As an avid 49ers fan, knowing the best time to purchase tickets can help you get great seats without overpaying. Buying tickets at the right time requires understanding factors like schedule release dates, demand spikes, and tips for finding deals.
When is the 49ers schedule released?
The NFL schedule release date is usually in mid-April. Once the official 49ers schedule comes out for the upcoming season, fans can see all the big matchups and start planning which games they want to attend.
Here are the key dates for the 2023 NFL schedule release:
- Mid-April – Official NFL schedule release for all teams
- Late April – Single game tickets on sale for most teams
- July/August – Training camp starts, demand increases
Mark your calendar for the day the 49ers schedule comes out. This allows you to get an early look at the slate of games and decide which ones are must-see. It’s also when single game tickets go on sale.
When does demand spike for 49ers tickets?
There are certain times of the year when 49ers tickets are in higher demand and prices increase. Planning around these demand spikes can help you find better deals.
Here are the peak times for 49ers ticket prices:
- Summer training camp – Interest builds as the new season approaches. Less inventory leads to higher prices.
- Early season – The first few home games see big demand from eager fans.
- Rivalries & playoffs – Games against rivals like the Raiders or Rams drive up prices. So do potential playoff-clinching matchups.
- December/January – Later season games often have playoff implications, boosting demand.
To get lower prices, look for games in October or November before the playoff hunt heats up. Avoid the home opener and other early season games if possible.
When do single game 49ers tickets go on sale?
Single game 49ers tickets typically go on sale in late April or May after the NFL schedule release. This is often the first chance for fans to buy tickets for individual games for the upcoming season.
Here are some tips for this initial single game on sale:
- Sign up for 49ers ticket presales – This gives you early access before the general public.
- Buy early for the best selection – The most popular games will sell out quick.
- Weeknight & late season games – These tend to have lower prices than weekend or rivalry games.
Buying single game tickets during the initial on-sale is a good way to secure seats before many games sell out. Just be prepared to pay higher prices for premium matchups.
When to find 49ers ticket deals?
While demand is lower in general, there are certain times you can find the best ticket deals for 49ers games.
Here are some of the best times to find discounted 49ers tickets:
- Just before or after the season starts – Look a couple weeks before or after opening day when sellers want to dump extra inventory.
- Last-minute during losing seasons – If the 49ers are struggling, prices drop as fans lose interest.
- Bad weather games – Cold, rainy, or snowy games have lower demand. But be prepared for the conditions!
- Inter-conference games – Matchups against AFC opponents tend to have lower prices except for a few rivalries.
Checking ticket resale sites leading up to each game can yield big savings compared to buying months in advance. Just make sure to buy from a reputable source.
Cheapest individual opponents to see the 49ers play
Games against some opponents are always in high demand, while others generate less interest. Here are some of the cheapest opponents to see the 49ers play:
| Opponent | Average Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Jacksonville Jaguars | $175 |
| Houston Texans | $195 |
| Detroit Lions | $205 |
| Carolina Panthers | $215 |
AFC South teams like the Jaguars, Texans, and Titans have relatively small fanbases, so demand for those games is usually lower. NFC South opponents also tend to have lower prices. Divisional rivals and popular AFC teams like the Patriots or Broncos will be the most expensive.
How to get cheap tickets to sold out or high demand games
For big rivalry games or critical late season matchups, it can be really tough to find affordable tickets, especially with the team’s recent success. Here are some tips to get cheap tickets for sold out or high demand 49ers games:
- Buy upper deck or end zone seats – The cheapest face value seats often start around $100.
- Avoid club areas and suites – These luxury spaces are exponentially more expensive.
- Wait until the last minute – Prices usually drop in the days leading up to the event as sellers get desperate.
- Buy partially obstructed view seats – You can find tickets behind pillars or in crowded corners for deep discounts.
- Find a full season ticket holder – They can sometimes buy big games at face value and resell their other unused tickets.
While the best seats for the biggest games will be pricey, using strategies like buying upper deck seats or waiting until a couple days before the game can help you secure tickets on a budget.
How to get the cheapest seats at Levi’s Stadium
Here are some of the cheapest areas and sections to find the most affordable tickets at Levi’s Stadium for 49ers games:
- Upper Level End Zone – Sections 301-330 behind the end zones start under $100.
- Upper Level Corner – Sections 331-353 on the upper corners and sidelines offer budget views.
- Lower Level End Zone – Sections 134-144 behind the end zones can have cheap tickets just over $100.
- Standing Room Only – These discounted standing view tickets start around $75.
Avoid the lower sideline sections below row 20, as those are considered premium seats and are much more expensive. For bargain prices, shoot for the upper sections near the 30-50 yard lines or the end zone areas.
