Ticketmaster is one of the most well-known ticket retailers in the world, but is it reliable for getting tickets to NFL games? There are a few key factors to consider when determining if Ticketmaster is a reliable source for NFL tickets.
How Ticketmaster Gets NFL Tickets
Ticketmaster has contracts with most NFL teams and stadiums to sell tickets to games. This gives them access directly to the majority of tickets available for NFL games. Teams will typically hold back some tickets for season ticket holders, players’ families, etc., but Ticketmaster gets a large portion of the remaining tickets to sell to the public.
Having these direct partnerships with NFL teams gives Ticketmaster a major advantage in reliability for getting authentic tickets. However, there are some caveats.
Ticket Availability on Ticketmaster
While Ticketmaster has significant access to NFL tickets, that does not mean tickets are always readily available, especially for high-demand games or playoff matchups. Here are a few factors that can limit ticket availability on Ticketmaster:
- Season ticket holders get the first option to purchase their same seats for every game.
- Teams hold back tickets for players, employees, sponsors, etc before releasing them for public sale.
- Prime, high-demand games like rivalries or important divisional matchups have very limited public ticket allotments.
- Re-seller partners like StubHub may buy up blocks of tickets and reduce Ticketmaster’s remaining inventory.
While Ticketmaster always has access to some tickets, it is not a guarantee they will have ample tickets available for every game, especially late in the season for playoff-bound teams.
Risk of Counterfeits on Ticketmaster
One of the biggest benefits of using Ticketmaster is that you can trust you will get authentic, valid event tickets. However, there is still a small risk of purchasing counterfeit or fraudulent tickets, even on Ticketmaster.
This generally happens when re-seller partners or individuals purchase bulk tickets and re-list them on Ticketmaster. If those re-sellers bought fake or duplicated tickets to re-list, fans purchasing those tickets could end up with invalid or fraudulent tickets. Ticketmaster does have protections against this, but it remains a slight risk to be aware of.
NFL Ticket Prices on Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster does not set NFL ticket prices – the teams determine initial ticket pricing in collaboration with the NFL. However, Ticketmaster does impose fees and other charges on top of the base price. These can add a significant cost to NFL tickets purchased through Ticketmaster.
Here are some common fees and charges to expect with Ticketmaster NFL tickets:
| Fee Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Delivery fee (print-at-home vs. mailed) | $5-$25 per ticket |
| Service fee | 25%-30% of ticket price |
| Order processing fee | $5-$10 per order |
These fees can add significant cost to NFL tickets beyond just the base price. Other ticket re-sellers may have lower fees, but also may not have the same ticket availability and protections that come with buying directly via Ticketmaster.
Best Ways to Get NFL Tickets on Ticketmaster
To increase your chances of getting reliable NFL tickets through Ticketmaster, here are some best practices to follow:
- Buy early – Tickets are most limited late in the season for playoff-contending teams.
- Be flexible on seat location – You’ll have more luck getting nosebleeds vs. 50-yard-line seats.
- Use pre-sales when available – Season ticket holders and VIPs get first crack at seats via pre-sales.
- Check back often – New batches of tickets may be released over time leading up to the game.
- Consider less in-demand games – Games like Chiefs vs. Raiders will have more tickets than Chiefs vs. Broncos.
While not perfect, following these guidelines will maximize your chances of getting legit NFL tickets through Ticketmaster.
Alternatives for Buying NFL Tickets
If Ticketmaster does not have the NFL tickets you want, what are some alternative options? Here are a few other places you may be able to get NFL tickets:
- Team/Stadium box offices – Buy directly from the source, but may have longer lines and inconvenient hours.
- StubHub – Re-seller with large NFL ticket inventory, but buyer protections not as strong.
- VividSeats – Similar re-seller site that offers NFL tickets with moderate protections.
- NFL Ticket Exchange – Official NFL re-sale site, season ticket holders often list here first.
- Gametime – Last-minute discounted tickets, but very risky on availability.
These all carry higher risks than Ticketmaster, but may be options if Ticketmaster does not have the tickets you need. Weigh the pros and cons of each carefully before purchasing.
Is Ticketmaster Reliable for NFL Tickets? Conclusion
Ticketmaster has distinct advantages that make it one of the most reliable sources for authentic NFL tickets. The direct partnerships they have with NFL teams and stadiums provide huge access to actual seats. However, tickets can still be limited, especially late in the season. And fees can add major costs well beyond the base ticket price.
For the best combination of reliability, buyer protections, and convenience, Ticketmaster is likely the best option for most NFL fans to purchase tickets. But it pays to shop around, be flexible on dates and seats, and consider some alternative sources to give yourself the best chance at getting into the game.