Legendary rocker Bruce Springsteen recently announced a new tour for 2023, his first full tour since 2017. This has sparked intense interest among Springsteen fans who are eager to see “The Boss” back on stage. However, high ticket prices have caused some controversy among fans. This article will explore Springsteen’s 2023 ticket prices and provide context on what’s driving the cost.
What is the price range for Springsteen 2023 tour tickets?
According to various ticket resale sites, Springsteen ticket prices for the 2023 tour range from around $200 USD for nosebleed seats in larger stadiums to over $4000 USD for front row seats at most venues. The average ticket price tends to be between $500-$1000 USD depending on the city and venue.
Here are some examples of reported ticket prices:
City | Venue | Cheapest Ticket Price | Most Expensive Ticket Price |
---|---|---|---|
Chicago | United Center | $250 | $3500 |
New York City | Madison Square Garden | $300 | $4000 |
Washington DC | Capital One Arena | $275 | $2500 |
As you can see, prices vary widely depending on seat location but routinely run into the thousands for prime spots. However, entry-level seats are generally available for a few hundred dollars.
How do Springsteen’s 2023 tour prices compare to previous tours?
Springsteen’s 2023 ticket prices are significantly higher than on his previous tour in 2016-2017. For example, when that tour was announced in 2016, tickets initially sold for $65-$155 USD before dynamic pricing drove them higher. Adjusted for inflation, those prices would equate to about $80-$200 in today’s dollars.
So the current price range of $200-$4000+ is well above what Springsteen charged just 6-7 years ago. For instance, the cheapest nosebleed seats are over 2.5 times more than in 2016. And the most expensive front row tickets are going for over 10 times higher.
Why are Springsteen tickets so much more expensive now?
There are several factors driving up Springsteen ticket prices:
- Dynamic pricing – Prices fluctuate based on demand, so popular shows command higher prices.
- Limited number of shows – Springsteen is doing just over 30 shows, mostly in bigger cities, limiting supply.
- “Farewell tour” speculation – At age 73, this may be Springsteen’s last big tour, further elevating demand.
- Post-pandemic demand surge – Fans are desperate to see live shows again after 3 years off the road.
- Higher production costs – Band personnel, equipment, transportation costs have all gone up.
The combination of limited supply and intense demand, coupled with speculative factors like his age, are driving prices into rare territory. Springsteen tickets cost as much as major sports events now.
Are these prices affordable for the average Springsteen fan?
Probably not. Springsteen’s fanbase tends to be working class people without excessive amounts of disposable income. As he has famously sung, “driving in this raceway, you feel so clean at night but so empty in the morning light”. Paying thousands for concert tickets is likely out of reach for many regular fans.
Some media sources have noted the irony of blue-collar Bruce charging elite prices. However, supply and demand dictates pricing, so the market bears what it will bear. Still, many fans will inevitably get priced out of attending.
What options exist for fans who can’t afford the high ticket prices?
Here are a few options for budget-conscious Springsteen fans:
- Wait for general public onsale – Prices may drop slightly below pre-sale levels.
- Check for ticket releases closer to shows – Last minute tickets sometimes get released at lower prices.
- Look for seat deals on resale sites – Sort by “Lowest Price” and be flexible on location.
- Find last minute scalpers – Riskier but can yield great deals.
- Enter radio contests – Stations often give away tickets.
- Split costs with other fans – Share hotel rooms, transportation, etc.
Ultimately the cheapest tickets will likely still cost over $200. But with creativity and persistence, bargains can be found.
Springsteen Ticket Price Details by City
Let’s take a deeper look at projected Springsteen ticket prices for key cities on the tour:
New York City, NY
Springsteen is playing Madison Square Garden, with an approximate capacity of 20,000. As his hometown crowd, demand figures to be intense. Specific NYC price projections:
Section | Price Range |
---|---|
Floor Seats | $1500 – $4000 |
Lower Bowl | $800 – $1500 |
Upper Bowl | $300 – $800 |
At MSG, getting inside for under $300 will be extremely difficult, even for the rear sections. Expect NYC to be the most expensive stop on the tour.
Chicago, IL
The United Center holds about 23,000 people. As a major Midwest market, demand will still far exceed supply. Chicago price projections:
Section | Price Range |
---|---|
Floor Seats | $1000 – $3500 |
Lower Bowl | $500 – $1000 |
Upper Bowl | $250 – $500 |
Chicago offers a somewhat more affordable option than NYC, with upper deck seats potentially under $300. But excellent seats will still top $1000.
Seattle, WA
Playing the Climate Pledge Arena at 18,000 capacity, the Pacific Northwest delivers another solid option. Likely Seattle prices:
Section | Price Range |
---|---|
Floor Seats | $500 – $2000 |
Lower Bowl | $400 – $700 |
Upper Bowl | $200 – $400 |
Seattle boasts the lowest prices of the cities examined here. While not exactly cheap, upper decks under $300 and lower bowls under $500 are plausible.
How are these prices determined?
Pricing is based on:
- Venue size – Bigger means more supply, lower prices.
- Regional demand – Big cities command higher prices.
- Seat quality – Floor/lower bowl costs more than nosebleeds.
- Comparable artists’ pricing – artists like The Eagles and The Stones also have premium pricing.
By factoring in these elements, city-by-city pricing landscapes take shape. Supply, demand, and seat quality dictate price segmentation.
Conclusion
In summary, Bruce Springsteen 2023 tour tickets will be very expensive, with even upper deck seats costing a few hundred dollars in most cities. Premium front row and floor experiences will routinely top $1000-4000. Compared to his 2016-2017 tour, prices are significantly higher across the board.
The major factors driving up prices include: limited tour dates, speculative fan demand as his potential “last hurrah”, post-pandemic excitement, and the dynamic pricing tactics of modern ticketing. All of this creates a situation where supply drastically trails demand, resulting in sky-high prices.
Many working-class Springsteen fans will understandably find these tickets prohibitive. Some thrifty tactics like sales and contests provide glimmers of hope but availability will be sparse. Ultimately, the Boss in 2023 comes with elite pricing reflecting an aging legend’s enduringBox Office draw.