$194 per ticket!!! Whoa! NFL games

[Lilacs4Me]

I don't want this turning into a hater thread, so I won't name teams. lol

DS12 is a huge football fan. He LOVES the game, plays it himself, studies it, understands it. Knows the plays, players, technique, strategy, etc. Used to go to DS18's high school games and instead of goofing off with his friends, he would actually sit and watch the plays. Asks DH (who is his coach) to go over game film with him from his 7th grade youth league games lol. We went to a NFL preseason game last night - the first game he's ever been to live, and he didn't even want to leave his seat for a second to go to the concession stand. He was enthralled with seeing it live, and the two teams that were playing weren't even his favorite teams!

He did however, get a copy of the home teams schedule when we walked into the stadium, and of course noticed that for the first time in many years, his ALL TIME FAVORITE team is coming to town in October - and he was so out-of-his mind excited. He wants to go so badly...it would be a dream come true to him. And this would be his only chance to see this team, and one of their star players, as the team is getting older and will probably see a lot of players retiring in the next couple years.

When we got home I checked and ticket start at $194! Either DH or I would have to go with him, of course, so out the door cost would be nearly $500. For a 3 hour football game! It's almost triple the price of some of the other other home games because of who the visiting team is.

Is that totally insane, or would you pay that kind of money to see your favorite team/players? Clearly this would be an early Christmas/Birthday present for him...we would check with him first to make sure he is OK with it being that way, but I am 100% positive he would say yes.

Is there ANY way to get discounted tickets? Any tips or secret tricks?

 

[OhDannyBoy]

Wow $ 194 seems steep. Here they hover around $100 for cheapo seats. Is it a Monday or Thursday night game or something? Those tend to be really expensive as they are nationally televised.

I posted about this very thing in the biggest ripoff thread a few weeks ago.

Unless you know someone at the stadium or associated with the team, discounted tix can be a bear to find IME.

 

[mjkacmom]

The only way to get giants tickets here is through third party sellers or know season ticket holders (which we do, so DH and ds have benefited from last minute tickets). I’m so glad we are mostly a soccer family (but my boys will never pass up giants/knicks/yankee tickets. The Red Bull’s cost $25.

 

[soccerdad72]

A lot of this was to do with the team involved as well as who they're playing for a game. Nearly all NFL teams are essentially sold out for all games every year, much of it with season ticket holders. Therefore, you're mostly relegated to the secondary ticket market (StubHub, etc.).

If you can find a game against a team that people don't necessarily have as much interest in, the resale prices might be cheaper.

I'll use my hometown Cleveland Browns as an example. Obviously, they suck But we're a football crazy town, so there still isn't a face value ticket to be found. But because they suck, as the season goes on, resale tickets fluctuate. My siblings and I usually take our Dad to one game a year - and these days, the game is often dictated by our own schedules as to when we can all go. Two years ago, that ended up with premium priced tickets - because they were playing the Cowboys, who don't play here very often. So we paid quite a bit over face value. Last year, on the other hand, they were playing the Bengals, who we play every year, so we paid (I kid you not), $6 a piece for the tickets (plus $8 service fee ).

So my suggestion would be to just keep an eye on the resale market as the season goes on and see if you can land a couple tickets when the prices dip (if they dip).

 

[JaxDad]

I know I’m probably in the minority, but I just don’t understand why people spend so much money, time and emotional sanity on professional sports. I have respect for the skills and athleticism, but not enough to pay them my hard-earned money.

 

[Lilacs4Me]

Wow $ 194 seems steep. Here they hover around $100 for cheapo seats. Is it a Monday or Thursday night game or something? Those tend to be really expensive as they are nationally televised.

I posted about this very thing in the biggest ripoff thread a few weeks ago.

Unless you know someone at the stadium or associated with the team, discounted tix can be a bear to find IME.

It is a Sunday afternoon game - 1pm kickoff, so nothing special except who the visiting team is.

And yes, a HUGE rip-off!

Our preseason game tickets last night were very good seats - row 19 in the first level, so we were probably about 30 feet from the field, and ticket value for those were $67.00, but you are right...they were free from a player safety clinic DS12 and DH attended hosted at the team's practice facility a few weeks ago, so they came directly from the organization.

 

[Lilacs4Me]

A lot of this was to do with the team involved as well as who they're playing for a game. Nearly all NFL teams are essentially sold out for all games every year, much of it with season ticket holders. Therefore, you're mostly relegated to the secondary ticket market (StubHub, etc.).

If you can find a game against a team that people don't necessarily have as much interest in, the resale prices might be cheaper.

I'll use my hometown Cleveland Browns as an example. Obviously, they suck But we're a football crazy town, so there still isn't a face value ticket to be found. But because they suck, as the season goes on, resale tickets fluctuate. My siblings and I usually take our Dad to one game a year - and these days, the game is often dictated by our own schedules as to when we can all go. Two years ago, that ended up with premium priced tickets - because they were playing the Cowboys, who don't play here very often. So we paid quite a bit over face value. Last year, on the other hand, they were playing the Bengals, who we play every year, so we paid (I kid you not), $6 a piece for the tickets (plus $8 service fee ).

