You have several options for buying NFL tickets. We’ve been in the ticket industry for 10 years and know about timing your purchase. There are several strategies people consider when they decide to attend a game. We will help you determine some options to consider before you use your credit card. We’ll start from the furthest length until the last minute before the game starts.
We are all aware of the ticket price increases that have been happening for years, and it takes some effort to help those who want to save or not overpay. Some of the strategies we discuss come with some financial risk. Nothing crazy here, but enough that you should be sure of what you may or may not get.
Note – We assume you are not interested in season tickets. We highly recommend getting on the season ticket deal if you can afford them and the waitlist isn’t too bad.
Before the Season Starts
You’re excited to see your favorite NFL team live in your hometown. What are your options when buying tickets before the season? Stop and wait. You mustn’t let FOMO take over. If you don’t care too much about what you pay, then go for it. However, for those looking for deals, we suggest you wait. The team you want to see will also be important for the right strategy. A Panthers game and a Chiefs game require different methods. We’ll discuss the teams below.
The NFL schedule is usually announced in mid-May. Often, this is when season ticket holders will list their tickets on SeatGeek and StubHub. They have plenty of time to sell the tickets they don’t want to use, so they will ask for much more than what the tickets should cost, hoping to score big profits. For example, Eagles fans can list their Cowboys tickets at Lincoln Financial Field for enough to cover two or four other games during the season. If they sell on this day, they will be way ahead and the rest of the season will be a breeze.
Since you have nearly four months before the first week, we suggest you look every 10 days leading up to week one of the season. Note how many tickets were available on the first day you looked and create a small spreadsheet with how many listings are available every 10 days. Also, mark down the prices in several different sections. This will give you enough data to know when to buy before the season starts.
If you are looking at week one, you’ll have to select tickets before the season. However, if you are looking later in the season, you can consider the other options as well.
Risk Factors – When dealing with before-the-season purchases, you could face a devastating injury that could cause ticket prices to drop. Alternatively, the team you want to see could pick up a major free agent, increasing ticket prices in a matter of minutes.
Several Months Before the Game
If the season has started and you want to go to a game later in the season, you have similar options, but now you face decisions based on the team’s performance. A team that is 2-0 vs. 0-2 is likely to ask for more money for tickets. On the other hand, you might get lucky with a team that is struggling. This leaves the door open for people trying to unload their tickets before the season gets away from them.
Often, we’ve seen teams struggle initially, making deals available, only for the team to turn their season around, causing ticket prices to shoot up. If you are looking far in advance, consider the opponent. It will be a gamble, but at some point, you’ll have to decide. You will win some and lose some, so always keep that in mind and enjoy the game.
One Month Before the Game
When it comes to the best time to buy NFL tickets, we recommend buying one month before the game you want to see. You have plenty of variables to consider, but this timing usually allows you to get tickets when the supply is still decent. This way, you can secure a good price regardless of what happens in the next few weeks that could impact ticket prices. The opponent your team plays will also be clear. One month out is a sweet spot for those who want to know they have their tickets. We are looking at October games and beyond for this timing. Four to five weeks into the season usually indicates the kind of team you are going to see live.
Two Weeks Before the Game
You are now digging in and starting to feel a little anxious. Don’t worry, there are usually plenty of tickets available with two weeks remaining for most games. This is also a time when sellers get anxious as well, fearing they won’t sell their tickets for the price they want. This is what makes the ticket marketplace something special.
We suggest you monitor the ticket listing availability. If there are still over 100 listings, you should be okay. If the listings drop below 50, you might want to press the buy button so you don’t miss out. Always consider the team’s current status. If you have a playoff team on your hands, there won’t be much you can do to save money on tickets.
One Week Before the Game
This is when you and your buddies finally decide to go tailgate and head to a game. You could face various scenarios when you are one week out. If your team is coming off a big win, ticket prices will spike for the remaining tickets. On the other hand, after a bad loss or a significant injury, you may find more tickets for sale in that week, leading to some great deals.
Again, you are playing the what-if game, and that can be costly during some seasons. If you see tickets in a good section for an average price, we suggest you make your move. The likelihood of those tickets dropping further is not common.
Last Minute
There are always tickets available at the last minute. We know many people who have gotten into games by buying tickets as they walk up to the stadium. This approach isn’t for the faint-hearted, and we suggest you avoid this tactic for strong teams and big rivalry games. These events attract more fans, keeping ticket prices high. Many season ticket holders will only sell their tickets at a price they want and are comfortable going to the game instead of selling them cheaply.
However, if you’re looking at a team that isn’t very good, bad weather, and other favorable factors, this can be the best time to buy last-minute NFL tickets.
