The State of Origin series is one of the biggest events on the rugby league calendar. With over 80,000 fans flocking to stadiums across Australia to watch the three marquee matches between long-time rivals New South Wales and Queensland, demand for tickets is always high. But just how much do State of Origin tickets cost for the average fan?
Ticket Prices for State of Origin 2022
Ticket prices for State of Origin vary depending on the specific match and seat location. The 2022 series featured the following ticket pricing:
Game I – Sydney
Game I of the 2022 State of Origin series took place at Accor Stadium in Sydney on June 8. Ticket prices ranged from:
– General Admission – $95
– Bronze Seating – $145
– Silver Seating – $175
– Gold Seating – $210
– Platinum Seating – $295
Game II – Perth
Game II was held at Perth Stadium on June 26. Ticket prices were:
– General Admission – $95
– Reserved Seating (all categories) – $155
– Premium Seating – $295
Game III – Brisbane
The decider took place at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on July 13. Ticket pricing was:
– General Admission – $95
– Bronze Seating – $145
– Silver Seating – $175
– Gold Seating – $210
– Platinum Seating – $295
So we can see ticket prices typically range from around $95 for general admission up to $295 for the best seats in the house. Games held in New South Wales and Queensland tend to have more pricing tiers than matches in other states.
Factors That Influence State of Origin Ticket Prices
Several factors account for the variation in State of Origin ticket prices:
Venue Size and Location
Larger venues with greater seating capacity like Suncorp Stadium (52,500 seats) and Accor Stadium (83,500 seats) in the heartland states mean more ticket availability, therefore cheaper prices. Smaller venues drive prices up.
Origin History
Games with great history like Suncorp Stadium boost demand. The same applied for Game I in Sydney in 2022 marking 40 years since Origin started in 1980.
Interstate Games
When Origin heads interstate like Perth in 2022, prices are typically flatter across seating categories. There is less price differentiation between seat quality.
Weekday vs Weekend
Weekend matches see higher demand as more fans can attend without work commitments. Weekday games have lower pricing due to reduced demand.
Deciding Match
If it’s the deciding 3rd game, demand goes up from diehard fans wanting to see who wins the series, increasing prices.
GFI Stadiums
Games at newer GFI stadiums like Perth Stadium allow organizers to command higher premium seating prices.
Comparing State of Origin Prices to NRL Prices
State of Origin ticket prices are substantially higher than ticket prices for regular NRL matches. Let’s compare some average ticket costs:
| Match | Lowest Ticket Price | Highest Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|
| State of Origin | $95 | $295 |
| NRL Regular Season Match | $30 | $100 |
The cheapest State of Origin tickets start around 3 times higher than NRL tickets, while the most expensive Origin tickets can be almost 3 times the price of top NRL tickets.
This huge price difference reflects the special status of State of Origin as the pinnacle of rugby league rivalry in Australia. With NSW and Queensland fans desperate to attend once-a-year bragging rights matches, demand massively exceeds supply, forcing prices up.
Tips for Getting Cheaper State of Origin Tickets
Here are some tips for getting cheaper State of Origin tickets:
Buy General Admission Tickets
General admission standing room tickets offer the cheapest access to the game, albeit without a reserved seat.
Choose Weekday Matches
Midweek Origin games usually have lower demand and prices due to work commitments.
Look for Concession Discounts
Students, pensioners and children can often score discounted tickets to Origin.
Join a Club Membership
Club members often get access to ticket pre-sales and special packages. Just join the NSW or Queensland Leagues Clubs.
Buy in State of Origin States
Tickets are often cheaper when the game is held in NSW or Queensland where capacity is higher.
Wait for Promotions
Check ticket agencies for special deals as the event nears if sales are slow.
The Cost of State of Origin Tickets Over Time
Over the past decade, State of Origin ticket prices have gradually increased across all seating categories, reflecting growing commercialization of the event.
Comparing the ticket pricing over the past 5 State of Origin series illustrates this growth:
| Year | Lowest Price | Highest Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | $65 | $235 |
| 2019 | $75 | $250 |
| 2020 | $85 | $260 |
| 2021 | $90 | $280 |
| 2022 | $95 | $295 |
In just 5 years between 2018 and 2022, entry-level Origin tickets have increased 45% from $65 to $95. Top-priced tickets have risen a sizable 25% from $235 to $295.
The upward trend is likely to continue as the NRL looks to maximize commercial revenue from its showpiece event. Fans wanting to experience the Origin atmosphere at affordable prices may find it increasingly difficult.
Comparing State of Origin Ticketing to Other Sports
How does State of Origin ticketing compare to premium seats at other major Australian sports events?
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Event | Lowest Ticket Price | Highest Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|
| State of Origin | $95 | $295 |
| AFL Grand Final | $180 | $900 |
| Bledisloe Cup | $99 | $295 |
| Australian Open Finals | $295 | $550 |
We can see Origin is comparable to Bledisloe Cup rugby union tickets, but significantly cheaper than AFL Grand Final tickets and Australian Open tennis finals tickets for equivalent seating.
The AFL Grand Final’s $900+ pricing for top tickets demonstrates how unmatched demand allows other sports to charge a huge premium. State of Origin is underpriced relative to its status and unmissable nature for league fans.
The Future of State of Origin Ticket Prices
Given the State of Origin’s position as rugby league’s top drawcard, ticket prices are likely to continue rising over the next 5-10 years. Here are some factors that could drive up future ticket costs:
Limited Number of Matches
With just 3 short matches per year, NRL can maximize revenue by jacking up ticket prices due to scarcity.
Marquee Venues
As Origin expands into new world-class venues like Perth Stadium, Optus Stadium and Adelaide Oval, organizers can charge premium seating prices.
Corporate Demand
Growth in Origin’s profile makes corporate boxes and premium seating more desirable for businesses, lifting prices.
Betting Interest
Surging sports betting industry promotes State of Origin globally, further growing foreign interest and demand.
Pay TV Demands
If pay TV broadcasters like Foxtel increase their Origin deal with NRL, they may demand higher ticket prices to recoup costs.
Fans hoping to attend State of Origin matches affordably in the long-term may be disappointed. However, the NRL still needs to balance maximizing revenue versus keeping the event accessible to ordinary league supporters.
Conclusion
In 2022, State of Origin ticket prices typically ranged from $95 for general admission to $295 for premium seating. Prices fluctuate based on venue capacity, match history, weekend vs weekday matches, series deciders, and other factors.
Origin ticket prices are substantially higher than NRL regular season matches due to huge fan demand. Over the past decade ticket prices have increased across the board, continuing into the future as the NRL commercializes its premium asset.
While the State of Origin tournament remains relatively affordable compared to other Australian sports events, fans can expect the experience to become more expensive over time. The lure of sold-out arenas and a pulsating atmosphere will likely outweigh the ticket cost for many league tragics.