NFL playoff tickets are some of the most coveted tickets in all of sports. Getting to attend an NFL playoff game in person is an incredible experience for any football fan. However, purchasing NFL playoff tickets can be complicated, as demand drastically exceeds supply for the biggest games. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to buy tickets for NFL playoff games.
When do NFL playoff tickets go on sale?
The NFL announces the exact dates for when playoff tickets will go on sale each season. Typically, NFL playoff tickets go on sale 1-2 weeks before the start of the wildcard round in early January. The specific on-sale dates vary by stadium and team. Season ticket holders get the first opportunity to purchase playoff tickets, followed by waitlist members and fan club members. Any remaining tickets are then sold to the general public. Sign up for team email lists to get notifications for when playoff tickets will go on sale.
Where can you buy NFL playoff tickets?
There are several options for where to purchase official NFL playoff tickets:
- Directly from the NFL team website – Season ticket holders get first access, but any remaining tickets are sold through the team’s website.
- The NFL Ticket Exchange – The NFL’s official ticket resale marketplace.
- Authorized ticket resellers – Ticket reseller sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek will also have ticket inventory.
- NFL On Location – Provides official ticket packages with perks like pre-game parties.
Purchasing from unauthorized third party sellers comes with risks, so stick to the team site or authorized resellers when buying playoff tickets.
How much do NFL playoff tickets cost?
NFL playoff ticket prices vary greatly depending on the matchup and stage of the playoffs. Here are some approximate resale price ranges:
| Game | Average Ticket Price Range |
|---|---|
| Wild Card Round | $150 – $400 |
| Divisional Round | $250 – $600 |
| Conference Championship | $400 – $1,000+ |
| Super Bowl | $2,500 – $5,000+ |
Prices will be at the higher end for popular teams like the Cowboys, Patriots, Packers, and Steelers. Super Bowl tickets in particular demand astronomical prices, with costs averaging around $4,000-$5,000 just for upper deck seats.
When should you buy NFL playoff tickets?
Ideally, you should buy NFL playoff tickets as soon as they go on sale to the general public. Playoff games are in high demand, so tickets are unlikely to get cheaper. Buying early maximizes your seating options.
However, sometimes you can score deals on the secondary market closer to the event. Sellers may drop prices at the last minute if they are struggling to sell their excess inventory. This is risky though, as playoff games can also sell out completely.
Where are the best seats for NFL playoff games?
The lower bowl between the 30 yard lines provides the best overall experience for NFL games. You get a great view of game action and close proximity to the field. End zone seats are cheaper but can make it harder to see game details.
Upper deck midfield seats also offer strong vantage points at a more affordable price. Corner seats in the upper decks should be avoided if possible. Look for seats closer to the 50 yard line for the optimal perspective.
Are there any ways to get cheap NFL playoff tickets?
Here are some tips for finding deals on NFL playoff tickets:
- Be flexible – Consider traveling to road games or less in-demand matchups.
- Buy single tickets – Most buyers want pairs, so singles can sometimes be found cheaper.
- Buy at the last minute – Prices drop as sellers get desperate to unload tickets.
- Look for obstructed view seats – You can sometimes find heavily discounted tickets with partially obstructed views.
- Enter contests and giveaways – Teams/sponsors sometimes give playoff tickets away through promotions.
Just keep in mind that cheap NFL playoff tickets are very limited in number, so you’ll need persistence, flexibility, and some luck.
What NFL playoff games should you target?
The best values for NFL playoff tickets are often found for the following games:
- Early round home games for small market teams like the Jaguars, Bills, or Browns.
- Any game involving two small market/less popular teams.
- Late afternoon and evening games, which are colder and less convenient.
- Divisional round and conference championship road games in cold weather cities.
The most in-demand and expensive playoff tickets are for games like:
- Cowboys, Packers, or Steelers home games.
- Patriots home games, especially for Tom Brady’s return.
- Matchups between marquee teams like 49ers vs Cowboys.
- Dome teams like the Saints when they host cold weather road opponents.
- Super Bowl – Most coveted game of all.
Are NFL playoff tickets transferable?
NFL teams are cracking down on ticket fraud, so playoff tickets typically cannot be transferred or resold easily. Tickets will have the original purchaser’s name printed on them, and ID verification is required upon stadium entry. Teams also use mobile ticketing to prevent screenshots from being transferred.
Fans can sell playoff tickets safely through the NFL Ticket Exchange, as this is the league’s authorized resale marketplace. But selling outside the Ticket Exchange often involves risk of cancellation.
Can you get refunded for NFL playoff tickets?
NFL playoff tickets are generally non-refundable, since games are not postponed or canceled due to weather or other typical factors. However, some authorized resellers like Vivid Seats do offer buyer guarantees that provide refunds in certain situations where tickets become invalid and cannot be used.
Refunds directly from the NFL team are virtually unheard of. But in a unique circumstance like COVID-related schedule changes, teams may provide refunds or future credit on playoff tickets. Read all policies closely before purchasing tickets.
Conclusion
NFL playoff tickets give fans the opportunity to witness some of the most exciting and meaningful games in person. While playoff tickets are in extreme demand, fans can secure seats by purchasing early directly from teams/authorized resellers. With preparation and flexibility, fans can experience NFL playoffs live without overspending. Just beware of counterfeit sellets, study the ticket policies, and have realistic expectations when buying tickets to the hottest NFL games of the year.