Best times of year to buy 49ers tickets
Knowing the high and low demand periods throughout the year can help time your ticket purchase to maximize savings. Here is an overview of the best times to buy 49ers tickets:
- February-April – After the Super Bowl, prices drop before creeping back up closer to the season.
- June-July – Minicamps spark some interest but prices are still low in summer.
- Mid-October – Prices dip after early season demand dies down.
- December – Late season division games are big but tickets get cheaper after playoff teams are decided.
Avoid buying tickets in May right after the schedule release or in August when training camps fire up demand again. Tickets tend to be cheapest when interest is lowest from June through September.
Is it cheaper to buy 49ers season tickets?
49ers season tickets can be cheaper per game compared to buying single game tickets, especially for premium seats. However, there are some drawbacks to consider:
- Large upfront cost – Season tickets can cost several thousand dollars.
- Must buy preseason – Preseason tickets are usually included and less desirable.
- Long term commitment – Most season tickets require multi-year contracts.
Here is a look at estimated season ticket costs for 2023:
| Seat Location | Full Season Price |
|---|---|
| Upper Level Sideline | $1,700 |
| Upper Level End Zone | $1,300 |
| Lower Level Sideline | $4,400 |
| Lower Level End Zone | $2,800 |
With lower level season tickets averaging over $3,000, the per game cost is less than individual tickets but requires a much higher initial investment. For occasional fans on a budget, single game tickets are still the most economical choice.
Is it cheaper to buy 49ers tickets from a reseller or exchange?
Using a ticket reseller or exchange like StubHub, VividSeats, or Ticketmaster can offer big savings compared to buying from the 49ers ticket office directly. Here are some benefits of using resellers:
- No fees – Third-party sellers include all fees upfront in listed prices.
- Below face value – Sellers compete, so you can often buy below original face value.
- Transferable tickets – Most sites offer instant download or mobile tickets.
- Refunds – Get a refund if event is canceled or tickets are unusable.
StubHub and VividSeats offer extensive inventories with substantial discounts, especially closer to the event. Buying just a few days before the game can yield prices 50% or more below face value.
Is it better to buy 49ers tickets online or in person?
For convenience, selection, and prices, buying 49ers tickets online is generally a better option than buying in person. Here are some benefits of buying tickets online:
- Wider inventory – See all ticket listings in one spot instead of visiting multiple box offices.
- Shop anytime – Buy 24/7 instead of being limited to box office hours.
- Avoid lines & fees – Skip box office lines and outrageous fees buying directly.
- Can still print – Most sites offer standard mail delivery if you want printed tickets.
- Secure digital tickets – Mobile entry and real-time delivery provide convenience and security.
Online prices are very competitive so you can find substantial savings versus the limited view in person. Buying online ahead of time also avoids the risk of box office sell outs on game day.
Should you buy 49ers tickets directly from the team?
While buying tickets directly from the 49ers ticket office is an option, it is usually not the most affordable route. Here are some downsides to buying from the team directly:
- Higher fees – Box office fees run around 25% per ticket.
- No discounts – Full price for every game, more for premium matchups.
- Limited view – Only see the set inventory ticket office is selling.
- Must buy early – Games sell out quickly.
The 49ers do offer some advantages like payment plans, guaranteed authenticity, and full season plans. But for single game purchases, third party resellers almost always have significantly lower prices.
What ticket sites should you avoid for 49ers tickets?
While many reputable resellers offer big discounts, some smaller sites or sellers should be avoided to ensure you get valid tickets. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Craigslist – Completely unregulated and rife with scams.
- StubHub competitors – Lesser known sites are riskier.
- Missing details – No seat numbers or vague listings.
- Prices way below market – If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Requests wire transfer – Only pay via credit card.
Stick to major exchanges like StubHub and VividSeats where tickets are guaranteed so you avoid ending up with fake or duplicate seats.
How to get the best deal on 49ers tickets
Here are some top tips for finding the best deals on 49ers tickets:
- Be flexible on dates – Weeknight and less popular games are cheaper.
- Buy upper level or end zone seats – Stay away from lower sidelines.
- Check online exchanges – Sites like StubHub offer big discounts.
- Buy last minute – Look for unsold tickets dropping in price.
- Bundle travel & parking – Look for all-inclusive ticket packages.
- Join fan clubs – Take advantage of presales and member pricing.
Following ticket prices across multiple sites and being open to different seating areas will help you spot the best values. Patience and flexibility pay off when securing the cheapest 49ers tickets.
Conclusion
Finding affordable 49ers tickets involves monitoring the schedule release, sale dates, and demand trends across the season. While some big games will always be a hot ticket, there are ample opportunities to see the 49ers for less. Avoiding peak demand periods and buying upper level seats can yield big savings. Using reliable ticket resellers instead of buying directly from the 49ers is also key to getting the cheapest prices and best deals on tickets.
