With the NFL gaining popularity worldwide, more international fans are looking to attend games when traveling to the US. However, buying NFL tickets as a foreigner can be confusing. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to buy international NFL tickets.
Can foreigners buy NFL tickets?
Yes, there are no citizenship or residency requirements to purchase NFL tickets. Anyone from any country can buy tickets to any NFL game, whether it’s a regular season game or the Super Bowl.
When do NFL tickets go on sale?
The on-sale dates for NFL tickets vary by team and game. Here are some general guidelines:
- Regular season single-game tickets usually go on sale in July or August, though season ticket holders get access to tickets earlier.
- Playoff and Super Bowl tickets go on sale a few days after playoff matchups are set.
- High-demand games like division rivalries may have tickets held back until closer to game day.
As an international buyer, your best bet is to check team websites regularly starting in early summer. Sign up for ticket alerts so you’ll be notified as soon as tickets are available.
Where can foreigners buy NFL tickets?
There are a few different options for where to buy NFL tickets:
NFL team websites
Purchasing directly from the official team website is the best way to guarantee authentic tickets. Ticketing policies and fees will vary by team. Links to all team sites can be found at NFL.com.
Authorized resellers
Many teams partner with authorized ticket resellers like StubHub, VividSeats, and Ticketmaster. These sites are safe and convenient options for buying verified resale tickets.
General ticket resale sites
Sites like Craigslist and eBay can have good deals on secondhand tickets, but there is more risk of fraud and counterfeits. Only buy from reputable sellers with guarantees.
Ticket brokers
Broker sites like PremiumSeatsUSA have huge NFL ticket inventories. Brokers often add hefty service fees but can secure seats even when teams are sold out.
NFL ticket exchanges
NFL Ticket Exchange is the official ticket resale marketplace of the NFL. Fans can safely resell unused tickets to other fans. Requires verification that tickets are genuine.
Tips for buying NFL tickets as a foreigner
Follow these tips to ensure a smooth ticket buying process:
- Have a US address and phone number to use when creating accounts and making purchases. Some sites restrict international billing and shipping.
- Purchase well in advance, especially for marquee matchups. Tickets sell out fast.
- Understand all policies related to payment, fees, delivery, refunds, and more before finalizing the transaction.
- Pay by credit card for buyer protection against fraud and counterfeits.
- Verify the tickets through official channels before traveling to the game.
- Read reviews and only buy from reputable sellers to avoid scams.
Are there restrictions on reselling NFL tickets?
There are some legal restrictions around reselling NFL tickets that buyers should be aware of:
- It is illegal to resell tickets for above face value within 1,500 feet of an NFL stadium on game day. This is enforced to crack down on scalping.
- Many teams prohibit reselling tickets on public forums and only allow sales through authorized exchanges where tickets can be verified.
- Season ticket holders may have restrictions for how many games they can resell.
- Print-at-home paper tickets are not transferable and cannot be resold or given away under most team policies.
Sellers found in violation of team or league resale policies and local scalping laws may have their tickets canceled without refund. Buyers may be denied entry. Be sure to only purchase through approved channels.
How much do international NFL tickets cost?
NFL ticket prices depend on the team, stadium, and demand for the game. Here are some average costs:
Game Type | Average Price per Ticket |
---|---|
Regular Season | $150-$300 |
Playoffs | $250-$500 |
Super Bowl | $2,500-$5,000 |
Prices will be higher when purchasing through resellers, especially closer to game day. Facilities with club seats, suites, and premium experiences can also cost thousands per ticket.
Keep in mind there are additional costs beyond the ticket price:
- Service and delivery fees from ticket sites often add 15-25%
- Travel and lodging expenses
- Parking, public transportation, food, and merchandise at the game
Attending just one NFL game can cost an international fan $1,000 or more. Plan your budget accordingly and look for ticket discounts when possible.
When should foreigners buy NFL tickets?
Timing your NFL ticket purchase involves weighing tradeoffs between availability, price, and convenience:
- As soon as tickets go on sale – Best chance at popular games before they sell out. Early sales may have promotions.
- 1-2 months before the game – Balance of selection and potential deals. Can still get reasonable airfare and lodging.
- 1-2 weeks before the game – Less selection but potentially big price drops as sellers unload tickets.
- Day before or day of the game – Highly risky as few tickets remain. Extremely expensive if available.
For regular season games, target buying around 2 months prior once the schedule and your travel plans are set. This gives enough time to browse multiple sellers and negotiate good prices before demand spikes right before game day.
Playoff and Super Bowl tickets are tougher. Buy as soon as your team clinches a spot or be prepared to pay a premium from resellers later.
What is the best way for foreigners to get NFL tickets?
For most international buyers, going through an authorized online ticket reseller will offer the best combination of reliability, selection, and value. Sites like StubHub have certain advantages:
- Large inventories from fans reselling tickets.
- No risk of counterfeits – tickets guaranteed valid.
- Convenience of purchasing online from abroad.
- Lots of choice – browse multiple listings for best seats and prices.
- Reputable foreign payment and delivery options.
- Access to sold out high-demand games.
- Easy transfers if plans change.
Team sites should still be checked for available inventory that avoids markup. But authorized resellers give peace of mind for navigating complex US ticketing as an international NFL fan.
Key tips for foreigners buying NFL tickets
To recap, here are some key tips for foreigners to successfully buy NFL tickets:
- Plan ahead – Purchase tickets and book travel well in advance to get the best deals and availability.
- Be flexible – Have multiple target games and be open to different dates, opponents, and seating locations.
- Understand resale rules – Only use authorized channels and ensure transfers are permitted.
- Compare sellers – Check team sites plus multiple brokers and resellers to find the best listings for your budget.
- Read the fine print – Confirm policies on fees, delivery, refunds, and ticket usage.
- Have US contact info – Provide a US address, phone number, and payment method during checkout.
- Check visa/entry requirements – Some countries may need visas to enter the US, which requires planning.
While buying NFL tickets as a foreigner takes some extra effort, the live game experience is worth it. Following these best practices will help international fans secure the NFL tickets they want at a fair price.
Conclusion
Buying NFL tickets as an international fan requires understanding US ticketing dynamics and reseller market nuances. Do research to identify reputable sellers and optimal timeframes to buy. Plan ahead with visa paperwork, US payment methods, and confirming policies before finalizing your purchase. While expensive, attending an NFL game as a foreigner can be a dream come true with proper preparation and an organized approach to buying tickets safely online.