Avoid reseller markups – buy direct to bypass fees whenever possible
Planning ahead, being flexible on seating, and comparing all purchase options will help Volunteer fans find the best deals.
Conclusion
Watching the Tennessee Volunteers play at Neyland Stadium is a bucket list item for any college football fan. With over 100,000 screaming fans packing the stands, it’s one of the sport’s most electric environments.
Yet with demand far exceeding the supply, Tennessee football tickets don’t come cheap – especially for SEC rivalry showdowns. Prices routinely exceed $300 or more for premium games.
By carefully choosing which games to attend, buying early, avoiding reseller fees, and targeting upper deck or end zone seats, fans can find ways to get tickets for less. Following these tips can helpVolunteers supporters find great deals and enjoy Tennessee games on a budget.