Surge in NFL Ticket Prices Over the Last Decade

An Increasingly Luxurious Commodity: NFL Tickets

Attending an NFL game is becoming more of a luxury than ever before. In 2023 alone, the average ticket price rose by 8.6% to $120. The construction of new stadiums, which are designed with fewer seats and more luxury boxes and premium seats, is a significant factor in this increase. For example, the recently constructed Allegiant Stadium, the venue for the previous year's Super Bowl in Las Vegas, has a seating capacity of 65,000, one of the smallest in the league.

This information is based on a graphic created by Dorothy Neufeld of Visual Capitalist, which illustrates the escalating cost of attending an NFL game. The data was sourced from Team Marketing Report via FinanceBuzz.

The Rising Cost of NFL Game Attendance

Below is a breakdown of the increased costs of an average NFL ticket, parking, beer, and hot dog since 2013:

In the past decade, the cost of attending an NFL game has risen by 39%, a rate that exceeds the rate of inflation. The Las Vegas Raiders, who have relocated and built a new stadium, have seen the most significant price increases. The cost of attending a game is now $103 more expensive than it was in 2013. The Allegiant Stadium, which cost an eye-watering $1.9 billion to construct, is one of the most expensive stadiums in the world.

On the other hand, the cost of attending a Cleveland Browns game has almost doubled compared to 2013. The Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl victories have particularly led to higher ticket costs, which have risen 103% over the past decade. In 2023, Chiefs tickets were the second most expensive in the league on the resale market, with home tickets averaging $468.

In stark contrast, the cost of attending a Dallas Cowboys game has decreased by 1% compared to a decade ago. Despite being the world's most valuable sports team, game costs have remained relatively stable, at $160 in 2023 versus $162 in 2013. For context, the Cowboys had the highest game costs in 2013, while their costs are slightly above the NFL average today.

Similarly, the New York Jets and New England Patriots have seen some of the smallest overall price increases.

For a more detailed look at this topic from a revenue perspective, check out this graphic on the top NFL teams by revenue.

Bottom Line

The increasing cost of NFL game tickets over the past decade is a clear indicator of the growing demand and value of the sport. With new stadiums being built and teams relocating, it's evident that the NFL is becoming a more luxurious commodity. However, it's interesting to note the contrast between teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys in terms of ticket price changes. What are your thoughts on this trend? Do you think it's fair for fans to bear the brunt of these price increases? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Remember, you can also sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.