The California Classic is an annual college basketball tournament that takes place in California. It features four NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams, with a doubleheader played on the first day and the two winners meeting in the championship game the following day.
Some key details about the California Classic:
– It started in 2020 and is hosted at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.
– The four teams that participate are typically prominent programs from the West Coast or California.
– Past participants include California, San Diego State, Stanford, USC, Pepperdine, and Fresno State.
– It takes place in late December, usually around December 21-22, just before Christmas.
– It provides quality non-conference matchups for the participating teams early in the season.
– Fans can purchase tickets to attend one or both days in person at the Golden 1 Center. Prices vary based on seat location.
So how much do tickets cost for the 2023 California Classic? Let’s take a closer look.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for the 2023 California Classic range from $25-$325 depending on seat location. Here is a breakdown of the pricing levels:
Upper Level Seats
Upper level seats are available starting at $25 per ticket. These seats are in the upper sections of the arena, giving you an overhead view of the action. Upper level tickets provide an affordable option for fans on a budget.
Lower Level Seats
Lower level seats start at around $40 per ticket and go up in price the closer you get to courtside. Lower level tickets put you closer to the floor so you can see the action up close. Prices get higher as you move into the first 5-10 rows near courtside.
Courtside Seats
For the best views, courtside seats start at $200 per ticket and go up to $325 for seats in the first couple rows right next to the team benches. Courtside seats give you an immersive experience right on top of the game. These premium seats come at a heftier price point.
Suite Rentals
Suites with food and beverage packages are also available to rent for the California Classic. Suite rentals start at around $3,000 and go up from there depending on amenities and capacity. Suites give you a private hospitality space for entertaining clients or friends.
Pricing Factors
What drives the pricing for California Classic tickets? Here are some of the key factors:
Matchups & Team Popularity
If the tournament includes one or more major national programs like UCLA, USC or Gonzaga, demand goes up along with prices. The more popular the team, the more fans will pay.
Day of Week
Weekday games are typically less expensive than weekend games. The final on Sunday often commands higher prices.
Seat Location
As mentioned above, courtside and lower bowl seats cost more than upper level seats. Location is a primary pricing factor.
Year Established & Tournament Growth
As the tournament becomes more established over time, demand may rise and push prices higher. The inaugural year saw more moderate prices.
Team Performance & Record
If a team is highly ranked or undefeated coming into the tournament, their fanbase is more likely to show up and pay higher prices.
Purchase Time
Earlier purchases are cheaper. Prices tend to go up leading up to the tournament dates as inventory shrinks.
Where to Buy Tickets
The primary way to purchase tickets is through the California Classic website. Tickets can also be found through:
– Participating team box offices
– Online resale sites like VividSeats and StubHub
– Reseller sites like Craigslist
Buying earlier and directly through the tournament site typically offers cheaper pricing. Last minute resale tickets normally have markups and fees.
Ticket Package Options
In addition to buying individual session tickets, there are also ticket package options:
All Session Pass
An all session pass gets you tickets to both days and all 4 games. This option provides maximum flexibility and savings over buying individual tickets. All session passes run $99-$325.
Team Specific Packages
Some teams offer ticket packages for their fans following them to the tournament. These can bundle tickets with fan events, player access, or hotels. Check individual team sites for details on these special offers.
Key Dates
Here is a quick summary of need-to-know dates for the 2023 California Classic:
| Tournament Dates | December 21-22, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Game Times | Afternoon and evening sessions both days |
| Current Participating Teams | Fresno State, Pepperdine, Sacramento State, Santa Clara |
| Venue Location | Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA |
Having this key information will help you plan your trip and purchase tickets to the 2023 California Classic.
Buying Tips
To get the best deal on California Classic tickets, consider these tips:
– Buy early once tickets go on sale
– Take advantage of pre-sale opportunities
– Consider upper level or weekday games to save money
– Check team specific special offers and travel packages
– Use promo codes when available on ticket sites
– Follow the tournament social accounts for specials
– Join fan clubs and email lists for pre-sale access
– Avoid last minute purchases from resellers
With some planning and smart shopping, you can find affordable tickets to this exciting college basketball tournament.
Conclusion
The California Classic brings together top West Coast college basketball programs every December. Fans can purchase tickets for as low as $25 for upper levels or pay over $300 for premium courtside seats. Matchups, purchase time, and location determine prices. All session passes, special offers, and early purchases can provide savings off individual game tickets. Use the tips provided to shop smart and enjoy exciting tournament action without overspending on tickets.
