The college football national championship game is the culmination of the college football season, pitting the top two teams against each other for the national title. As one of the biggest sporting events of the year, demand for tickets is extremely high. If you want to attend the game in person, you’ll need to plan ahead and be prepared to act quickly in order to secure tickets. Here is a guide to everything you need to know about getting tickets to the college football championship game.
When and where is the game held?
The College Football Playoff National Championship is held every year in early January. The game location rotates between a handful of top venues around the country. Upcoming and recent locations include:
2023 | Los Angeles, CA |
2024 | Houston, TX |
2025 | Atlanta, GA |
The game is always held on a Monday evening. Kickoff is typically around 8pm local time.
How do I get tickets directly from the College Football Playoff?
The official ticket source is the College Football Playoff organization. A limited number of tickets are sold directly to the general public through the CFP website. These tickets are distributed through a lottery system.
Here is the process to try to get tickets through the CFP:
– Sign up for an account on the CFP website in advance of the on-sale date. This usually opens in early fall.
– When tickets go on sale, typically in mid-November, log in to your account and submit a request. You can request between 2 and 15 tickets.
– The CFP will then hold a randomized lottery and select winners to purchase tickets. You will be notified if you are selected within a few weeks of the request period closing.
– If chosen, you will have a short window (usually 48 hours) to log back in and complete your purchase. Tickets must be paid for in full at that time. Prices typically range from around $500 to $1,500 per ticket depending on location.
When should I buy tickets to get the best deal?
Ticket prices will generally get lower the closer you get to the game, especially if the matchup involves two less popular teams. However, there is also much more risk that tickets will sell out completely. If you want the best deal while still ensuring you can get tickets, aim to purchase 1-2 months in advance of the game. Waiting until the last minute is risky and often results in paying a premium price from a reseller.
Here is an approximate timeline for getting the best ticket prices:
6+ months out | Most expensive |
2-3 months out | Prices start to drop as inventory clears |
1-2 months out | Best chance for good deals |
2 weeks out | Cheaper, but high risk of sellouts |
Day before/of game | Most expensive from resellers |
Where to Buy Tickets from Authorized Sellers
In addition to the College Football Playoff, there are some other authorized sources that get allotments of official tickets to resell. Here are some of the major avenues to check:
Official College Conference Packages
The conferences that have teams participating in the game will often sell ticket packages. These include things like hotels, official fan events, etc. This is a good option for hardcore fans who want the full championship experience. Packages go on sale through the conference websites generally 6-12 months in advance.
PrimeSport
PrimeSport is the official ticket and hospitality provider for the College Football Playoff. They are allocated tickets to resell in packages that can include things like hotels, pre-game parties, etc. Tickets go on sale through their website around 6 months in advance.
On Location Experiences
On Location Experiences is another authorized ticket reseller that offers ticket and hotel packages. They have exclusive priority access to a certain allotment of tickets before the general public. Packages are available on their website generally 3-6 months before the game.
Local Colleges
If the championship game is being held in or near the home city of a major college team, that college will often get an allotment of tickets to sell through their box office and alumni organizations. Check official college websites for sale information.
Ticketmaster and SeatGeek
A small number of tickets are allocated to major ticket marketplaces like Ticketmaster and SeatGeek. These are resold at market value, which is typically higher than face value. A limited number of “get in the door” upper deck tickets are sometimes available on these sites close to the game.
How to Get Tickets from Resellers
The secondary ticket market is also an option for getting tickets, often at an inflated price. Here are some tips for buying resale tickets:
Use Reputable Sites
Stick to major secondary ticket sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and TickPick. This avoids the risk of fake tickets from unknown sellers. Review seller ratings and purchase guarantees carefully before buying.
Buy Early for Better Prices
Try to buy at least 2-3 months in advance for better selection and lower prices. Last minute purchases will lead to the slim pickings that sellers are struggling to offload at inflated costs.
Compare All Fees
Factor in all processing fees, service charges, and shipping costs to find the best bottom line price across sellers. Some sites advertise lower prices but make up for it with high fees.
Avoid Scams
Never pay with non-refundable wire transfers or gift cards. Only use trusted payment methods through legitimate platforms. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
Leverage Promo Codes
Most major resellers run promo codes and other discounts, especially for first-time buyers. Do a quick search before purchasing to potentially save big on your order.
How Much Do National Championship Tickets Cost?
