The Peach Bowl is one of the major college football bowl games played annually in Atlanta, Georgia. It features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and at-large bids. With its long history dating back to 1968 and prominent ACC tie-in, the Peach Bowl is one of the most popular bowl games each year. Fans are often wondering as the game approaches if tickets are still available or if it is sold out. There are a few key factors that determine whether the Peach Bowl sells out each year.
Demand from Conference Tie-Ins
As part of the College Football Playoff, the Peach Bowl gets a guaranteed spot for an ACC team and an at-large team. If the ACC has a highly ranked team that year, especially one in College Football Playoff contention, demand from their fans will be very high. For example, in 2020 with #2 Clemson facing #3 Ohio State, the game was a complete sellout. ACC fans travel well to support their teams in big games. The identity of the at-large team also impacts demand. If it is a major program with a national following like Ohio State, Georgia, LSU, etc. their fans will also drive ticket sales.
Matchup and Teams’ Records
The specific matchup and quality of the teams playing in the game influences demand. If both participants come into the game ranked in the Top 10-15 and have 9+ win seasons, it indicates a matchup of two conference champions or playoff contenders. That creates more interest and demand than if the teams have 3 losses or are ranked much lower. Often times one team comes in highly ranked while the other is an underdog, which also sparks interest. Compelling matchups between high-profile teams tend to sell out the Peach Bowl.
Conference and National Perception
The national perception of the ACC and the at-large conference in a given year impacts ticket sales. If the ACC is having a down year and the at-large team comes from a weaker or less popular conference, demand may be lower. Conversely, if the ACC and the other league are seen as two of the best that season, there will be more excitement around the game. Recent years where the ACC champion faced an elite Big Ten, SEC, or Big 12 team have sold very well.
Historical Ticket Sales and Prices
Looking at historical ticket sales and prices for the Peach Bowl can provide insight into trends and whether sellouts are common.
Ticket Sales Figures
Year | Matchup | Attendance | Stadium Capacity | Sellout? |
---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | #11 Penn State vs #8 Utah | 65,118 | 75,000 | No |
2021 | #9 Georgia vs #8 Cincinnati | 66,449 | 75,000 | No |
2020 | #2 Clemson vs #3 Ohio State | 75,000 | 75,000 | Yes |
2019 | #1 LSU vs #4 Oklahoma | 78,347 | 75,000 | Yes |
2018 | #7 Michigan vs #10 Florida | 74,006 | 75,000 | No |
2017 | #12 Washington vs #9 Penn State | 77,612 | 75,000 | Yes |
The Peach Bowl has sold out 4 of the last 6 years. Demand was highest when a highly ranked ACC team faced another Top 10 opponent from a major conference. Top-tier matchups between championship contenders ensure sellouts.
Ticket Price Trends
Year | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
2022 | $89 |
2021 | $118 |
2020 | $463 |
2019 | $242 |
2018 | $135 |
2017 | $123 |
Prices have ranged from $89 to $463 over the past 5 years, with an average around $150. The 2020 Clemson-Ohio State playoff matchup reached a staggering $463 average on the secondary market. This shows how prices spike when two title contenders meet.
When Do Tickets Go On Sale?
Peach Bowl tickets are available through a few different avenues. First, the two competing universities receive an allotment of tickets to distribute to their season ticket holders and donors. The two school allotments usually sell out quickly.
The Peach Bowl’s organizing committee also holds its own ticket lottery and sales. Typically these are available 1-2 months prior to the game for the general public. Limited ticket packages and travel packages are sold even earlier, generally in October soon after the matchup is announced. These also tend to sell out very quickly, within days or weeks.
Single game tickets through the organizers go on sale to the general public in early December. But with team allotments and early packages gone, supply is limited at this point. Those hoping to get tickets are best served buying during the presales or on secondary markets.
Factors That Could Lead To A Sellout in 2023
As of October 2023, the Peach Bowl matchup is not yet determined. But there are several factors that could contribute to a sellout:
- A highly ranked ACC team, especially in playoff contention
- A compelling matchup between two Top 15 teams
- Fans traveling well if it is an SEC or Big Ten at-large bid
- Meeting or exceeding the 2022 attendance of 65,118
- Limited regular ticket availability due to team allotments
If the ACC sends a 9+ win team ranked in the Top 10, and they face another conference champion or playoff caliber team, demand will exceed supply. Those factors would make a sellout very likely.
Even if it falls just short of a sellout, 2023 ticket prices could approach record highs on the secondary market with a great matchup. The 2020 semifinal prices likely won’t be reached, but average costs above $200 would not be surprising.
Best Ways To Get Tickets
Here are some tips for finding Peach Bowl tickets if you want to attend the game:
- Get tickets through one of the universities if eligible. Season ticket holders and donors often get priority.
- Sign up for ticket packages and travel packages during presales in October.
- Check the Peach Bowl’s website frequently leading up to sales.
- Join fan forums and mailing lists for alerts on presales.
- Use secondary ticket sites like StubHub, VividSeats, SeatGeek.
- Leverage social media connections and networks to find available tickets.
- Be flexible on seating options if money is no concern.
- Prepare to pay a premium for high demand games.
Acting quickly is key as allotments and sales often sell out in minutes or hours. Having flexibility on seating and budget helps increase chances.
Conclusion
The Peach Bowl has a strong history of sellouts and demand exceeding supply in recent years, especially when it hosts playoff-caliber matchups. If the ACC sends a highly ranked contender and they face another Top 10 team in 2023, tickets will be very hard to come by. Preparation, timing, flexibility and budget are key to finding seats. While not sold out yet, the Peach Bowl is likely headed for another packed house if compelling teams collide this season.