Getting tickets to see the Green Bay Packers play at the iconic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin can be quite difficult for several reasons. As one of the most popular and storied franchises in the NFL with a tremendous fan base, demand for Packers tickets is very high, especially for marquee games against division rivals like the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings. However, there are some tips and strategies fans can use to try and secure the coveted Lambeau tickets.
Limited Supply
One of the biggest reasons that Packers tickets are so hard to come by is that the supply is extremely limited. Lambeau Field has a capacity of only 81,441, making it one of the smallest stadiums in the NFL. Compare that to larger venues like AT&T Stadium (80,000+) or MetLife Stadium (82,500+) and it’s easy to see why Packers tickets are scarce. As a smaller city, Green Bay simply doesn’t have the population size to support a much larger stadium either. Additionally, the Packers organization reserves thousands of tickets for players, team employees, visiting teams, corporate suites and other VIPs, further shrinking the pool. With hundreds of thousands of die-hard Cheeseheads vying for a chance to see their beloved Pack, tickets sell out fast.
Heightened Demand
Not only is the supply low, but the demand for Packers tickets is through the roof. As one of the NFL’s most storied and successful franchises, the Packers enjoy a level of popularity across the country that is matched by few other teams. They have the second most NFL championships with 13 and also have a league-high 744 total wins. Legends like Bart Starr, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers have kept the Packers relevant for decades. Lambeau Field itself is a bucket list destination for any football fan. The Packers faithful, known as Cheeseheads, consistently sell out home games year after year – there is a decades long season ticket waiting list with over 130,000 names. With so many fans clamoring for tickets, it’s no wonder getting into Lambeau is so competitive.
Prime Opponents
Another factor driving up demand is the quality of opponents on the Packers schedule each season, especially divisional foes. As members of the hyper-competitive NFC North along with the Bears, Vikings and Lions, the Packers feature several heated rivalries that fans are desperate to see in person at Lambeau. The Packers-Bears rivalry dates back to 1921 and is one of the oldest and most storied in football. Seeing these rivals square off at Lambeau is on every football fan’s bucket list. Games against the Vikings also draw strong interest as they have a geographical proximity as well as decades of hard fought and dramatic finishes. Even the lowly Lions move the needle when they come to town as fans circle those as “guaranteed wins”.
Limited Resale Market
For fans who didn’t score tickets through the Packers official channels, the secondary resale market provides the next option. But even here, supplies are scarce. Packers season ticket holders are known for holding onto their tickets and rarely selling them to the public. When they do put tickets up for resale, they can command staggering sums, especially for marquee games. Upper deck end zone seats that normally sell for $128 can easily fetch over $500 when the Bears come to town. Lower bowl sideline seats routinely go for $1000+ on hot ticket games. Not to mention these prices don’t include hefty fees from the ticket reseller. With high prices and limited inventory, buying on the secondary market is cost prohibitive for many fans.
How To Increase Your Odds
While getting tickets to Lambeau Field may seem daunting, there are some strategies that can improve your chances:
Buy Early
If buying through the Packers ticket office, purchase as early as possible once the schedule is announced. Popular games sell out incredibly fast, so you need to be ready to buy the minute tickets go on sale to the public. Make sure to create an account on the Packers ticketing site ahead of time so the transaction is smoother.
Join The Season Ticket Waiting List
The Packers famously have an extremely long waiting list for season tickets – but this can actually help you. Existing season ticket holders sometimes have to forfeit seats from one year to the next, and the team uses the waiting list to fill those open spots. Simply joining the list makes you eligible for these released tickets in the future. Just be aware the waiting list is currently over 130,000 names deep.
Purchase Single Game Tickets
If season tickets aren’t an option, at least targeting individual game tickets gives you a chance. Lower demand games against non-divisional opponents might be slightly easier to come by. Weeknight games are also a possibility as fewer fans can make it out on a work night. It’ll still be a challenge, but focusing on specific games improves your odds.
Travel To Away Games
An alternative for the most die-hard fans is to forgo Lambeau altogether and see the team on the road instead. Cities like Chicago may have more inventory available as fewer visiting Green Bay fans make the trip. You won’t get the full Lambeau experience, but you’ll still see the Packers live.
Utilize Presales
The Packers sometimes offer presale ticket windows for season ticket holders, club members or newsletter subscribers. This gets you first dibs before the general public. Check the Packers website frequently for presale code announcements you may be eligible for.
Buy On The Secondary Market
StubHub, SeatGeek and other resellers will have tickets, albeit at inflated prices. Comparison shop for the best deals across multiple sites. Bidding on auctions can sometimes yield tickets below market value.
Purchase Travel Packages
Some travel agencies like PrimeSport offer ticket and hotel packages for Packers games. Bundling the tickets with other elements saves you from buying them separately.
Price Ranges For Lambeau Tickets
To give you an idea of the ticket investment required, here are average price ranges:
Section | Average Price Range |
---|---|
End Zone Upper Deck | $128-$200+ |
End Zone Lower Bowl | $200-$300+ |
Corner Upper Deck | $150-$250+ |
Corner Lower Bowl | $250-$400+ |
Sideline Upper Deck | $200-$500+ |
Sideline Lower Bowl | $500-$1000+ |
These prices can fluctuate dramatically depending on the specific game. Rivals like the Bears or Vikings can drive costs up exponentially, especially in the lower bowl near the 50 yard line.
Non-Ticket Options
If you simply can’t get your hands on tickets, don’t despair. There are still ways to experience the Lambeau Field atmosphere, such as:
Taking A Stadium Tour
Offseason stadium tours allow you to get an insider’s glimpse of Lambeau, including the locker room and field. Tours run daily in the summer and fall.
Visiting The Packers Hall Of Fame
Learn about the illustrious history of the franchise at the Packers Hall of Fame across the street from Lambeau Field. See exhibits, player memorabilia and more.
Eating At Local Restaurants And Bars
Hit up famous local Green Bay eateries and pubs on game days to soak in the electric environment with other fans.
Riding The Shuttle Into The Stadium Area
Free shuttles are offered from local hotels and downtown Green Bay on game days. Ride through the sea of green and gold!
Watching At A Packers Bar
Packers bars are located nationwide for displaced fans to catch the game. Find your nearest one to cheer alongside fellow Cheeseheads.
Plan Ahead For The Best Chance
At the end of the day, preparation and planning will give you the best odds of landing the elusive Packers tickets. Do your homework on the ticket purchasing process, be diligent about seeking them out the minute they go on sale, and don’t hesitate to pay a premium for high demand games. With persistence and a little luck, you may just find yourself singing “Go! Pack! Go!” from the stands at the historic Lambeau Field some day.