Think catching an NFL game is just about grabbing a ticket and heading to the stadium? Think again. Over the past decade, the cost of being a live spectator has skyrocketed. From tickets to parking, even grabbing a beer or hot dog now feels like splurging on a fancy night out. Want to know why everyone’s wallet is hurting? Let’s break down how much more a person is shelling out for their favorite team and what’s driving these price hikes.
NFL Game Costs Are Up 39% In A Decade
Since 2013, the average cost to attend an NFL game has risen by 39%, far outpacing the national inflation rate of 31%. In 2023, fans spent an average of $120 just on tickets, an 8.6% increase from the previous year. This trend is primarily driven by new, high-tech stadiums emphasizing luxury seating and premium experiences over sheer capacity.
Take Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Opened in 2020, it cost a staggering $1.9 billion to build and holds only 65,000 seats—one of the smallest in the league. This lower capacity and state-of-the-art amenities have made Raiders tickets the most expensive, with game costs jumping 108% in the last decade.
Teams With The Biggest Cost Increases
Several teams have made it far pricier to attend their games in the past ten years.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Leading the pack, costs surged from $95 in 2013 to $198 in 2023—a whopping 108% increase. The team’s move to Las Vegas and their shiny new Allegiant Stadium played a major role in this hike.
- Cleveland Browns: Costs nearly doubled, jumping 93% from $78 to $151.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Game costs climbed 88%, from $87 to $162, as fans rushed to watch Tom Brady and their Super Bowl-winning squad.
- San Francisco 49ers: After moving into Levi’s Stadium in 2014, the team saw an 83% increase in costs, which brought their total to $203.
Meanwhile, some teams have kept their increases more manageable. The Dallas Cowboys, for example, actually reduced game costs by 1%, dropping from $162 in 2013 to $160 in 2023. Other teams with modest hikes include the New York Jets (5%) and New England Patriots (6%).
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Beer And Concessions: Rising Costs On Game Day
The price of a cold beer at NFL games has skyrocketed in the last decade.
- The Carolina Panthers lead the league in beer inflation. Their 16-ounce pours jumped from $4.36 in 2013 to $10.56 in 2023—a 142% increase.
- Other teams doubling their beer prices include the Los Angeles Chargers (+121%), Philadelphia Eagles (+119%), New Orleans Saints (+112%), and Los Angeles Rams (+105%).
Even hot dogs and parking costs haven’t been spared, adding to fans’ overall expenses.
How Success Impacts NFL Ticket Prices?
Winning on the field often means higher NFL ticket prices. The Kansas City Chiefs, buoyed by three Super Bowl victories in the Patrick Mahomes era, increased their game costs by 103% over the past decade. Fans now pay an average of $165 per game, making it one of the most expensive in the league.
Similarly, the 49ers’ five NFC championship game appearances since 2013 have contributed to their 83% cost hike.
Finding Savings In A Pricey NFL World
Despite the price surge, there are ways fans can save. Tickets on secondary markets like StubHub and SeatGeek often dip below face value, especially close to game day. Factors like weather, injuries, and less popular visiting teams can further drive down resale prices.
Using cashback or travel credit cards can also offset costs, whether for tickets, rideshares, or parking passes.
For those who can’t make it to the stadium, streaming services offer a cost-effective way to catch games from home without breaking the bank.
Also Read: NFL Celebration Rules And Guidelines: Everything You Need To Know
