Should you buy season tickets for the NFL this year? (2024)

The Big Crunch

CNBC.com

NFL training camps began opening across the country last week, a sign that the football season is almost upon us.

Thinking about buying season tickets to your favorite team? The investment might only be worth it if you have the faith. Rams, Jaguars and Redskins fans, watch your wallets.

While most NFL teams choose to try to fill seats in advance (and possibly reward loyal fans) by offering discounts for package deals and season tickets, 10 teams overvalue season tickets on at least one tier, according to data from SeatGeek, an online ticket marketplace. So it's entirely possible that you could save money just by waiting and buying tickets on the secondary market.

"Buying season tickets is an investment in how you think your team is going to do that season," said Clint Cutchins, an analyst at SeatGeek. Buy season tickets if you're feeling bullish. "If you think you're in for a down year, it's probably better to hold off and buy tickets on the secondary market."

The figures are calculated by running average secondary-market ticket prices for all of a team's home games from last year and comparing to the 2015 season ticket price for that tier of seating. The four areas studied are lower level midfield and end zone; upper level midfield and end zone.

The best investment for football fans would be the lower level in midfield for the Dallas Cowboys. Fans could save $3,804 by buying season tickets for $3,400 rather than wait and pay $7,200 on the secondary market.

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The Seattle Seahawks—whose run at a second Super Bowl title last year was thwarted by Tom Brady's Patriots—had the most undervalued season tickets overall. Fans of the 'Hawks could save an average of $2,000 by buying in advance.

At the other end of the spectrum, a total of 10 teams sold season packages that would be bad investments, compared to the price you'd pay on the secondary market. The St. Louis Rams was the only team to overprice their season tickets at all four tiers, by an average of $160 overall. The Dolphins, Redskins and Vikings—all of whom finished their 2014 seasons in the bottom half of the league—overpriced their tickets at three tier levels.

Of course, a team with a winning record will bring fair-weather fans out of the woodwork (Seahawks' 12th man, anyone?), which will drive up the average price of tickets on the secondary market.

"We ended up finding that for the teams that did better last year looked like they had better deals on season tickets," Cutchins said.

Buy season tickets if your team's a contender this year. If your football faith is waning, it's probably best to sit tight and scoop up seats from disillusioned ticket holders when the team is 0-6.

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Of course, SeatGeek's figures don't take into account additional benefits that season ticket holders are sometimes afforded, such as parking discounts and meet-and-greets with players. Also, many NFL stadiums have long waiting lists for season tickets or require Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs) in order to purchase season tickets.

Should you buy season tickets for the NFL this year? (3)

Nick WellsData & Analytics Producer

Should you buy season tickets for the NFL this year? (4)

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Should you buy season tickets for the NFL this year? (2024)

FAQs

Should you buy season tickets for the NFL this year? ›

"Buying season tickets is an investment in how you think your team is going to do that season," said Clint Cutchins, an analyst at SeatGeek. Buy season tickets if you're feeling bullish. "If you think you're in for a down year, it's probably better to hold off and buy tickets on the secondary market."

Are NFL season tickets a good investment? ›

Generally, season tickets have good resale value, which means it's a potential investment when you own one and sell it after some time. Like other assets, season tickets can grow their value over time, and you can use them by owning one and selling it once its value increases.

Why buy NFL season tickets? ›

By purchasing a season ticket for their favorite team, fans guarantee access to all home games for the entire NFL season. However, many fans are unsure of how much these exclusive tickets cost and how to purchase them. Ultimately, the cost of these tickets will vary between NFL teams.

What is the point of season tickets? ›

Sports. In sports, such as association football or American football, a season ticket grants the holder access to all regular-season home games for one season without additional charges.

How does NFL season tickets work? ›

What does a season ticket holder get? A season ticket allows the holder access to all regular-season home games for one season without additional charges. The ticket price is usually offered at a discounted rate instead of purchasing a ticket for each of the home games for a season individually.