Things You Need to Consider
Here is a list of factors that influence ticket prices throughout the NFL season. Timing is crucial, but considering these factors can help you save money on NFL tickets.
Opponent – Divisional rivalries tend to keep ticket prices high, while games against distant out-of-conference teams may have lower attendance and lower prices. Smaller market opponents won’t bring in nearly as many fans versus a Commanders vs. Eagles game.
Weather – Good weather often means higher attendance and steady ticket prices, whereas bad weather can lead to more tickets being available at lower prices.
Team Record – If your team is performing well with a winning record, there tends to be a higher demand for tickets as more people want to attend games. Conversely, when your team isn’t performing well and has a losing record, ticket availability increases and prices often drop significantly. In such cases, waiting can be advantageous as you may find better deals on tickets as the season progresses.
Player Status – Player status can heavily influence ticket prices. For example, if you’re a Chiefs fan and Patrick Mahomes gets injured, many fans may decide to sell their tickets at lower prices since they won’t see their star player in action. This situation could provide an opportunity for you to purchase tickets for decent seats at a lower cost. It’s essential to consider factors like the backup player’s ability and the team’s overall performance without the star player when evaluating these opportunities.
Day of the Week – A game on a Sunday at 1 pm could be more enticing than a Monday night game. A Sunday night game is usually a marquee matchup which is usually a strike against your savings plan. Sunday at 4 is your best price point.
Team by Team Breakdown
Regarding ticket prices for NFL games, we can break them down into tiers. We consider the city, the fanbase, the stadium, and some other things that you may be up against when timing your NFL ticket purchases. The tier location of the team is subject to change based on improving records and special players. However, for the most part, each of these teams will establish a certain price point for a good seat.
Tier One Teams
Kansas City Chiefs – The Kansas City Chiefs often have higher ticket prices due to their recent success, including Super Bowl appearances/wins and a consistently strong performance led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
New England Patriots – The New England Patriots maintain high ticket prices due to their sustained success over the years, making their games highly sought after by fans. Additionally, the state-of-the-art facilities at Gillette Stadium and the passionate fan base contribute to the elevated demand and pricing.
Green Bay Packers – The Green Bay Packers carry high ticket prices because of their storied history and loyal fan base, with many fans holding season tickets for generations. Additionally, the unique ownership structure and the historic Lambeau Field experience make attending a Packers game a special event, further driving up demand and prices.
Buffalo Bills – The Buffalo Bills ticket prices have increased in recent years due to the team’s improved performance and playoff appearances, which have reignited fans. The passionate fan base and the lively atmosphere at Highmark Stadium also contribute to the strong demand for tickets.
San Francisco 49ers – San Francisco 49ers ticket prices are typically high due to the team’s strong performance and large fan base, which spans multiple generations. The modern Levi’s Stadium, with its premium amenities and location in the heart of Silicon Valley, also adds to the appeal and demand for tickets.
Baltimore Ravens – Baltimore Ravens ticket prices vary but tend to be on the higher side due to the team’s consistent competitiveness and strong defensive play. The game-day vibe at M&T Bank Stadium, combined with the city’s support, keeps demand for tickets hard to come by for cheap.
Los Angeles Rams – Los Angeles Rams ticket prices are influenced by the team’s recent success and the high-profile nature of their roster. The cutting-edge SoFi Stadium, offering a premier game-day experience in a major market, also drives up the demand and cost of tickets.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Pittsburgh Steelers ticket prices remain high due to the team’s strong performance record and dedicated fan base. The energetic happenings at the stadium, along with the team’s tradition of success, ensure a high demand for tickets.
Dallas Cowboys – Dallas Cowboys ticket prices are often among the highest in the NFL, driven by the team’s widespread popularity and branding as “America’s Team.” The impressive AT&T Stadium, with its state-of-the-art features and large seating capacity, also contributes to the high demand for tickets.
Philadelphia Eagles – Philadelphia Eagles ticket prices are influenced by the team’s strong recent performance and passionate fan base. The game-day experience at Lincoln Financial Field, known for its intense and lively crowd, further drives demand and ticket costs.
Tier Two Teams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tampa Bay Buccaneers ticket prices have seen fluctuations, influenced by the team’s performance and star player presence. Raymond James Stadium, with its distinctive pirate ship and lively fan experience, adds to the appeal, making tickets more desirable during successful seasons.
Tennessee Titans – Tennessee Titans ticket prices are moderately priced, reflecting a solid but not overwhelming demand from their regional fan base. The Nissan Stadium experience, with its scenic riverfront location and engaging game-day atmosphere, keeps fans returning and maintains steady ticket sales.
