The NFL (National Football League) is the most popular professional football league in North America. With 32 teams across the United States, the NFL hosts some of the most eagerly anticipated and exciting sporting events each year. As American football continues to grow in popularity in Canada, more and more Canadian fans are looking to attend live NFL games. However, buying NFL tickets as a Canadian fan can be confusing. There are some important factors to consider and steps to follow in order to get your hands on tickets to your favorite NFL team’s next big game. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying NFL tickets as a Canadian fan.
Can Canadians Buy NFL Tickets?
The quick answer is yes, Canadians can absolutely purchase tickets to attend NFL games. The NFL hosts games in cities across the US each season. Many of these cities, like Seattle, Detroit, and Buffalo, are easily accessible to Canadian fans. As long as you have the required documentation to cross the US border, you can travel to the US and buy tickets to any NFL game. The tickets will be in US dollars, but you can pay with a credit card or convert your Canadian dollars at the current exchange rate. With advance preparation and planning, it’s totally possible for Canadians to enjoy live NFL action by purchasing tickets to games.
When Do NFL Tickets Go On Sale?
NFL teams usually release their tickets for sale around the same timeframe each season. Here is an overview of the NFL ticket sale timeline:
- March/April – Individual game tickets for preseason and regular season games go on sale. Popular matchups sell out quickly.
- June – Single game tickets for primetime/playoff games are released.
- August – Remaining tickets are released for sale.
- September to December – Limited quantities of tickets to remaining games go on sale during the regular season.
- January – Playoff and Super Bowl tickets go on sale to fans of competing teams.
As you can see, the best time to buy is early since inventory is limited and the most in-demand games sell out fast. Preparing in advance and being ready to purchase as soon as tickets are available for the game you want will give you the best shot at securing seats.
Where Can Canadians Buy NFL Tickets?
There are a few different options for where Canadians can purchase NFL tickets:
NFL Team Website
The official website of the NFL team hosting the game you want to attend is always the best place to buy tickets. You’ll be buying directly from the source. Supplies are limited, so be ready to purchase as soon as tickets go on sale.
Ticket Reseller Websites
If tickets are sold out on the team site, the next best option is to use a ticket reseller marketplace like StubHub, VividSeats or TickPick. These sites connect you with season ticket holders reselling tickets. The upside is more ticket availability. The downside is paying above face value.
American Retailers
For games hosted near the Canadian border, some American retail chains like Walmart or Costco will get an allotment of tickets to sell in border locations. This option requires crossing the border to make the purchase.
NFL Ticket Exchange
The NFL Ticket Exchange is the official ticket reseller marketplace owned by the NFL. It’s a safe, verified source of resale tickets. Like other reseller sites, expect to pay more than face value.
How Much Do NFL Tickets Cost?
How much you’ll pay for NFL tickets depends on many factors:
- Team popularity – Premium teams like the Cowboys and Patriots cost more.
- Opponent/Game importance – Big divisional rivalries or critical playoff implications raise costs.
- Seat location – Lower bowl midfield seats are most expensive, upper corners are cheapest.
- Timing – Early season and weekday games are cheaper than late season Sunday games.
To give you a sense of the range, here are the average ticket prices for NFL games this season:
Team | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
Dallas Cowboys | $192 |
New England Patriots | $185 |
Green Bay Packers | $148 |
Pittsburgh Steelers | $144 |
Denver Broncos | $112 |
As you can see, prices can vary widely. Don’t forget about additional fees for processing, shipping, and currency conversion that can add 15-25% on top of the list price too.
Buying NFL Tickets for Canadian Games
In addition to traveling to the US for games, Canadians can attend NFL games right at home. The NFL hosts a few regular season games in Canada every year. If you want to see the NFL live without crossing the border, this is your chance.
The NFL has hosted games in these Canadian cities in recent years:
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Montreal
- Calgary
- Ottawa
- Regina
The usual NFL teams from the northern US that are closest to the border typically play in these games. Tickets to the Canadian games are in high demand since it’s more convenient for Canadian fans. Prices are on the higher end, but you’ll save on travel costs.
When the schedule is announced in the spring, keep an eye out for NFL games hosted in a Canadian city near you. Tickets will likely sell out fast, so don’t hesitate to purchase when they go on sale. Buying directly from the host city’s ticketing website will be your best bet for Canadian games.
Tips for Buying NFL Tickets in Canada
Here are some top tips to ensure the ticket buying process goes smoothly:
- Plan ahead – Have the schedule ready and make a list of your top games. Be ready to buy when tickets first go on sale.
- Buy early – Prices only go up over time. Buying early ensures access before sells outs.
- Be flexible – Have back-up game options in case your first choice sells out.
- Don’t buy from scalpers – Use official sources to avoid fraud.
- Review border crossing requirements – Have your passport and other documents in order.
- Factor in ALL costs – Budget for ticket price, fees, hotels, transportation – it adds up!
Following these tips will set you up for NFL ticket buying success and an amazing live game experience.
Conclusion
Canadian NFL fans don’t have to miss out on the live action. With the right preparation, it’s easy to purchase tickets to see your favorite teams play. Whether you’re heading south for an American stadium experience or cheering the NFL on at home when they play games in Canada, following this guide will help you secure the perfect seats. Use official team and ticket retailer websites, buy early before sells outs, and budget accordingly. With your tickets in hand, get ready to enjoy the energy and excitement of NFL football live!