World Wrestling Entertainment, better known as WWE, is the largest professional wrestling promotion in the world. WWE hosts live events around the world throughout the year where fans can see their favorite WWE superstars compete in the ring. One of the most common questions fans ask is how much do WWE tickets cost? The prices can vary quite a bit depending on the type of event, when and where it takes place, and what kind of seat you want. Here is a closer look at WWE ticket prices and some of the factors that influence the costs.
Types of WWE Events
WWE puts on several different types of events throughout the year. The major WWE pay-per-view events like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble generally have the highest ticket prices. These premium live events only take place a few times a year and feature the biggest matches with the top superstars. WWE also holds other special events like the Money in the Bank pay-per-view and WWE Draft. Then there are the weekly WWE television shows – Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown. These TV tapings have lower ticket prices than the pay-per-views. WWE also runs non-televised live events in various cities which typically have cheaper ticket prices as well.
Location of the Event
The city where the WWE event takes place can have a significant impact on the ticket prices. Events held in major metropolitan areas like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago tend to be more expensive. WWE often runs shows at famous venues like Madison Square Garden which can also drive up prices. Smaller markets usually have more affordable tickets. But there are exceptions, such as when WWE holds a major pay-per-view in a smaller city. The tickets may cost more than a normal live event due to the increased demand.
Venue Size and Type
The size and type of venue also plays a role in determining WWE ticket prices. Larger arenas that can hold 15,000+ fans will have cheaper seats in the upper decks. Smaller intimate venues under 10,000 capacity have fewer cheap seats which drives up costs. Outdoor stadium shows usually have the cheapest seats since the capacity is much higher. WWE also runs shows at non-traditional venues like state fairs which can impact pricing.
Seat Location
Where you sit in the arena makes a huge difference in how much you will pay for a WWE ticket. Front row seats right next to the ring are always the most expensive. These ringside seats allow you to get an up close view of the action. Floor seats close to the ring are also pricier than those further back on the bottom level. Upper deck or “nosebleed” seats high up in the arena are often the cheapest. Getting a seat in one of the first few rows on the lower bowl or on the floor can maximize your experience without spending as much as ringside.
Ticket Type
WWE offers different types of ticket packages beyond just general admission seats. Ringside VIP seats include extra perks like premium seating, meet-and-greet opportunities, signed memorabilia, exclusive merchandise and more. WWE also sells platinum experience tickets for certain events which grant fans luxury amenities and the best seats in the house. These premium ticket packages can cost several thousands dollars per seat. If you want to save money, general admission or basic seating tickets are the most affordable option.
When You Buy
Timing plays a key factor in WWE ticket prices. As soon as tickets go on sale, there are usually early bird specials and pre-sale discounts offered. Prices typically get higher the longer you wait and as the event draws near. The most expensive WWE tickets are those bought right before the event or on the day of the show. Buy early to take advantage of lower prices. Signing up for WWE’s newsletter can provide access to special pre-sale code offers.
Ticket Resale Market
The secondary ticket market can impact WWE pricing too. Highly sought after tickets for big events get resold on sites like StubHub for well above face value. WrestleMania tickets in particular can cost several times more than their original price on the resale market. Buyers end up paying the inflated resale prices out of desperation if tickets sell out. Buying WWE tickets from the box office or a reputable seller is recommended over secondary sites.
How to Get Cheap WWE Tickets
Here are some tips and tricks to get cheaper WWE tickets:
- Buy early – Prices usually start lower and go up over time
- Consider group tickets – Buying in bulk often saves per ticket
- Look for ticket pack deals – WWE offers package deals that bundle tickets with merchandise and other perks
- Check for presales – Sign up for fan club or venue presales to buy before general public
- Be flexible on show date – Attending a different show day can sometimes yield savings
- Sit further back – The highest rows in upper decks have the cheapest WWE seats
- Avoid platinum tickets – Platinum experience and VIP tickets are expensive premium options
Average WWE Ticket Prices
To give you a better idea of the price range, here are some average WWE ticket prices in 2022 for different events:
Event Type | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
WrestleMania | $350 – $1,500+ |
Royal Rumble | $150 – $1,000+ |
SummerSlam | $100 – $1,000+ |
Money in the Bank | $50 – $500 |
TV Tapings (Raw/SmackDown) | $20 – $200 |
Non-Televised Live Events | $15 – $100 |
WrestleMania has the highest average ticket costs due to its status as WWE’s biggest event of the year. SummerSlam and Royal Rumble also draw premium pricing as two of the “Big Four” pay-per-views. Weekly TV tapings and non-televised house shows have the most reasonable prices for budget-conscious WWE fans.
Other WWE Event Costs
When budgeting for a WWE event, keep in mind that tickets are not the only expense. You also have to factor in:
- Hotel costs if traveling to the event
- Airfare or gas if coming from out of town
- Food, drinks, and snacks at the show
- Souvenirs like t-shirts and merchandise
- Parking fees at the venue
A complete weekend trip for an out-of-state WWE pay-per-view can end up costing $500+ per person after you include all these additional costs with tickets. For a family of four, the total price tag for attending WrestleMania can easily exceed $2,000 or more.
How to Save on Other WWE Event Costs
You can save on these additional expenses by:
- Booking flights and hotels early to get lower rates
- Staying outside the city center to find cheaper hotel prices
- Bringing food and drinks into the arena instead of buying at concession stands
- Limiting expensive souvenir purchases and avoiding WWE merchandise stands
- Taking public transit to the venue instead of driving and paying for parking
- Avoiding eating out for every meal and getting groceries
- Seeing which venues allow you to print tickets at home to avoid fees
Future WWE Ticket Price Changes
In 2022, WWE increased ticket pricing fairly significantly for its events, likely due to high fan demand post-pandemic. This could foreshadow further ticket price hikes in 2023 and beyond. Inflation is also driving up costs which will impact WWE as well. Fans should expect to pay even higher premiums for big events like WrestleMania in upcoming years. Budgeting extra and using ticket savings strategies will become more important than ever.
Is Attending a WWE Event Worth the Price?
At the end of the day, high ticket prices are the cost of experiencing WWE action and excitement live. While not cheap, attending a WWE event is a bucket list thrill for many wrestling devotees. The energy and spectacle make it worthwhile to many fans, especially diehard ones who have followed WWE for years. If money is no object, snagging ringside seats for WrestleMania is a lifelong memory in the making. Even nosebleed seats can provide an amazing live sports entertainment experience. On a budget, smaller WWE live events deliver plenty of entertainment at a more affordable price point. Carefully weighing the costs vs. the enjoyment can help determine if attending a WWE event is ultimately worth it for your own budget and interests.
Conclusion
WWE offers a wide range of ticket options at various price points. While premium events carry higher costs, flexibility on seating selection and show location can help find cheaper prices. Comparing ticket prices between a marquee pay-per-view and a minor TV taping is like night and day. Being strategic with seating choices, ticket packages, travel arrangements, and budgeting for additional costs allows fans to customize their ideal WWE live experience within their desired affordability range. Attending a star-studded extravaganza like WrestleMania can represent the pinnacle, but WWE tickets can fit many different budgets.