So my suggestion would be to just keep an eye on the resale market as the season goes on and see if you can land a couple tickets when the prices dip (if they dip).

Ugh...I think prices will stay high for this visiting team even if the home team stinks. The visiting team is probably one of the most sought-after teams to watch in the NFL.

But I will definitely keep an eye on the resale market and hope for the best! Thanks!

You gave me another thought, too...the local facebook swap sites would probably be good for season ticket holders looking to get rid of their seats. Although I can't imagine many people will for this particular game, but I will watch and see!

 

[Lilacs4Me]

I know I’m probably in the minority, but I just don’t understand why people spend so much money, time and emotional sanity on professional sports. I have respect for the skills and athleticism, but not enough to pay them my hard-earned money.

Same...I completely love the sport of football, but not for $500 a game!

And my favorite team is the ones my kids play on lol and I can watch them for free (well, for $375+fundraising fee)

 

[morgan98]

OP, funny you posted this. I was recently shocked (like on Wednesday) by this while reviewing some general ledger expenses at work. I was shocked at the price per ticket only to find out it was pretty much a regular, run of the mill seat...no special location or food or drink perks, etc.

No wonder many seats are taken by businesses etc. I am not sure how many people would choose to or could afford to pay those prices for a family.

 

[Minnesota!]

I would pay it...I am a sucker like that. My younger son, 11, is like your son...lives, breathes, and loves the game. I caught him watching NFL Network at 1230 this morning.

His favorite team is the Jags. They, luckily, came to town for preseason this year, and I sent him. But, since it was his favorite team, and a once in a lifetime thing, I would have spent three $$$ to send him during the regular season.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

I know I’m probably in the minority, but I just don’t understand why people spend so much money, time and emotional sanity on professional sports. I have respect for the skills and athleticism, but not enough to pay them my hard-earned money.

Same reason people will pay $100+ for entrance to a park that requires you too book rides 60+ days out to avoid standing in long lines.

We all have our vices.

I'm a die hard Dolphins fan. I used to go to as many games as I could afford. Not anymore. I have a 70" TV and a fully stocked bar at home. No need to go to the stadium.

That is unless anyone has a spare ticket.....hehe

 

[JaxDad]

Same reason people will pay $100+ for entrance to a park that requires you too book rides 60+ days out to avoid standing in long lines.

We all have our vices.

I'm a die hard Dolphins fan. I used to go to as many games as I could afford. Not anymore. I have a 70" TV and a fully stocked bar at home. No need to go to the stadium.

That is unless anyone has a spare ticket.....hehe

If I could reasonably experience a theme park on a 70-inch TV, I wouldn’t pay to go there either.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

If I could reasonably experience a theme park on a 70-inch TV, I wouldn’t pay to go there either.

 

[RedAngie]

I don't want this turning into a hater thread, so I won't name teams. lol

I'm guessing the visiting team that's driving up the prices is the Los Angeles Chargers.

In October the New England Patriots are visiting the Chicago Bears for the first time in many years (2010). Yeah, I'm bored at work today and have time for some internet sleuthing.

 

[sunshinehighway]

I'm guessing the visiting team that's driving up the prices is the Los Angeles Chargers.

In October the New England Patriots are visiting the Chicago Bears for the first time in many years (2010). Yeah, I'm bored at work today and have time for some internet sleuthing.

I assumed it's the Patriots. The team, star player getting older automatically made me think TB.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Is there ANY way to get discounted tickets? Any tips or secret tricks?

You should have bought them from the NFL/ticketmaster directly back when they went on sale in June.


Or try getting tickets for a less popular opponent.

 

[Lilacs4Me]

It is a Sunday afternoon game - 1pm kickoff, so nothing special except who the visiting team is.

And yes, a HUGE rip-off!

I assumed it's the Patriots. The team, star player getting older automatically made me think TB.

haha, maybe it is, maybe it's not. I don't want advice tainted by people's love or hate of specific players/teams! It could be the Packers/Aaron Rogers or Lions/Stafford- who is to say what stadium we were at last night...could have been in 3 different states, theoretically, and my kids are on a 4-day weekend)...or a certain TE who is getting older, or the center....remember my kid is an avid football guy - he knows and admires more than just the superstar of each team. Maybe his favorite player is a Left Guard or Right Tackle! (both my boys are/were interior linemen, so they appreciate the true playmakers on the team )

 

[Lilacs4Me]

You should have bought them from the NFL/ticketmaster directly back when they went on sale in June.


Or try getting tickets for a less popular opponent.

Did you read my post? lol

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Did you read my post? lol

"his ALL TIME FAVORITE team is coming to town in October"

Oh, duh. Here I assumed he was a fan of the home team.

 

[sunshinehighway]

haha, maybe it is, maybe it's not. I don't want advice tainted by people's love or hate of specific players/teams! It could be the Packers/Aaron Rogers or Lions/Stafford- who is to say what stadium we were at last night...could have been in 3 different states, theoretically)...or a certain TE who is getting older, or the center....remember my kid is an avid football guy - he knows and admires more than just the superstar of each team. Maybe his favorite player is a Left Guard or Right Tackle! (both my boys are/were interior linemen, so they appreciate the true playmakers on the team )

Well to be fair, I'm from New England so I just automatically think Patriots.