Ticket prices vary widely based on the specific teams, demand levels, seat location, and when you are buying. Here are some typical price ranges:
Upper Deck Corner | $150-$400 |
Upper Deck Sideline | $250-$750 |
Lower Level Corner | $400-$1000 |
Lower Level Sideline | $750-$2500+ |
Club Seats | $1000-$3000+ |
Prices skyrocket on the secondary market for in-demand matchups between powerhouse teams. Paying $1000+ per ticket is common in these high-profile games.
Least Expensive Options
For budget buyers, aim for upper deck corner seats bought a few months in advance. Being flexible on teams and waiting until later to buy can also result in cheaper tickets, although availability will be limited.
Most Expensive Options
Lower level sideline seats closest to the 50 yard line will be the most coveted and expensive tickets. These can run into the thousands of dollars each from resellers, especially as demand spikes right before the game. Club seats and suites with premium amenities are also pricey.
Tips for Buying National Championship Tickets
Here are some key tips to ensure you get great tickets you can actually afford:
Set a Budget
Decide what you are comfortable spending per ticket first. Championship game tickets can get very expensive, especially closer to the event. Have a firm maximum budget in mind before you start shopping.
Be Flexible
If possible, stay open on teams and be ready to purchase as soon as you see a good deal. Waiting for a specific matchup could result in paying a big markup later. Flexibility leads to better prices and availability.
Purchase Early
Start checking for tickets at least 2-3 months before the game. This widens your options and reduces the risk of scrambling last minute when tickets dry up. Set reminders to check back often as inventory is released over the months.
Sign Up for Alerts
Many ticket sites allow you to set inventory alerts when seats matching your criteria become available. Use these to get notified right away when deals that fit your budget are posted.
Check Multiple Sources
Prices can vary hugely between ticket sites. Compare all available options side-by-side and pounce when you find seats you want for the right price.
Conclusion
Attending the college football national championship game requires significant planning and preparation. Follow this guide on timing your purchase, finding authorized ticket outlets, comparing secondary market prices, and more. With smart shopping tactics, you can secure amazing tickets to be part of one of the most exciting spectacles in sports. Just be ready to act quickly when you find the right opportunity!
The game sells out completely every year well in advance. Don’t miss your chance to experience the electric atmosphere of the college football playoff national title game in person. Whether you splurge on lower bowl seats or save on the upper deck, the memories of seeing the top two teams battle for the championship will last a lifetime. Use these tips to make the ticket buying process smooth and successful on your road to the national championship game.
FAQ about Buying College Football Championship Tickets
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about purchasing tickets for the college football playoff national championship:
When do tickets go on sale?
The first batch of tickets is sold through a lottery system on the College Football Playoff website, usually around November. Additional tickets are steadily released via other official sources over the next few months leading up to the big game.
How quickly do tickets sell out?
They sell out very quickly. The limited tickets through the CFP lottery are gone within hours. Reseller markets also dry up rapidly over the first few weeks of sales. It is important to check early and often.
What is the best way to get face value tickets?
Your only way to guarantee face value is through the CFP lottery. Otherwise, you will pay marked up prices on secondary sites closer to the event. Signing up for pre-sale opportunities through conference packages or loyalty programs also helps.
Are there any strategies for getting better lottery odds?
Unfortunately, no. The CFP lottery is completely randomized. There is no advantage to submitting early or anything else. But it still pays to request the max number of tickets allowed as soon as it opens.
When is the cheapest time to buy tickets?
Aim for 1-2 months before the game for the best chance at good prices. Too early and choices are limited. Too late and prices shoot up. Flexible buyers will have an advantage.
Is it risky to wait until right before the game?
Yes, extremely risky. You might luck out and find a great last minute deal, but you’re just as likely to have no tickets left to choose from. Selling out is very common.
Where is the best place to sit in the stadium?
Lower sideline seats closest to the 50 yard line are ideal. You’ll pay a huge premium for them though. Upper deck midfield seats still provide a great view at a much more affordable price point for most buyers.
How much should I pay for good tickets?
Expect to pay at minimum $500 if you want lower bowl seats. $1000+ per ticket is common. Plan on $200-$400 to sit upper deck. Set your budget beforehand and avoid overpaying.
I hope this article provides helpful information to anyone looking to purchase tickets for the college football national championship game! Let me know if you have any other questions.