Attending an NFL game is an exciting experience for any football fan. From the roar of the crowd to the intense action on the field, seeing your favorite team play in person is a thrill. However, NFL games also tend to be in high demand and expensive. Knowing the best time to purchase tickets can help you get seats to the games you want at a reasonable price.
How Much Do NFL Tickets Cost?
NFL ticket prices vary significantly based on the team, seat location, and demand for a given game. On average, however, NFL ticket prices tend to range from:
- Lower bowl sideline seats: $150 – $300
- Upper bowl end zone seats: $50 – $150
- Single game premium seats: $350+
- Club seats with premium amenities: $200 – $500
Games against division rivals or popular teams like the Cowboys, Packers, and Steelers usually command higher prices. Marquee matchups like playoff games or the Super Bowl can cost thousands per ticket.
When Do Single Game Tickets Go On Sale?
The NFL schedule is announced in April or May, but single game tickets rarely go on sale to the general public immediately. Here are the typical on-sale dates:
- Season ticket holder presales: May or June
- Group and hospitality sales: July
- Public ticket sales: July or August
Some teams sell single game tickets as early as June, while others wait until August or even early September. Popular games may have very limited public ticket availability.
When Are Tickets Cheapest?
In general, the earlier you purchase NFL tickets, the better price you can get. Here are some tips on finding deals:
- Buy during presales for season ticket holders – Season ticket holders often receive access to presales offering discounted seats before the general public.
- Purchase before schedules are released – Teams will sometimes offer discounted seats months before single game tickets go on sale when the schedule is unknown.
- Buy upper deck or end zone seats – The cheapest seats are typically in the 300/400 sections in the upper decks or high rows of the end zones.
- Avoid primetime and rivalry games – Games against division opponents or with playoff implications usually have the highest demand.
When Are Tickets Most Expensive?
Conversely, waiting too long to buy NFL tickets means you will pay more. Here are situations when prices are highest:
- Hours or days leading up to kickoff – Last minute purchases often come with a hefty premium.
- Primetime games – Tickets for Sunday, Monday, or Thursday night games often come at a higher cost.
- Playoff games – Postseason matchups normally have the highest prices of the year.
- Bandwagon effect – Prices for teams on win streaks or with playoff buzz tend to increase over the course of a season.
Savvy buyers avoid these scenarios and purchase tickets well in advance to maximize savings.
Where To Buy NFL Tickets
There are several options for purchasing NFL tickets:
- Team’s official website – The safest but not always cheapest option.
- Ticket resellers – Sites like StubHub offer resale marketplace tickets.
- Ticket brokers – Large ticket agencies sell NFL tickets in bulk.
- Season ticket holders – Connect with STHs selling some of their games.
Review seller ratings, policies, and fees closely when evaluating secondary market ticket purchases. Beware of scams.
Tips for Getting the Best NFL Ticket Deals
Here are some extra pointers to keep in mind to score deals on NFL tickets:
- Be flexible on dates – Attending a Thursday night or Monday night game instead of Sunday can save money.
- Buy upper deck seats – The highest rows on the sidelines offer the best value views.
- Browse individual sellers – Search fan forums or Craigslist for STHs unloading tickets.
- Join fan clubs – Many NFL teams offer presale access or deals for official fan club members.
- Ask about student and military discounts – Some teams provide discounted seats for students and military members.
When are NFL Blackout Games?
NFL blackout rules prohibit local broadcasts of games when tickets aren’t sold out. However, blackouts are extremely rare today. The NFL has eased blackout restrictions and teams are excellent at selling out stadiums and obtaining extensions from the league. No regular season games have been blacked out since 2015.
Buying NFL Playoff and Super Bowl Tickets
Playoff tickets go on sale to the public shortly after clinching a spot. Usually teams hold presales first. Expect to pay a premium compared to regular season games. Super Bowl tickets are exclusively sold via lottery to eligible buyers only. The average Super Bowl ticket price exceeds $5,000 on secondary markets.
The Best Time of Year to Buy NFL Tickets
The very best time to buy NFL tickets is during the presale held for season ticket holders in May or June. This offers first access to seats before the general public on-sale later in the summer. Prices also tend to be lowest during this early presale period.
Is it Better to Buy NFL Tickets Online or In-Person?
Thanks to secure digital ticketing, it is usually best to buy NFL tickets online. Purchasing online provides access to the widest selection of seats at the lowest prices. Buying in-person at the box office may come with longer waits and fewer options. However, some fans still prefer the experience of buying tickets at the stadium.
Do NFL Ticket Prices Go Down Closer to Gameday?
In most cases, NFL ticket prices will be highest in the days leading up to kickoff and lowest months before the game. The exception is a game with low demand, where prices could drop briefly right before kickoff. But waiting until the last minute is risky and often results in paying more than buying early.
Is it Cheaper to Buy Single NFL Tickets or the Whole Season?
Season tickets offer big savings compared to buying single game seats. A season ticket package can reduce the per game cost by 25-50% for a similar seat location. However, season tickets require a large upfront investment that is nonrefundable. Single game tickets offer more flexibility but at a higher per game rate.
How Far In Advance Should You Buy NFL Playoff Tickets?
Playoff tickets should ideally be purchased as soon as they go on sale to the public. Usually this occurs within 1-2 days of clinching a playoff berth. Playoff demand and prices skyrocket the longer you wait. Savvy fans looking for deals buy tickets weeks in advance before matchups are even set.
Can You Get NFL Tickets on Gameday?
While not recommended, it is sometimes possible to get NFL tickets on gameday. Your options include:
- Ticket resale sites – Last minute digital tickets are often available but at inflated prices.
- Scalpers – Buying from ticket scalpers outside the stadium is risky.
- Box office – A limited number of ticket releases and unsold premium seats may be on sale.
- Giveaways – Radio stations and sponsors sometimes do gameday ticket giveaways.
Arriving early and being flexible on seat location is key to scoring gameday tickets.
Are NFL Preseason Tickets Cheaper?
Ticket Type | Average Price |
---|---|
Preseason | $75 |
Regular Season | $150 |
Yes, NFL preseason tickets tend to cost 50% less on average compared to regular season games. With starters playing very limited snaps, demand for preseason games is far lower which drives down prices.
Conclusion
Finding an optimal NFL ticket deal requires planning and being proactive. The earliest on-sales for season ticket holders typically have the most affordable pricing. Avoiding high-demand rivalries and playoff games can also save money. With a flexible schedule and wise timing of purchase, fans can secure great NFL tickets without overpaying.