Why are season ticket sales declining? ›

MILWAUKEE -- Blame it on lingering effects of the pandemic, resentment over the lockout or economic fears. Major League Baseball is struggling to fill the stands at pre-covid levels as the sport heads into the last 2 1/2 months of its first season since 2019 without capacity restrictions.

What percentage of NFL tickets are season ticket holders? ›

At least that's the case in the NFL, where 85 percent of ticket sales are season packages, according to San Francisco 49ers Vice President of Sales and Services Jamie Brandt.

What NFL team sells the most season tickets? ›

That mantle belongs to America's favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. It's the sixth consecutive time the Cowboys have topped the list. Noteworthy, the second most in-demand team for the 2022 NFL season is Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

How much is an average NFL season ticket? ›

Depending on the location of the seat and the size of the market, NFL season tickets range in price from $300 to $4,500. Season tickets in less desirable seats typically cost between $300 and $1,000, depending on the team. Premium and luxury box season tickets range from $1,500 to $4,500.

Do season ticket holders get better seats? ›

Seats are made available to season ticket holders before they're offered to the general public. These seats are also often a better deal, with some marked down as much as 40%. Also, single ticket prices can increase for popular shows, so season tickets are an even better deal.

What is difference between season ticket and normal ticket? ›

Meaning of season ticket in English. a ticket that can be used many times within a limited period and is cheaper than paying separately for each use: I have a season ticket for all the home games.

Can NFL season ticket holders sell their tickets? ›

Yes. The NFL Ticket Network allows ticket holders the ability to resell their ticket(s) for all home games in their ticket package in addition to any potential Playoff game(s).

What NFL team has the longest waiting list for season tickets? ›

More than 99% of the Packers' 38,000 season ticket holders renew their seats every year, which results in about 70-100 new ticket buyers. The team has a waiting list of 140,000 for 81,441-seat Lambeau Field, which means a long time on the list. Cory Vogel of Green Bay was put on the list when he was 2.

How many games are in NFL season tickets? ›

How many games will be played during the 2023 NFL Season? There will be a total of 272 games played during the 2023 NFL regular season. The season kicks off on Thursday, September 7, and will feature 18 weeks of games. The regular season concludes with 16 division games in week 18.

Do season ticket holders get Super Bowl? ›

Season ticket holders do not automatically get access to Super Bowl tickets. However, some teams — such as the Eagles in 2018 — offered a lottery for those with season tickets.

Why are NFL tickets so expensive this year? ›

Ticket prices usually fluctuate throughout the NFL season as demand changes. The high ticket prices are an indication that people are still spending big on live entertainment and sports despite inflation being at a 40-year high.

Are tickets cheaper when they go on sale? ›

Specifically, plane tickets usually don't get cheaper closer to the departure date. Instead, flights tend to be the most inexpensive when you book between four months and three weeks before your departure date.

Do NFL ticket prices go down? ›

Typically, NFL tickets get cheaper closer to the date of the game. Buying tickets on the day of the game can save you up to 20%. A team's record, as well as their opponents, can strongly affect ticket prices. Game time temperature, on the other hand, has little influence on cost.

Do all NFL players get free tickets? ›

Each player is allotted 15 tickets for the game; however, to get those tickets, they have to pay $1,800 for each one -- and that $1,800 price even applies to 2-week-old babies. Babies can fly free on a plane, but when it comes to the Super Bowl, they have to pay full price.

Do NFL players make money from ticket sales? ›

Although an NFL team usually makes well over $1 million in ticket sales per game, the money is distributed between different groups. For example, some of the money is distributed to players, athletes, musicians, stadium administration, coaching staff, and taxes in addition to the team's profit.

Do NFL teams make money on tickets? ›

The owners make money locally via concession revenues, ticket sales and sponsorship deals. To pay for the high running costs of keeping a professional football team, greater earnings are necessary. For instance, the Green Bay Packers spent $410 million during the fiscal year 2021.

What is the cheapest NFL stadium to go to? ›

The cheapest NFL stadium belongs to Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers. Opened on Sept. 29, 1957, the initial construction cost for the “Frozen Tundra” was $960,000.

