College football is a hugely popular sport in the United States, with millions of fans attending games each season. As game day approaches, ticket prices can fluctuate based on factors like team records, matchup hype, and remaining inventory. But do ticket prices consistently drop as kickoff draws nearer? Here’s a detailed look at whether college football tickets tend to get cheaper closer to game time.
Summary
In general, college football ticket prices tend to decline as game day approaches, but the exact price movement depends on many factors:
- Ticket prices for marquee matchups and rivalry games often start high and remain steady or even increase up to kickoff.
- Tickets for games with less demand can see more dramatic price drops in the last few days and hours before kickoff.
- Losing team records drive down prices over the season while winning teams see prices rise.
- Weeknight and late-season games tend to have lower starting prices and smaller price changes.
- Student ticket allotments, restrictions, and pricing differ from the main ticket market.
Savvy fans can capitalize on last-minute deals in certain situations, but prices for the biggest games hold steady or even rise into game day.
When do college football tickets go on sale?
College football teams typically release their initial ticket inventory to the public 5-6 months before the season starts. Season ticket holders get the first opportunity to purchase or renew tickets, followed by promotional presales for alumni and boosters. Here are some general guidelines for when regular single-game tickets go on sale:
- December-February: Tickets for early season non-conference games go on sale.
- March-May: Full season schedule goes on sale after all game dates/times finalized.
- June-August: Individual game tickets for high-profile games may be released sporadically closer to game day.
Popular rivalry games and homecoming tickets often sell out quickly, while less in-demand games may see tickets remain available up until game week.
When are college football tickets cheapest?
For the biggest games, tickets are typically most affordable when they first go on sale to the general public. Less meaningful games will see prices drop into the summer months and again just days before kickoff. Here are the cheapest times to buy college football tickets:
- On initial release (Dec-May): Earliest opportunity for deals on premium games.
- Summer months (June-Aug): Prices dip during slower sales period.
- 1-2 weeks before game: Large price drops on low-demand games.
- 48 hours before kickoff: Last-minute deals as sellers scramble to unload tickets.
Of course, the earlier you can buy, the more selection you’ll have in terms of seat location. Waiting until the last minute risks having only singles and obstructed view seats available.
When are college football tickets most expensive?
For big games, prices typically peak in the few days leading up to kickoff, after inventory sells out. Lesser games may see a small bump a few weeks before kickoff as casual fans start searching for tickets. Here are the priciest times to buy college football tickets:
- Just before season (Aug-Sept): Hype builds and supply tightens for major matchups.
- 1-2 weeks pre-game: Casual fans start looking, temporarily increasing demand.
- 3-5 days before kickoff: Marquee game prices hit season highs.
Games between top 25 ranked teams, bitter rivals, or critical late-season conference matchups are most likely to see peak prices right before kickoff. But for games with low expectations, prices remain stable or even drop going into game week.
When should I buy college football tickets?
The optimal time to buy college football tickets depends primarily on the team’s schedule and prominence. Use these general guidelines:
| Game Importance | Best Time to Buy |
|---|---|
| Major matchups/rivals | On initial release months before game |
| Weeknight/non-conference games | 1-4 weeks before game |
| Struggling team matchups | 48 hours before kickoff |
For the biggest games, buy early to secure tickets and avoid peak prices. Smaller games will see prices drop into game week, yielding deals for patient fans.
How team performance affects ticket prices
A team’s win/loss record drastically impacts ticket prices on the secondary market as the season progresses. Some key effects:
- Winning teams see ticket prices rise, especially for late-season conference matchups.
- Losing teams have tickets steadily drop in price as fan enthusiasm wanes.
- An upcoming opponent’s reputation impacts prices e.g. playing a top 25 team late in season.
- Early season expectations can be slow to adjust based on a team’s surprise winning or losing streak.
Routinely contending teams like Ohio State and Oklahoma see less fluctuation, while middling programs are more vulnerable to changing ticket demand based on team performance. An upset win or embarrassing loss often triggers an immediate ticket price reaction.
How close to kickoff do ticket prices drop?
For marquee games, don’t expect significant price drops in the last few days. But lesser matchups can see steep declines as game day nears:
- 2+ weeks out: Major matchups stable, smaller games begin gradual decline.
- 1 week out: Big game prices firm, smaller games drop 10-20%.
- 2-3 days before: Major game tickets unchanged, smaller games see sharp drops.
- 12-24 hours before: Last-minute fire sales on undesirable seats for poor matchups.
The best deals come hours before kickoff for games with low demand. But waiting until the last minute risks limited seat selection and lack of groups seated together.
How do student ticket prices compare?
College students can purchase discounted season ticket packages from their school, typically under $200 for the whole season. Individual student ticket policies vary by school, but some approaches include:
- Lottery/Limited Distribution: Students request tickets and receive based on availability.
- First-come, first-served: Tickets distributed on game week to the first students in line.
- Prepurchase: Option to buy student section seats in advance like regular tickets.
Prices almost always under $50 per game. Distribution policies aim to discourage students reselling their tickets at a profit on secondary sites.
