When is the best time to buy NFL tickets? Fans can expect different prices at different points in the season. This guide will help you understand when to buy NFL tickets and how to find a trustworthy ticket source.
Understanding NFL Ticket Pricing
Factors Affecting NFL Ticket Prices
Three main factors affect the price of tickets for an NFL game:
- The teams playing – the most successful teams will often have more expensive tickets than teams struggling at the bottom of their divisions
- The placement of the game within the season – NFL regular season tickets are almost always cheaper than playoff tickets
- The type of ticket being purchased – the position and category of the ticket including benefits varies considerably within each stadium
Ticket Categories and Seating Options
For the best deals on NFL tickets, look for standard seating categories placed higher in the stadium. Seats closer to the field are generally more expensive because they are considered to have a better view. Most stadiums offer premium or club seats, which include additional benefits such as padded seats and access to food and drink hospitality.
Why Timing Matters for NFL Ticket Purchase
Timing a ticket purchase carefully can help fans to find more affordable NFL tickets and save money. Generally, the cheapest time to buy NFL tickets is close to the day of the game. However, for particularly significant or competitive games, such as playoffs or rivalry matchups, the best deals can often be found when NFL tickets first go on sale.
4 Strategies for Getting the Best Deals
Early Bird Discounts
Although NFL teams do not generally offer early bird discounts, fans can save money on games that are likely to sell-out by purchasing tickets early. For especially popular or important games, the cheapest time to buy tickets might be soon after they are released and from the official seller. Secondary ticket sellers are typically more expensive for the most popular games, and prices will likely increase over time if there is high demand.
Mid-Season Bargains
Mid-season can be a good time to find cheaper NFL tickets, particularly for teams with lower attendance figures. If a game has not sold out in advance, fans can purchase directly from the official supplier, which is usually less costly than finding tickets on the secondary market.
Last-Minute Deals
NFL ticket prices often go down closer to a game, especially on the secondary market, so waiting until the week of the event can be a great way to save money. Just be careful to keep an eye on availability for popular games as they can sell out!
Secondary Ticket Market
The secondary market includes many trustworthy ticket sources, and it can often be the best way to get a good deal on an NFL game. Fans looking for premium seating, such as club seats, can also find great prices through secondary sellers. Many teams only offer premium seats as part of a season ticket package, but ticketholders can then resell their seats for individual games, giving other fans a chance to experience premium hospitality for individual games. Koobit includes pricing and links to the main secondary ticket sellers for each game.
How to Buy Cheap NFL Tickets
Researching Ticket Prices
Spending some time researching NFL ticket prices can make a big difference when it comes to finding the best deals. Koobit shows ticket prices and fees for different seating categories from official and secondary sellers so fans can save time and find the best deals for the seats they want.
Choosing Reputable Ticket Sellers
Choosing a trusted NFL ticket vendor makes the purchasing process much smoother and minimises the risk of problems with your tickets on game day. Koobit shows the primary ticket suppliers as well as established secondary sellers, so you can be confident with your ticket purchase.
Understanding Ticket Policies and Guarantees
All ticket sellers should refund you if the event is cancelled. However, if your circumstances change and you can no longer attend, you’re unlikely to be able to get a refund. To help with this, some sellers offer cancellation insurance for an extra fee.
If you’re buying from the secondary market, make sure the ticket seller provides a guarantee of your money back or like-for-like ticket replacements if you have any problem with access on the day. Some secondary sellers even offer you more money back then you paid if you can’t get in.
Each ticket supplier will have slightly different terms, policies and guarantees, so make sure you check the details on their website before finalising your order.
FAQs
Which teams have the highest ticket prices?
The New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and Kansas City Chiefs have the highest ticket prices in the NFL in 2023. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers used to be one of the most expensive teams to watch live, but prices have dropped significantly after Tom Brady’s retirement and fans can now expect some great deals on Bucs games.
How much does the average NFL game day ticket cost?
The average NFL ticket price in 2023 is around USD $330, up from just over $300 in 2022. With such a range of prices among different teams and so many different ticket categories to choose from, however, fans should still be able to find great deals on NFL tickets.
Can struggling teams offer lower-priced tickets?
While some teams have seen their prices rise sharply in recent years, this is not true across the whole league. The Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons offer some of the cheapest NFL tickets, and the Bucs have gone from one of the priciest teams to one of the most affordable with the loss of the legendary Tom Brady.
Should I prioritize value over price when choosing tickets?
Everyone will be looking for an optimal ticket value, but priorities can vary. For fans who are set on seeing their favourite team, it may be worth searching for cheaper seats, such as those placed high up in the stadium. For those without strong affiliations who just want the experience of seeing an NFL game, it might make sense to check out the lower-priced teams.
How can I avoid ticket scams when purchasing NFL tickets?
Koobit shows a range of primary and established secondary sellers, so fans can look at each supplier and make an informed decision. It’s always worth reading the seller’s policies and guarantees to make sure you’re satisfied before purchasing tickets. It’s also worth buying on a credit card rather than a debit card as most credit card companies offer their cardholders greater protection if there is a problem with their purchase.