How many NFL teams have waiting lists for season tickets? ›

However, NFL season tickets are in such high demand that 24 of 32 NFL teams claim to have a waiting list for their season tickets.

What is the cheapest NFL team? ›

NFL teams on average are worth $4.14 billion, 18 percent more than last year, with the cheapest team the Cincinnati Bengals at $2.84 billion, a new valuation study from Sportico reports.

How much should you pay for NFL tickets? ›

The average ticket price for a National Football League (NFL) game has seen a steady increase in the last 15 years. During the 2022 season, a ticket for an NFL game would set a fan back an average of 111.75 U.S. dollars.

What is the best website to buy NFL tickets? ›

Ticketmaster is the best place to buy NFL tickets to see your favorite team play live. As the Official Ticket Marketplace of the NFL, Ticketmaster has the best seats to every game, so you never miss a minute of the action.

How much is a VIP ticket to a NFL game? ›

Super Bowl VIP Hospitality & Tailgate Party
VIP Hospitality & Tailgate PartiesPrice
Pre and post game VIP hospitality hosted by Pro Football Hall of Famers$1,575
Pre and post game Hall of Fame Experiences luxury hospitality$1,299
Pre game tailgate party with former professional athletes appearances.$600

Can you expense season tickets? ›

With the ratification of the 2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), aka the Trump Tax Plan, you can no longer deduct entertainment expenses. The ticket cost is no longer deductible if you like to entertain at sporting events or treat your clients to a Broadway show.

How to sell NFL tickets fast? ›

Your seats are in either of the end zones:

If you are closer to the corners, you can price your tickets slightly higher. After you identify the seats to compare against, we recommend pricing towards the lower end of the prices you see. That way, you can sell quickly before the market drops.

How to sell football tickets fast? ›

How to increase event ticket sales
  1. Sell tickets on mobile. ...
  2. Create scarcity. ...
  3. Start a referral program. ...
  4. Use email drip campaigns. ...
  5. Share on social media seven simple ways. ...
  6. Feature video content. ...
  7. Showcase great speakers. ...
  8. Share testimonials from last year's event.

Can you sit in first class with a season ticket? ›

The first class season ticket holders are, however, allowed to travel in first class coaches during day time only, subject to the distance restrictions applicable on the concerned train.

Do seat upgrades get cheaper? ›

Ask at check-in. Airlines may sell upgrades at a discount when you check-in, either online or at the airport. The closer to the flight departing, the less likely the airline is to sell a cash fare in the upgraded cabin. Thus, they may be open to the idea of offering it to an existing passenger for a discounted price.

How can I get better seats without paying extra? ›

Here are some guidelines:
  1. Avoid the middle seat. The best seats are the window or aisle seats toward the front of the plane. ...
  2. Sit over the wing. Sitting over the wing may help you feel less turbulence.
  3. Choose emergency exit rows. ...
  4. Take a seat in the first row.

Who are season ticket holders? ›

Season ticket holders are individuals who have purchased tickets for an entire season of games or events in advance, and they are often considered to be among a team's most loyal and committed fans.

Why are ticket prices different on Ticketmaster? ›

Why is the price on my ticket different from what I paid? Most tickets display the price you paid, but the tickets being resold by third-party sellers or other fans may state the original price.

Are season tickets an asset or liability? ›

Season tickets are an asset with strings attached.

What happens to unsold NFL tickets? ›

Your tickets will remain available for purchase until the event's resale deadline expires, which varies by event. Any tickets that have not sold will be placed back into your account for your use. Unsold tickets aren't eligible for refunds, but you can still use the ticket(s) by removing the listing.

Can someone else use my football season ticket? ›

If I choose to purchase my Season Ticket but cannot attend a game, can someone else use my ticket? Yes, there are two options available to you: Return your seat for re-sale via the Ticket Exchange. Use Ticket Forwarding to forward your ticket to one of your registered Friends & Family.

Can you get a refund on NFL season tickets? ›

You will not be able to obtain a refund or exchange after a ticket has been purchased, unless required by law or otherwise permitted by NFL. The Advanced Services may permit you to forward your season tickets to another person.

