Super Bowl fever is in the air, but this year, there’s a surprising twist: ticket prices for Super Bowl LIX are notably lower than last year’s game. As fans gear up to potentially witness a thrilling Super Bowl LVII rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, this time at the Caesars Superdome in vibrant New Orleans, the burning question is: why the price drop? Just days after the conference championships, the median ticket price for this year’s showdown hovered around $6,304, a significant 33% decrease compared to last year’s hefty average of $9,400. Even on secondary markets like StubHub, the cheapest ticket to the big game in the Big Easy was listed at a relatively more accessible $2,886.
Adding to the narrative, the ever-present Taylor Swift effect will likely continue as she cheers on her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and the Chiefs in their quest for an unprecedented three-peat. Despite the star power and potential for history, the ticket prices tell a different story. Is “Chiefs fatigue” setting in? Or does the location play a more significant role, considering New Orleans is hosting the Super Bowl for a record-tying 11th time?
To unravel these factors, Temple Now turned to Rick Ridall, a seasoned expert in sports sales, marketing, and event management at Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management. Professor Ridall offers compelling insights into the dynamics influencing Super Bowl ticket prices this year.
Rick Ridall, a sports industry expert at Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management, provides analysis on Super Bowl ticket price trends. Photography courtesy of Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management.
Location, Location, Location: The Las Vegas Effect on Super Bowl LVIII
Temple Now (TN): What are the primary reasons behind the significant difference in Super Bowl ticket costs compared to last year?
Rick Ridall (RR): The most crucial element to consider is location. Where Was The Super Bowl Last Year? It was held in Las Vegas for the first time. This novelty factor of hosting the Super Bowl in a city like Las Vegas, renowned for entertainment and accessibility, was a major catalyst for the price surge in 2024. Allegiant Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue, was also a new experience for many fans, adding to the allure. Las Vegas generated immense buzz, attracting people regardless of whether they had tickets initially, with many deciding to purchase tickets upon arrival due to the city’s atmosphere.
While New Orleans is also a desirable destination, it’s a familiar Super Bowl host. Having hosted the Super Bowl a record-tying 11 times, alongside Miami, New Orleans lacks the same novelty appeal as Las Vegas in 2024. Repeat Super Bowl attendees might feel a sense of “been there, done that” with New Orleans, thus tempering the overall demand and impacting ticket prices. Furthermore, recent events in New Orleans, such as the New Year’s Eve incident, might have subtly influenced perceptions of the city, potentially deterring some travelers.
Stadium Capacity: A Minor Influence on Ticket Prices
TN: Does the larger stadium capacity of the Superdome in New Orleans contribute to the lower ticket prices compared to Super Bowl LVIII?
RR: While stadium capacity plays a role, it’s a less significant factor than location and team dynamics. Last year, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas expanded to a 72,000 capacity for the Super Bowl. The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans holds approximately 83,000. The 11,000 additional tickets in New Orleans do increase overall availability, contributing to a slight downward pressure on prices. However, in the context of overall Super Bowl demand, this increase is relatively marginal. The larger capacity is a contributing factor, but not the primary driver for the price difference.
Chiefs Fatigue? Dynasty Impact on Super Bowl Demand
TN: Is “Chiefs fatigue” a factor in the decreased ticket prices, given their consistent Super Bowl appearances?
RR: The teams participating and their Super Bowl history significantly influence ticket demand. The Chiefs are aiming for a historic three-peat, and the Eagles boast a large and dedicated fanbase. However, the Chiefs’ frequent Super Bowl appearances – this being their fifth in six seasons – might lead to some fan fatigue, especially among those who attend regularly. Some fans with the financial means to attend annually might feel they’ve “seen enough” of the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, thus reducing demand.
Adding to this, the Chiefs and Eagles faced off in Super Bowl LVII just two years prior. This recent rematch further contributes to a sense of familiarity, potentially dampening enthusiasm and ticket demand. Had teams like the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, or Washington Commanders reached the Super Bowl, the novelty of a fresh matchup would likely have driven ticket prices higher. Similarly, the Dallas Cowboys, despite not reaching the Super Bowl in years, are known as “America’s Team,” and their participation would likely inflate ticket prices significantly, potentially by an additional 15-20%. Despite this, both the Eagles and Chiefs have incredibly passionate fan bases who will undoubtedly be strongly represented at the game.
NFL Ticket Distribution and the Secondary Market
TN: How does the NFL’s ticket distribution system affect ticket availability and prices?
RR: The NFL exercises complete control over Super Bowl ticket inventory. Each participating Super Bowl team receives an equal percentage (17.5%) of tickets. Teams like the Eagles often conduct lotteries for season ticket holders to purchase these initial allocations. The host team receives 5%, and the remaining 30 teams each get 1.2%, totaling 35% distributed across the league. The NFL retains 25% for media and corporate sponsors.
This controlled distribution significantly reduces the number of tickets available to the general public, funneling many to the secondary ticket market, including platforms like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, Gametime, and TickPick. The limited primary market availability inherently drives up prices on these secondary platforms, where supply and demand dynamics take full effect.
Timing the Market: When to Buy Super Bowl Tickets
TN: When is the optimal time to purchase Super Bowl tickets for the best price, and are there any psychological factors at play?
RR: Ticket prices typically experience an initial surge in the first few days after the conference championship games. Following this peak, prices tend to level off and gradually decline during the week leading up to the Super Bowl. However, expect another price jump on the Friday and Saturday before the game as people arrive in New Orleans and experience “fear of missing out.” Individuals who traveled to New Orleans without tickets might decide to make impulse purchases.
The ease of online ticket purchasing, eliminating the need for physical scalpers, further fuels spontaneous buying. Ticket resellers are likely to increase prices as the Super Bowl approaches. To avoid scams, it’s crucial to remember that all legitimate ticket purchases are conducted online through authorized resellers. Be wary of unofficial sources, especially as game day nears.
