Many passionate sports fans dream of having season tickets to their favorite team’s games. There’s nothing quite like having guaranteed seats for every home game and getting to cheer on your team surrounded by fellow die-hard fans. However, season tickets also require a significant financial commitment. Is it really worth it to be a season ticket holder? Here’s an in-depth look at the pros and cons to help you decide if purchasing season tickets is the right move for you.
The Perks of Season Tickets
Let’s start with the many benefits that come with being a season ticket holder:
Guaranteed Seats for Every Home Game
The number one perk is having guaranteed seats to cheer on your team for every home game in the season. No more wasting time scouring the internet for tickets or hoping seats you want will still be available closer to game day. As a season ticket holder, you can relax knowing you’ll be in the stands supporting your team all season long.
Prime Seat Locations
Season ticket holders typically get access to some of the best seats in the stadium or arena before single-game tickets go on sale. Teams reserve blocks of season tickets in the lower bowl and around midfield/center court to reward their most loyal fans. Having seats close to the action is a huge perk and allows you to really see the nuances of the game up close.
Special Perks and Experiences
Teams offer season ticket holders a variety of special perks as a thank you for their loyalty and support. These can include:
- Exclusive events like season ticket holder parties or meet-and-greets with players and coaches
- Special gifts like apparel, concession/merchandise discounts, access to ticket presales, or signed memorabilia
- VIP parking passes to get premier parking spaces close to the stadium on game day
- Rewards programs where you can earn points towards ticket upgrades, fan experiences, and more
These special bonuses make being a season ticket holder feel like being part of an exclusive club.
Flexibility
Most teams offer season ticket holders flexible options for times they can’t attend games. Many have ticket exchanges that allow you to trade in tickets for a comparable game if you have a conflict. Some also have downloadable tickets you can easily transfer to friends or sell on secondary markets when needed.
Playoff Priority
If your team makes the playoffs, you’ll get priority access to buy your same seats before the general public. This ensures you won’t miss out on any of the most exciting games of the year.
Affordable Individual Game Cost
While the upfront cost of season tickets may seem high, when you break it down on a per-game basis, it’s usually significantly cheaper than buying individual tickets. You’re locking in the full season of games at once rather than paying potentially inflated single-game rates.
Potential Downsides
Despite the many perks, there are also a few downsides to consider before purchasing season tickets:
Large Upfront Cost
The number one issue is the large upfront cost. Season tickets require paying for the entire season of games at once, usually before the season begins. For premium seat locations, the total cost can easily be thousands of dollars, which is a significant financial commitment.
No Refunds if You Can’t Attend
If you can’t make a game, you simply lose the value of that ticket, unlike individual game purchases. While some teams offer exchanges, you still lose out if you have multiple conflicts. This can make season tickets risky if you may have fluctuating work commitments or travel plans over the course of the season.
No Control Over Schedule
Since game schedules aren’t finalized until well after season tickets go on sale, there’s no way to know what days your games will fall on. This uncertainty makes it hard to plan around games and increases the likelihood of conflicts coming up later.
Loss in Value if Team Performs Poorly
There’s always the possibility your team ends up having a terrible season. As a season ticket holder, you’re locked in regardless of results on the field, so there’s a financial loss in value if the team repeatedly loses and tickets would be easy to purchase below face value on the secondary market.
Fees and Requirements
Many teams have added charges like facility fees or required “personal seat licenses” on top of the base season ticket price that can significantly drive up costs. Others require season ticket holders to purchase preseason game tickets at full price even when the games are low demand.
Long-Term Commitment
Some organizations require season ticket holders to commit to multiple seasons at once. This is a big gamble on your future income and schedule flexibility over an extended window.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Deciding if season tickets are worth it comes down to weighing the unique benefits versus the significant cost and commitment. Here are some important factors to consider in your decision:
Your Budget
Can you comfortably handle the large upfront cost without taking on debt or dipping into emergency savings? Is the ongoing ticket cost aligned with your household budget?
Other Entertainment Spending
How much do you typically spend on entertainment like concerts, movies, or other sporting events? Are season tickets taking budget away from other hobbies you enjoy?
Your Schedule Flexibility
Does your work have consistent hours and limited travel? Or is there high likelihood of weekend events and shifting priorities? Retired individuals tend to have an easier time committing.
Alternative Options
Could you get cheaper tickets in the secondary market when you want to attend games? Are there mini ticket packages that satisfy your fandom?
Team Outlook
Does your team look primed for success this season? Or are they likely to struggle based on roster moves and past results? Spending power matters.
Long-Term Plans
Can you commit to multiple seasons? Or could a relocation or change in life stage alter your ability to attend games in the near future?
Your Level of Fandom
Are you a superfan who loves repping your team as much as possible? Or a casual fan who only attends a few games a year? Your passion impacts the value proposition.
Looking at these areas holistically will provide clarity on if season tickets are the right investment for your situation.
Tips for Maximizing Season Tickets
If you do decide season tickets offer a good value and fit for your lifestyle, here are some tips to get the most out of the experience:
- Split tickets with friends or family – Sharing a season ticket package with others can ease the financial burden and make attending more games realistic.
- Sell unwanted games – Recoup some costs by selling extra games you can’t use to other fans on secondary marketplaces.
- Take advantage of special perks – Don’t let exclusive season ticket holder experiences go to waste. Attend events and use discounts to maximize the benefits.
- Get the best package aligned to your goals – Opt for wider, mid-tier seats over lower bowl if view is more important than proximity for example.
- Plan the full season schedule – Block off all game dates right when the schedule is released to minimize later conflicts coming up.
The Bottom Line on Season Tickets
Here’s a quick summary of the key considerations around whether being a season ticket holder is worth it for your situation:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Guaranteed seats to every home game | Large upfront financial commitment |
Access to prime seat locations | No refunds for missed games |
Special perks and experiences | Lack of control over schedule |
Potentially big savings per game over single tickets | Possibility of losing value if team is bad |
Playoff priority access | Hidden fees that drive up total costs |
Opportunities to recoup costs reselling unused tickets | Long-term commitment required |
For die-hard fans with the financial means, season tickets can be an incredible experience and deepen your connection to your favorite team. But they aren’t right for everyone’s budget or lifestyle. Do your homework on all the costs, options, and commitments to make the best choice for you.
With smart planning, an understanding of the trade-offs, and commitment to attending as many games as possible, season tickets can be well worth the investment. Nothing beats the atmosphere and excitement of cheering on your team from the same seats game after game. Let’s play ball!