Seattle Seahawks – Seattle Seahawks ticket prices tend to be higher because of the passionate “12th Man” fan base that fills Lumen Field with incredible energy. The stadium’s reputation for being one of the loudest and most exciting places to watch a game makes tickets highly sought after.
Minnesota Vikings – Minnesota Vikings ticket prices are influenced by the team’s dedicated fan base and the appeal of U.S. Bank Stadium. The stadium’s cutting-edge design and game-day experience draw fans, making tickets highly desirable.
Indianapolis Colts – Indianapolis Colts ticket prices are more affordable due to the team’s ongoing rebuilding process and the need to attract a wider fan base. Despite this, Lucas Oil Stadium offers a great game-day experience, making it a good value for football fans.
New Orleans Saints – New Orleans Saints ticket prices are kept in the mid-range, reflecting the team’s efforts to rebuild and regain top-tier status. However, the action in the Caesars Superdome and the strong local support ensure a memorable experience for fans.
Cleveland Browns – Cleveland Browns ticket prices are relatively moderate, influenced by the team’s fluctuating performance and efforts to stabilize. The loyal fan base and the Cleveland Browns Stadium create a unique and engaging experience for attendees.
Miami Dolphins – Miami Dolphins ticket prices remain in the middle range, reflecting the team’s efforts to rise to consistent contention. The excitement of game days at Hard Rock Stadium, combined with South Florida’s appealing climate, makes attending games an enjoyable experience for fans.
Arizona Cardinals – Arizona Cardinals ticket prices are moderate due to the team’s mixed performance record and ongoing development. However, the modern amenities and fan-friendly environment at State Farm Stadium make attending games an appealing option for supporters.
Chicago Bears – Chicago Bears ticket prices are relatively moderate, reflecting the team’s efforts to rebuild and improve their standing. Soldier Field, with its historic significance and loyal fan base, continues to draw crowds, ensuring a lively and engaging experience.
Las Vegas Raiders – Las Vegas Raiders ticket prices are relatively high due to the team’s recent move to a new city and the allure of Allegiant Stadium. The combination of NFL games and the entertainment options in Las Vegas draws fans looking for a unique experience.
Cincinnati Bengals – Cincinnati Bengals ticket prices are moderately priced, reflecting the team’s efforts to build on recent successes. The strong local support and improved performance on the field have increased interest in attending games at Paycor Stadium.
Tier Three Teams
Washington Commanders – Washington Commanders ticket prices are on the lower side, reflecting the team’s recent performance challenges. Fans at FedExField still enjoy the excitement of NFL games and the potential for future team improvements.
New York Giants – New York Giants ticket prices are more affordable due to the team’s recent inconsistent performance. However, attending games at MetLife Stadium remains popular among fans who enjoy the NFL experience and support their local team.
Denver Broncos – Denver Broncos ticket prices are relatively moderate, reflecting the team’s performance in recent seasons. Empower Field at Mile High still attracts dedicated fans who value the unique game-day experience and scenic location.
Atlanta Falcons – Atlanta Falcons ticket prices are generally affordable, influenced by the team’s recent performance and market size. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with its modern facilities and fan-friendly environment, continues to draw fans to games.
Detroit Lions – Detroit Lions ticket prices are generally lower due to the team’s recent performance and market size. However, Ford Field offers a great experience for fans who enjoy supporting their local team.
Carolina Panthers – Carolina Panthers ticket prices are modest, reflecting the team’s recent performance and efforts to gain momentum. Bank of America Stadium provides a welcoming environment for fans who enjoy supporting their team through all seasons.
New York Jets – New York Jets ticket prices tend to be on the lower side, reflecting the team’s recent struggles. Despite this, MetLife Stadium offers fans a chance to enjoy NFL games and support their team in a large, modern venue.
Houston Texans – Houston Texans ticket prices are relatively low, influenced by the team’s recent performance and ongoing development. NRG Stadium still attracts fans who appreciate the opportunity to watch live NFL action and support their local team.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Jacksonville Jaguars ticket prices are generally affordable, reflecting the team’s recent performance and smaller market size. EverBank Stadium provides fans with a chance to enjoy NFL games in a comfortable and welcoming setting.
Los Angeles Chargers – Los Angeles Chargers ticket prices are moderate, influenced by the team’s fluctuating performance and competitive market. SoFi Stadium, with its impressive design and amenities, still draws fans looking for an exciting game-day experience.
We Covered the Most Important Topics
We’ve explored the best times to buy NFL tickets, highlighting the variables that can help you save money, whether you’re purchasing before the season starts or at the last minute. We’ll keep you updated on strategies for any team or event you want to attend. Remember, with the right approach, ticket prices don’t have to be overwhelming. Keep these tips in mind before making your purchase.