NFL football games are some of the most popular sporting events in the United States. With millions of fans across the country eager to watch their favorite teams play, getting tickets to NFL games can be very competitive. If you want the best chance at scoring tickets for your preferred NFL team at the best possible price, it pays to be strategic about how and when you buy them.
Buy early
One of the best ways to get good deals on NFL tickets and increase your chances of getting the seats you want is to buy early. Tickets usually go on sale to the general public months in advance of the NFL season. Buying them as soon as they become available beats waiting until later when inventory is lower and prices have often gone up.
Season ticket holders get the first opportunity to purchase tickets before the general on-sale date. After that, tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. So you’ll want to be ready to buy the minute they go on sale to make sure you can take your pick of available seats before the most in-demand matchups sell out.
Buying well in advance also gives you the most flexibility if you need to resell tickets later. Demand tends to go up as game day approaches, so you’ll have a better chance of recouping your money or even selling for a profit if you decide not to use tickets you bought early on.
Buy directly from the team
The best way to ensure you’re getting valid tickets at face value prices is to buy them directly from the NFL team you want to see. Most teams sell tickets through their official team website. You can often buy online or over the phone.
Buying from an official team source guarantees you won’t get stuck with counterfeit or fraudulent tickets. You’ll also have a direct line of communication with the team ticket office if any issues come up with your order.
The team’s official website is also usually the first place tickets go on sale to the general public. So buying directly gives you your best shot at getting early access.
Comparison shop online
If you don’t manage to buy from the team early on or want to shop around for deals, look for NFL tickets being resold through trustworthy online ticket marketplaces like StubHub or VividSeats.
These sites let sellers list tickets they purchased but can no longer use. By browsing postings from various sellers, you can often find tickets being resold below face value or scored for a discount.
Just be sure to buy from reputable sites that guarantee all tickets are valid and as described. Also look for sites that let you see ticket views before buying so you can confirm the seat location.
Ticket Resale Sites
Site | Guarantee | Ticket Views |
---|---|---|
StubHub | ✔ | ✔ |
VividSeats | ✔ | ✔ |
Ticketmaster | ✔ | ✔ |
SeatGeek | ✔ | ✔ |
Avoid scalpers and scams
When looking for the best deals on NFL tickets, it’s important to only buy from reputable, authorized sellers. Avoid buying tickets from individuals scalping tickets outside the stadium or listing them on Craigslist and social media.
Scalped tickets run a high risk of being counterfeit. And even if they’re “real,” you could still be denied entry to the stadium if the barcodes end up being invalid or already used. You’ll have little recourse recovering your money from an anonymous scalper in this situation.
Likewise, only buy tickets from online resellers who use secure checkout and have customer guarantees in place. Avoid sites or sellers that ask you to pay using cash apps, checks, or other unsecure forms of payment.
Join fan clubs and mailing lists
Many NFL teams offer exclusive pre-sales opportunities to fans who join official mailing lists, fan clubs, or season ticket waitlists. Signing up for these groups can give you early access to purchase tickets before the general public.
Team fan clubs may require a small membership fee but can offer ticket presales, discounts, and other perks. Season ticket waitlists also provide early ticket access for top matchups even before single-game seats go on sale.
Just keep in mind that joining these groups doesn’t guarantee tickets. They simply give you a chance to buy before the masses. So you’ll still want to be ready to purchase the minute tickets are available to make sure you don’t miss out.
Be flexible
If your schedule allows, look for late-season and weekday games. These tend to be less in-demand than big playoff contenders and weekend matchups. With lower demand comes better availability and often better prices.
Attending preseason games can also be a good budget strategy. Preseason tickets typically start at under $20, even for marquee teams. Just keep in mind the star players are unlikely to get much game time during preseason contests.
If the specific matchup you want to see has high ticket costs, check out games against teams with smaller fan bases. You’ll often find better deals to see your home team play one of these less in-demand visiting opponents.
Average Ticket Prices by Team
Team | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
Dallas Cowboys | $263 |
New England Patriots | $245 |
San Francisco 49ers | $238 |
New York Giants | $216 |
Chicago Bears | $213 |
Green Bay Packers | $211 |
Pittsburgh Steelers | $203 |
Denver Broncos | $187 |
Seattle Seahawks | $185 |
Minnesota Vikings | $181 |
Consider a travel package
NFL teams and travel companies put together ticket and travel packages for out-of-town fans. These can bundle game tickets with amenities like airfare, hotel, and local tours or experiences. Packages are available for both individual and group travelers.
While most packages cost more upfront, they handle all the legwork of coordinating tickets, travel, and accommodations for your NFL trip. Packages with a tour company also give you the benefit of having guides to show you around the host city.
Use a ticket reseller with upgrades
Some ticket resellers provide exclusive VIP ticket options you won’t find on team sites. These upgraded tickets can get you into exclusive lounges, premium seats like lower bowl or club level, early stadium access, and other perks.
StubHub, VIP Tickets, and Premium Seats USA are a few reputable resellers that offer upgraded NFL ticket packages. Compare costs and amenities offered to find the best fit.
Conclusion
Scoring the best NFL tickets doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. As long as you use reputable sources, buy early, stay flexible, and keep your eye out for deals, you can often get seats for even the hottest NFL games without overspending. Do your homework ahead of time and you’ll be cheering on your team in person all season long.