The AFC Championship game is one of the most anticipated games every NFL season. It determines which team from the AFC will advance to the Super Bowl. With the conference championship game just around the corner, many fans are wondering – is the AFC Championship sold out?
When and Where is the AFC Championship Game?
The AFC Championship game will take place on January 29, 2023. The game will be played at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs. As the #1 seed in the AFC, the Chiefs earned the right to host the conference championship.
Who is Playing in the AFC Championship Game?
The AFC Championship will feature a matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-20 in the divisional round to advance. Meanwhile, the Bengals took down the Buffalo Bills 27-10 to reach their second straight conference championship game.
This sets up a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship, where the Bengals upset the Chiefs 27-24 in overtime to advance to the Super Bowl. Both teams will be hungry to earn a trip to this year’s Big Game.
AFC Championship Ticket Status
As of now, the 2023 AFC Championship game is officially sold out. The NFL announced on January 16 that all tickets for the conference championship at Arrowhead Stadium have been purchased.
High Demand for Limited Tickets
With a capacity of 76,416, Arrowhead Stadium is one of the larger NFL venues. However, the huge fanbases of both the Chiefs and Bengals as well as the allure of the AFC Championship made tickets a hot commodity.
Demand vastly exceeded supply, even with the large capacity. The Chiefs held a limited pre-sale for season ticket holders which quickly sold out. Meanwhile, the public ticket sale on Ticketmaster also rapidly sold out soon after tickets became available.
The Bengals received an allotment of 7,500 tickets for their fans. However, this was far below the number requested by eager Cincinnati supporters.
Get-In Price Over $200
With the game now sold out, the only way to get tickets is through the secondary market. Prices have skyrocketed due to the huge demand.
According to data from TickPick, the average resale price for the AFC Championship is now $503. The cheapest ticket currently available (“get-in price”) is $203. Here is a table comparing get-in prices for recent conference championships:
Year | Matchup | Get-In Price |
---|---|---|
2023 | Chiefs vs. Bengals | $203 |
2022 | Chiefs vs. Bengals | $240 |
2021 | Chiefs vs. Bills | $88 |
While $203 is high, it’s still lower than last year’s AFC Championship get-in price. However the average resale price this year is significantly higher at over $500. The influx of Bills fans likely kept last year’s prices in check. This year, Chiefs and Bengals fans dominate the demand.
Why the AFC Championship Sold Out
There are several key factors that contributed to the 2023 AFC Championship selling out rapidly:
Large Season Ticket Bases
Both the Chiefs and Bengals have enormous season ticket holder bases given their recent success. The Chiefs have sold out every game since 2015. Meanwhile, the Bengals had a wait list for season tickets for the first time in team history heading into 2022. This meant there was huge demand even in the limited pre-sale.
Rabid Fanbases
Beyond just season ticket holders, both Kansas City and Cincinnati have extremely passionate fanbases who are hungry to see their teams return to the Super Bowl. Chiefs fans want the team’s first title since 1970. Bengals fans have waited even longer, since 1989. Each team has a wide reach beyond just their local markets.
Rematch of 2022 AFC Championship
The opportunity to see a rematch of last year’s overtime thriller added extra intrigue for neutral NFL fans as well. It’s rare to see a conference championship game between the same teams two years in a row. Anyone who watched last season’s epic duel didn’t want to miss out on the sequel.
Patrick Mahomes vs. Joe Burrow Rivalry
The AFC Championship also features one of the NFL’s best young quarterback rivalries. Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow are both still under 30 and have bright futures ahead. Fans jumped at the chance to see the NFL superstars battle on this massive stage with a Super Bowl berth at stake.
Limited Options for Fans Without Tickets
Since every last ticket has been snatched up, fans who didn’t secure seats ahead of time have very limited options on Championship Sunday:
Watch the Game at a Bar
Gathering with other fans at sports bars and restaurants is a popular option to take in the action. However, prime spots with good views of the TV screens fill up fast. So fans need to arrive early to find seating. Table reservations are highly recommended where accepted.
Host or Attend a Watch Party
Gathering at a friend’s house is a cheaper and often more fun alternative to watching from a bar. Hosting a watch party is a great way to bring friends together to cheer on their favorite team. Meanwhile, showing up with drinks or snacks in hand makes for an easy invite to other game watch events.
Stream the Game at Home
For those who prefer to avoid crowds, streaming the AFC Championship at home surrounded by close family is an optimal choice. CBS will broadcast the game on their online streaming platform Paramount+ which offers a free trial. So no paid subscription is needed to watch the big showdown from the comfort of your couch.
High Prices Expected for Super Bowl Tickets
Looking ahead to the Super Bowl on February 12, the fact that the AFC Championship sold out very quickly does not bode well for budget-conscious fans hoping to attend the NFL’s biggest game.
State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona which is hosting Super Bowl LVII has a much larger capacity of 73,000 compared to Arrowhead Stadium. However, demand will be even higher with fans of both Super Bowl teams eager to buy tickets.
If the Chiefs win the AFC, demand could be unprecedented with the Super Bowl taking place closer to Kansas City compared to a Cincinnati or Buffalo Super Bowl site. Even the cheapest Super Bowl tickets on the resale market could easily surpass $500 based on current trends. Fans may have to seriously consider if potentially watching their team in the Super Bowl is worth the huge ticket investment.
Conclusion
In the end, the fact that the 2023 AFC Championship game sold out so rapidly is a testament to the passion of both Chiefs and Bengals fans. It also speaks to the excitement around this year’s AFC playoff field and the Mahomes vs. Burrow quarterback matchup. For those who missed out on buying tickets, gathering at bars, hosting watch parties or streaming from home are really the only options left. One thing is certain – Arrowhead Stadium will be absolutely rocking on Championship Sunday.