Tips for finding college football ticket deals
Here are some top tips for scoring affordable tickets to college football games:
- Buy group packages or season tickets – bulk discounts can provide 10-20% savings versus individual tickets.
- Join fan clubs – schools offer presales and exclusive deals to compliant boosters and alumni.
- Buy upper deck or end zone seats – avoid premium midfield/sideline seating sections.
- Look for promotions – check team and retailer sites for special deals around holidays or events.
- Wait until the last minute – prices fall rapidly for low-demand games 48 hours before kickoff.
With the right timing and creative searching, fans can find deals even in the expensive college football ticket market.
Factors impacting college football ticket prices
Many different factors influence fluctuating ticket prices for college football games:
| Factor | Effect on Ticket Prices |
|---|---|
| National ranking of team(s) | Ranked teams see higher prices |
| Conference standings | Late-season division games see prices rise |
| Overall team performance | Winning teams have higher prices |
| Game matchup and rivalry | Major opponents drive up prices |
| Game day and time | Weeknight/noon games cheaper than primetime |
| Weather forecast | Good weather increases demand |
| Remaining ticket inventory | Low inventory raises prices |
Big matchups, winning teams, nice weather, and tight inventory are all factors pushing prices higher, especially in the days right before kickoff.
How much above face value do brokers charge?
Ticket brokers reselling seats on secondary markets typically ask between 10-50% above face value depending on the game. Markups for the hottest tickets can exceed 100%. Here are some example broker premiums:
- 10-25%: Unranked teams, poor weather, weeknight games
- 25-50%: Marquee matchup, rivalry game, homecoming
- 50%+: Conference or national championship implications
Brokers also leverage special situations like a championship run or breakout player emergence to justify spiking prices. Face value is just the starting point for pricing on secondary sites.
Which colleges have the most expensive tickets?
The most in-demand college football tickets year after year come from perennial powerhouses with national prominence. Here are the colleges boasting the highest average ticket prices on secondary markets:
| School | Average Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Ohio State | $275 |
| Alabama | $265 |
| Oklahoma | $210 |
| Michigan | $200 |
| Texas A&M | $195 |
| Penn State | $185 |
Consistent championship contenders with massive fan bases easily drive the highest ticket demand. But even lower-profile programs see their biggest games approach $100 average tickets.
Which are cheapest college games to attend?
Smaller programs with limited success typically have the most affordable tickets available. Based on average prices, here are the cheapest college teams to watch:
| School | Average Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Kansas | $35 |
| Oregon State | $40 |
| Iowa State | $45 |
| Duke | $50 |
| Mississippi State | $55 |
| Illinois | $60 |
Perennial bottom dwellers in major conferences with small fan bases have tickets widely available under $50. But even these schools will have 1-2 marquee games each year that spike prices.
How to get college football tickets below face value
Scoring tickets for less than face value generally requires luck and perfect timing. Some of the best ways include:
- Buying at the last second – prices can drop below face value within hours of kickoff.
- Checkout promo codes – some ticket sites offer discounts off final order prices.
- Buying bundled deals – packages with hotels and travel can feature ticket subsidies.
- Student discounts – student section seats are always below public face value prices.
Long shot options include waiting outside the stadium before kickoff looking for free tickets and checking team/sponsor giveaways on social media.
2021 trends: Rising prices from 2020 lows
After the COVID-19 pandemic kept stadiums empty and restricted ticket availability in 2020, secondary market prices rebounded sharply in 2021. Average resale prices jumped 27% compared to 2019 levels according to TicketIQ data.
The Alabama-LSU game saw the highest average resale price last year at $626 per ticket. Even games with low demand approached $20 per ticket after bottoming out under $10 in 2020.
With packed stadiums returning in 2022, ticket prices are continuing to normalize at pre-pandemic levels. Fans are clearly eager to get back in seats and watch live football even at elevated prices.
How conferences and teams are adjusting single-game pricing
In response to changing fan demand during and post-pandemic, many teams and conferences have adapted their single-game pricing strategies:
- More stratified pricing tiers based on opponent and seat location.
- Charging loyalty fees for the most in-demand games.
- Dynamic pricing that adjusts with daily market rates.
- Lower prices on advance sales to incentivize early commitments.
This increased flexibility aims to maximize revenue from fans willing to pay more for the best matchups while still keeping cheaper games accessible.
Best pricing tips for 2022 season
For fans looking to attend games in the 2022 season, some top pricing trends and tips include:
- Buying early for top matchups to avoid sellouts and spikes.
- Midweek and noon games for lower prices with season ongoing.
- Monitoring team performance to find declining prices.
- Focus on home games for struggling teams near end of season.
- Consider package deals with hotels, travel, and other perks.
With stadium capacity fully back, the advice remains buying soon for major games and waiting until last minute for others. Home games for underperforming teams offer best late-season value.
Conclusion
College football ticket prices are always fluctuating based on team performance, schedule, and fan demand factors. While marquee games require buying months in advance, lesser matchups offer opportunities for big savings by waiting until the last moment. Strategic timing is the key to securing the best ticket deals.
Patient and flexible fans can find bargains even in a competitive resale market. Following team results and sale patterns makes getting affordable tickets possible.
