NFL season tickets can vary greatly in price depending on the team, seat location, and number of games included. Prices typically range from a few hundred dollars for upper deck or endzone seats to over $20,000 for lower-level 50-yard line seats. Teams with high demand and long waiting lists like the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers tend to have the most expensive tickets.
Average NFL Season Ticket Prices by Team
Here is a look at the average season ticket prices for each NFL team:
Team | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
Dallas Cowboys | $150 |
New England Patriots | $125 |
Green Bay Packers | $118 |
Pittsburgh Steelers | $108 |
Chicago Bears | $106 |
New York Giants | $104 |
Baltimore Ravens | $88 |
Philadelphia Eagles | $86 |
Minnesota Vikings | $85 |
Washington Commanders | $84 |
Cleveland Browns | $83 |
Denver Broncos | $82 |
Seattle Seahawks | $81 |
Kansas City Chiefs | $80 |
Tennessee Titans | $78 |
San Francisco 49ers | $77 |
New York Jets | $76 |
Houston Texans | $74 |
Carolina Panthers | $71 |
New Orleans Saints | $70 |
Indianapolis Colts | $69 |
Los Angeles Chargers | $67 |
Atlanta Falcons | $66 |
Cincinnati Bengals | $65 |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | $64 |
Jacksonville Jaguars | $63 |
Buffalo Bills | $62 |
Arizona Cardinals | $59 |
Detroit Lions | $57 |
Miami Dolphins | $56 |
Las Vegas Raiders | $54 |
Los Angeles Rams | $53 |
As you can see, the Cowboys have the highest average season ticket price at $150 while the Rams have the lowest average at $53. In general, popular big market teams like the Cowboys, Patriots, Giants, and Bears command the highest prices. Less popular teams in smaller markets like the Jaguars, Lions, and Raiders have lower average prices.
Most Expensive NFL Tickets
While those numbers reflect full season ticket packages, individual game tickets can go much higher, especially for premium or resale seats. Here are some of the most expensive NFL tickets based on the 2022 schedule:
- Dallas Cowboys home opener vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Up to $35,000 for 50-yard line seats
- New England Patriots home opener vs. Miami Dolphins – Up to $25,000 for 50-yard line seats
- Las Vegas Raiders home opener vs. Arizona Cardinals – Up to $20,000 for Allegiant Stadium club seats
- Buffalo Bills home opener vs. Tennessee Titans – Up to $17,000 for lower level mid-field seats
- Pittsburgh Steelers home opener vs. New England Patriots – Up to $15,000 for Heinz Field premium seats
The Cowboys kicks off the season in primetime against Tom Brady and the Bucs, driving huge demand. Similarly, the Raiders’ first game in their new Las Vegas stadium and a Bills-Titans playoff rematch contribute to sky-high prices. Premium matchups in historical venues like Green Bay’s Lambeau Field and Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium also routinely sell individual tickets for thousands per seat.
Least Expensive NFL Tickets
While the upper echelon of teams charge premium rates, many clubs offer affordable options to make games accessible. Here are some of the cheapest NFL tickets heading into 2022 based on average resale prices:
- Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts – $47
- Atlanta Falcons vs. Chicago Bears – $62
- Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints – $63
- Detroit Lions vs. Washington Commanders – $64
- Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Denver Broncos – $69
Downtrodden teams like the Texans, Lions, and Falcons have depressed demand, keeping prices low for home games. Unfamiliar opponents also reduce interest and affordability. Of course, even cheap NFL tickets still represent a significant investment for many fans relative to other pro sports.
Factors That Determine NFL Season Ticket Prices
Many elements factor into NFL season ticket costs including:
Team Performance and Popularity
Winning teams and large fanbases drive up prices. Perennial contenders like the Patriots and Packers have long waiting lists and can charge premium rates. Smaller markets have a harder time filling seats without competitive teams. A recent Super Bowl appearance or MVP quarterback also raises prices.
Opposing Team’s Appeal
Fans pay more to see marquee franchises and players like the Cowboys, Steelers, Chiefs, and Tom Brady. Rivalry and divisional games also command higher prices for the increased excitement. Less appealing teams like the Texans or Lions reduce prices when visiting.
Stadium Location and Seat Quality
Lower level midfield seats typically cost the most while upper corners and endzones are most affordable. Newer or recently renovated stadiums also permit teams to charge more. Stadium club access, premium concessions, and proximity to players/field further inflate costs.
Media Market Size
Large markets like New York, Chicago, and Boston have more revenue potential. A limited fanbase in smaller cities like Buffalo, Jacksonville, and Green Bay limits pricing power and increases affordability.
Ticket Availability and Waiting Lists
Low ticket supply and excess demand leads to higher prices. The enormous waiting lists for the Packers and Cowboys let them charge almost anything. Teams struggling to sell tickets often discount pricing.
Average Local Income Levels
Wealthy regions can support higher prices while lower-income cities face affordability challenges. Corporate interest also varies greatly between major business hubs and smaller markets.
Advertising and Sponsorship Deals
Lucrative corporate partnerships in cities like New York, Chicago, and Dallas provide more potential revenue to offset season ticket costs. Small markets again have less flexibility and lower sponsorship income.
Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs)
Many NFL teams now require personal seat licenses – essentially an upfront fee for the right to buy season tickets – that can add thousands in upfront costs. The Dallas Cowboys sell their PSLs for up to $150,000 just for the opportunity to buy tickets. This guaranteed income allows teams to charge less for the actual season seats.
Secondary Market Demand
NFL owners hate to admit it, but secondary resale prices often influence their own pricing decisions. If fans are willing to pay well above face value on stubhub and similar sites for high-demand games, teams will price closer to that perceived value.
Lockout Protection
Season ticket holders were protected during the 2011 NFL lockout, receiving full refunds following the canceled games. This guarantee of your investment against a work stoppage has value that owners factor into prices.
Scarcity and Loyalty Programs
Many NFL teams structure their season ticket pricing and policies to reward longevity. Years of tenure provide access to the best seat locations, playoff priority, and special experiences that new buyers won’t get. This scarcity creates higher prices for in-demand seat access.
Average NFL Ticket Prices Over Time
Looking at how NFL ticket prices have changed over the past decade reveals some interesting trends:
NFL Season | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
2013 | $78.38 |
2014 | $84.43 |
2015 | $88.40 |
2016 | $92.98 |
2017 | $94.95 |
2018 | $103.38 |
2019 | $105.60 |
2020 | $105.26 |
2021 | $108.93 |
After a decade of consistent growth, prices dropped slightly in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic limited attendance and depressed demand. However, prices rebounded again in 2021 as fans returned.
Over this period, average NFL ticket prices have increased by 39% from less than $80 to over $108. The surging popularity of football, influx of new stadiums, higher salaries, and exclusive experiences have all contributed to rapidly rising costs. Unfortunately for fans, this shows no sign of slowing down.
Projecting Future NFL Ticket Price Growth
Based on these trends, NFL ticket prices are expected to continue rising over 5% annually in the coming years. We can expect average prices for 2022 to surpass $115. By 2025, the average could easily exceed $140.
New stadiums for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs will enable more supply at higher price points. Continued fascination with the sport will also sustain demand. However, rising prices could eventually force some longtime loyal fans out of the market.
Best Ways to Get Cheap NFL Tickets
For fans on a budget looking to save on NFL tickets, here are some of the best strategies:
Buy Upper Level or Corner Seats
The highest rows and endzone sections are always the most affordable areas. You get in the door to enjoy the live atmosphere without breaking the bank.
Avoid Big Name Opponents
Tickets are always cheaper for a Jaguars vs Texans game than Packers vs Cowboys. Know the schedule and buy games with less star power.
Purchase Group or Season Tickets
Teams offer quantity discounts and season tickets remain one of the best values. Split those costs with friends to save.
Buy Direct During Preseason
Tickets sold directly by the team box office are face value. Prices are lower before hype builds.
Check for Special Discounts
Many teams offer senior, military, student or other special pricing deals. Join fan clubs for access to exclusive ticket deals too.
Purchase Last Minute
Try waiting until the last 24 hours before kickoff to find deals from brokers dumping inventory. Risky but can yield big savings.
Consider a Partial Season Plan
Full season tickets are cheaper but you can still save over single games by buying a smaller 3-5 game package.
Buy from Season Ticket Holders
Fans reselling a few games recoup costs but don’t charge as much over face value as brokers.
Wait on High Demand Games
The most in-demand opponents typically get cheaper as gameday approaches and sellers lower prices. Patience pays off.
Is it Worth Buying NFL Season Tickets?
For diehard NFL fans with the means, season tickets offer these benefits:
- Guaranteed seats for every home game.
- Savings over buying individual game tickets
- Playoff priority to purchase postseason tickets if the team makes it
- Access to special season ticket holder events, experiences, and merchandise
- Protection for your investment in case of a work stoppage
- Prestige and status as a season ticket member
- Possibility of selling unused tickets to recoup costs
- First option to improve seat location when available
However, there are some downsides to weigh including:
- Major upfront financial commitment
- Costly personal seat licenses fees in many cases
- Multi-year commitment required by most teams
- No refunds for unused tickets
- Difficulty reselling unwanted games
- Parking, food, and other hidden gameday costs
- No control over schedule – some years have better matchups
For those who attend every game, the money savings over single game purchases and intangible benefits outweigh the large upfront costs. But fans expecting to resell a significant portion of games could lose money or find cheaper piecemeal tickets on the secondary market when needed. Buyers need to carefully assess their own appetite and budget.
Conclusion
NFL season tickets provide incredible access for diehard football fans. But between rising prices, personal seat license fees, and multi-year commitments, they require a major financial undertaking. Carefully evaluating team popularity, seat location, opponents, resale potential and personal budget is imperative before choosing this premium option.
While season tickets remain the gold standard, individual game purchases, partial season plans, or sharing seats can still get you NFL action at every stadium for a fraction of the investment. Expensive prices reflect the surging demand to experience the wildly popular live NFL atmosphere. For those with the means, season tickets put you right at the heart of the action all season long.