Super Bowl Tickets Are Astronomical, But There’s a Trick to Scoring a Deal

As the countdown to the Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers ticks away, ticket prices have skyrocketed, reaching unprecedented highs. 

With an average price of around $9,800, this year's Super Bowl has earned the title of the most expensive in history — enough to make even a certain blonde, billionaire, pop-star NFL girlfriend do a double take. 

The good news is that the data shows that savvy fans can still save if they buy smart.

What's driving the high prices?

This year's Super Bowl is not just a game; it's a week-long extravaganza, and the city of Las Vegas is a significant contributor to the record-breaking demand.

Last November, the city hosted a Formula 1 race, further enhancing its appeal as a sports and entertainment hub. In addition to the three-hour Super Bowl game, fans can expect a week of festivities, contributing to the unprecedented demand.

The last time the Chiefs faced the 49ers in the Super Bowl was in 2020, and that game was the most expensive on record until this year. The excitement surrounding the Chiefs' return and the allure of Las Vegas have combined to create an unparalleled surge in ticket prices.

The best time to buy tickets

For fans eager to witness the clash between the Chiefs and the 49ers in person, patience could be a virtue. If the past trends hold true, ticket prices will likely decline as the game draws near, offering an opportunity for smart buyers to secure a seat at a more reasonable cost.

While ticket prices are currently at an all-time high, there's still hope for ticket buyers. FinanceBuzz used data from seatdata.io to analyze over 50,000 NFL resale ticket prices for all playoff games played during the 2022-2023 NFL postseason, including the Super Bowl, and identified a trend that could benefit those looking to save. 

In each round of the playoffs, ticket prices were considerably cheaper within 48 hours of kickoff compared to one week beforehand. The data revealed:

• Wild-card round: 21% lower prices
• Divisional round: 11% lower prices
• Conference championship: 17% lower prices
• Super Bowl: 49% lower prices

Super Bowl ticket prices were nearly 50% cheaper on the day of the game compared to two weeks prior, marking a significant potential saving for those willing to wait.

Bottom line

In the game of Super Bowl ticket purchasing, timing is everything. While this year's prices may initially seem discouraging, the prospect of substantial savings as the event approaches could make attending the Super Bowl a reality for fans who play their cards right (and still keep some money in their wallet).

So, as the countdown to the big game continues, keep an eye on ticket prices and remember, a Super Bowl experience doesn't have to come with a billionaire price tag.