Who has the easiest season in the NFL? ›

NFL teams with the easiest schedules in 2023:
  • New Orleans Saints.
  • Atlanta Falcons.
  • Indianapolis Colts.
  • Carolina Panthers.
  • San Francisco 49ers.
May 18, 2023

What NFL stadium sells out the most? ›

It's all Green Bay, all the time. Lambeau Field has been sold out in every game since 1960: win or lose. That's almost 300 consecutive sellouts.

Do you have to pay PSL every year? ›

You must purchase season tickets each year to continue the benefits of owning a PSL. If you do not pay for season tickets, your account will be defaulted and you will be at risk for losing your seats.

What does a season ticket entitle you to? ›

A football season ticket is a ticket which is purchased to enable a supporter to attend the home matches of a particular club throughout the entire season.

Do season ticket holders get Madden for free? ›

Madden. Season Ticket Members will receive a free download of Madden 23 from EA Sports.

How much is the cheapest seat at the Super Bowl? ›

How much did Super Bowl tickets cost in 2022? Multiple reports indicate the lowest "on location" price for the 2022 Super Bowl in Los Angeles started at $5,823. The cheapest Super Bowl tickets from SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, StubHub and the NFL Exchange averaged out to $4,366.

How many free tickets does each player get for the Super Bowl? ›

Each Eagles and Chiefs player and coach is given two free tickets to the game, and 13 more are made available for purchase at face value, which, of course, will depend on just how good they want those seats to be: Upper-deck seats are less expensive than lower bowl seats on the 50-yard line, of course.

How much do NFL season tickets cost on average? ›

Depending on the location of the seat and the size of the market, NFL season tickets range in price from $300 to $4,500. Season tickets in less desirable seats typically cost between $300 and $1,000, depending on the team. Premium and luxury box season tickets range from $1,500 to $4,500.

Which NFL team has the most season ticket holders? ›

That mantle belongs to America's favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. It's the sixth consecutive time the Cowboys have topped the list. Noteworthy, the second most in-demand team for the 2022 NFL season is Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

What is the cheapest NFL team to buy? ›

NFL teams on average are worth $4.14 billion, 18 percent more than last year, with the cheapest team the Cincinnati Bengals at $2.84 billion, a new valuation study from Sportico reports.

What is the difference between PSL and season tickets? ›

A personal seat license, or PSL, is a paid license that entitles the holder to the right to buy season tickets for a certain seat in a stadium. This holder can sell the seat license to someone else if they no longer wish to purchase season tickets.

What team has the most expensive NFL PSL? ›

Fans in Las Vegas paid anywhere from $500 to $75,000 for the license. The Los Angeles Rams moved into SoFi Stadium in 2020, sharing the $5 billion facility with the L.A. Chargers. The Rams charge up to $100,000 for licenses. The NFL's most expensive PSL is $150,000 in the Dallas Cowboys' stadium in Texas.

Do PSL teams make profit? ›

In the 2022 edition, which was held entirely in Pakistan, PCB chairman Ramiz Raja reported a 71 percent increase in the PSL's profit; each franchise received Rs. 900 million (US$3.1 million) in revenue before the season had started.

Who is the most generous NFL fan? ›

The Bengals have the most charitable fanbase in the NFL, according to research from BonusFinder.com. According to their survey of 1,000 football fans, researchers found that Bengals fans donate an average of $361 to charity every year — $80 more than the national average.

Who are the most loyal NFL fans? ›

NFL fans are some of the most devoted sports fans. Over 17 million people tune in to the games each year. The most passionate fans of all the NFL franchises are: New England Patriots: 11.17 % more passionate.

What is the least popular team in the NFL? ›

Houston - The Houston Texans are the least popular team in the NFL, according to a recent study.

Is it better to buy NFL tickets early or late? ›

Typically, NFL tickets get cheaper closer to the date of the game. Buying tickets on the day of the game can save you up to 20%. A team's record, as well as their opponents, can strongly affect ticket prices. Game time temperature, on the other hand, has little influence on cost.

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