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The AFC Championship Game is one of the most exciting football games of the year, as it determines which AFC team will advance to the Super Bowl. Fans are eager to get tickets, but high demand means ticket prices can be very expensive. The cheapest tickets provide an affordable option for fans on a budget. In this article, we’ll look at how much the cheapest tickets to the 2023 AFC Championship Game cost and what fans can expect from the cheapest seats.
When and Where is the 2023 AFC Championship Game?
The 2023 AFC Championship Game will take place on Sunday, January 29, 2023. The game time is scheduled for 3:05pm EST.
The host stadium will be determined after the results of the Divisional Round playoff games. The remaining AFC teams with the best records will host the game. Based on the current playoff seedings, the most likely host stadiums are:
- Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs) in Kansas City, MO
- Highmark Stadium (Buffalo Bills) in Orchard Park, NY
Once the host team is set, we’ll have more specifics on the stadium location and ticketing details.
How Much Do AFC Championship Tickets Usually Cost?
As one of the marquee games before the Super Bowl, AFC Championship tickets don’t come cheap. Here’s a look at average ticket prices in recent years:
Year | Host Stadium | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|---|
2022 | Arrowhead Stadium | $455 |
2021 | Arrowhead Stadium | $406 |
2020 | Arrowhead Stadium | $362 |
2019 | Arrowhead Stadium | $327 |
2018 | Gillette Stadium | $293 |
As you can see, average prices for AFC Championship tickets range from $293 to $455 over the past 5 years. With high demand to see the top AFC contenders, average prices are typically well over $300.
What Are the Cheapest 2023 AFC Championship Tickets?
While full pricing details won’t be available until the host stadium is determined, we can look at the cheapest ticket prices from recent years to estimate what to expect:
- In 2022, the absolute cheapest tickets sold for $200 plus fees. These were standing room only tickets.
- In 2021, the cheapest seats were in the upper corners of Arrowhead Stadium, selling for around $140 before fees.
- In 2020, the cheapest tickets were again standing room only, priced around $175.
Based on that, we can expect the cheapest 2023 AFC Championship Game tickets to cost roughly $150-$200 before added fees. The cheapest seats will likely be in the upper decks of the stadium or standing room only tickets.
Where Are the Cheapest Seats Located?
For the most affordable tickets, fans should look for seats in the upper sections of the AFC Championship host stadium. For example:
- At Arrowhead Stadium, the cheapest seats are usually in the upper level corners in Sections 301-336.
- At Highmark Stadium, the 300-level upper deck seats from Sections 301-359 have the cheapest tickets.
While these upper deck corner and end zone sections are furthest from the action, they still provide fans with a view of the game for the lowest price.
Fans can also look for standing room only tickets, usually sold for areas behind the end zone or upper deck. These don’t offer an actual seat but are cheaper than the upper deck tickets in most cases.
What Are the Pros and Cons of the Cheapest Seats?
Opting for the most affordable seats has some clear tradeoffs. Here are some pros and cons to be aware of:
Pros:
- Great prices typically under $200 before fees
- Allows fans on a budget to experience the game live
- Upper deck offers view of full field and scoreboard
- Standing room tickets provide cheap access for hardcore fans
Cons:
- Located far away from the action compared to lower bowl
- Minimal comfort with narrow rows of cramped, basic seating
- May need binoculars to follow game action closely
- Limited amenities such as food and drink options
- No seat provided with standing room tickets
While the cheapest seats require some sacrifices, they can still provide fans an opportunity to cheer on their team in person at the big game.
Are Cheap Tickets Still Available Leading Up to the Game?
In general, AFC Championship tickets only become more expensive as the event draws near. There is extremely high demand for tickets, while supply is limited to the capacity of the host stadium (around 70,000-75,000 seats).
However, fans looking for the cheapest seats may still be able to find upper deck and standing room tickets leading up to gameday. This depends on factors like:
- How quickly tickets sell out at the host stadium
- The number of tickets available on secondary resale sites
- How much ticketholders inflate prices as demand increases
Savvy shoppers may be able to find last minute deals, but likely will pay higher prices than if buying earlier. It’s always a gamble buying tickets close to the event.
Are Cheap Tickets From Resellers Reliable?
Tickets on secondary markets from resellers like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek can provide access to cheap seats, including some below face value. However, there are risks buying from unauthorized sellers:
- Counterfeit or invalid tickets
- Tickets that were already sold and used
- Scalpers inflating prices due to demand
- Hidden fees driving up costs
Reputable resellers like StubHub do provide buyer guarantees against invalid tickets. But in general, buying from the official team or primary ticketing platforms provides the most security.
Still, many fans do successfully find affordable resale tickets to big games like the AFC Championship. Reviewing seller ratings and policies before purchasing can help identify trustworthy ticket sources.
How Can I Get the Cheapest Tickets From the Official Source?
Here are some tips to get the best deals on the lowest price tickets from the host team or primary ticketing platforms:
- Sign up for pre-sales by becoming a season ticket holder or member of the stadium fan club
- Buy early during initial sales before prices rise closer to gameday
- Look for special deals for groups, students, military, or senior citizens
- Enter fan contests and giveaways for ticket promotions
- Check primary marketplaces leading up to the game for price drops
Acting quickly is key – cheap seats are likely snatched up fast by savvy local fans. But those prepared to hunt for deals can still find the cheapest tickets for prices under $200.
Is it Worth Paying More for Lower Bowl Seats?
While the cheapest AFC Championship tickets provide budget-friendly admission, paying a higher price opens up options for better seats. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of spending more:
Pros:
- Better views of the action up close from lower levels
- Comfortable padded seats with more leg room
- Access to exclusive premium clubs and lounges
- Nearby food, drink, and amenities
Cons:
- Higher ticket prices often $500+ per seat
- Limited options without season tickets or luxury suites
- Less affordable for the average fan’s budget
Lower bowl tickets undoubtedly enhance the experience and are ideal for die-hard fans. But the higher costs mean cheaper upper deck seats are a more realistic option for many.
Conclusion
While full pricing details are not yet available, fans can expect the cheapest tickets to the 2023 AFC Championship Game to cost around $150-$200. These affordable tickets will be for upper deck corner seats or standing room only sections.
Despite the low costs, cheap tickets still allow fans to cheer on their team in person during a thrilling NFL playoff clash. Savvy shoppers can secure deals from various sources like the box office, fan clubs, and resale sites. Just beware of counterfeits and hidden fees buying secondhand.
Are you hoping to experience the electric atmosphere at the AFC Championship Game? With the right preparation, the cheapest tickets can get you in the stadium to witness the action during this hard-fought battle for the AFC crown.
Key Takeaways:
- Cheapest 2023 AFC Championship Game tickets will likely cost $150-$200.
- Cheap seats are located in the upper deck corners and end zones.
- Pros are low prices and live game access; cons are far from the field.
- Buying early from official sources provides the most savings.
- Lower bowl tickets provide a better fan experience but at higher prices.