How Much Does It Cost to Attend a College Football Game?
College football is one of the most popular sports in the United States, and attending a live game can be an exciting experience for many fans. However, the cost of attending a college football game can vary greatly depending on the team, the stadium, and the game’s importance. With the college football season just around the corner, many fans are wondering how much it costs to attend a game.
How much Are College Football Game Tickets?
The average ticket price for a selected NCAA college football game in the United States in 2022 was $403 for the Ohio State Buckeyes and $697 for the Peach Bowl to see the defending national-champion Georgia Bulldogs take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. The average ticket price for NCAA college football games in the United States in 2021 by conference was $244 for the SEC and $223 for the Big Ten.
However, these prices can vary greatly depending on the game’s importance, the teams playing, and the stadium’s location.
Attending a college football game can also involve additional costs such as parking, food, and merchandise. The average cost of parking for a college football game can range from $20 to $50, depending on the stadium’s location.
Food and drink prices can also vary greatly, with some stadiums offering affordable options such as hot dogs and popcorn, while others offer more expensive options such as gourmet burgers and craft beer. Fans may also want to purchase merchandise such as hats, t-shirts, and jerseys, which can add to the overall cost of attending a game.
If those prices are just too high for you, don’t forget that you have other options when it comes to watching live football games near you. High school football tickets are cheap and often provide a great show for football fans.
The Cost of College Football Game Tickets
Attending a college football game is an exciting experience for fans, but it can also be an expensive one. The cost of tickets can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the team, the venue, and the time of year.
In this section, we will explore the primary and secondary market ticket prices for college football games.
Need more answers? Check out our deep-dive into why college football game tickets are so expensive.
Primary Market Ticket Prices
Primary market ticket prices refer to the face value of tickets sold directly by the team or the venue. These prices can vary widely depending on the popularity of the team and the venue’s capacity.
For example, according to Statista, the average ticket price for an Ohio State Buckeyes football game in 2022 was $403, while the average ticket price for a game featuring the Notre Dame Fighting Irish was $291.
Secondary Market Ticket Prices
Secondary market ticket prices refer to tickets sold by resellers, such as Ticketmaster or StubHub. These prices can fluctuate depending on supply and demand, and can sometimes be higher than the face value of the ticket.
For example, according to NBC Sports, the average ticket price for the 2022 Peach Bowl between the Georgia Bulldogs and Ohio State Buckeyes was $697 on the secondary market, with the cheapest ticket costing $495.
It’s important to note that while secondary market ticket prices can be higher than primary market prices, they can also be lower, especially as the game date approaches. Fans looking to save money on tickets may want to consider waiting until closer to the game to purchase tickets on the secondary market.
Example of Secondary Market Ticket Prices
To illustrate the difference between primary and secondary market ticket prices, let’s take a look at the table below, which shows the average ticket prices for college football games by conference in 2021, according to Statista:
| Conference | Average Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| SEC | $244 |
| Big Ten | $223 |
| Big 12 | $168 |
As you can see, the average ticket prices for SEC and Big Ten games are higher than the average ticket prices for Big 12 games. However, these prices are still lower than the average secondary market ticket price for the 2022 Peach Bowl.
Fans looking to attend a game should consider both primary and secondary market ticket prices, and be prepared to pay a premium for more popular games.
Factors Affecting Ticket Prices
When it comes to attending a college football game, ticket prices can vary widely depending on several factors. Here are some of the main factors that can affect the cost of a ticket.
Team Performance
If a team is doing well and has a strong chance of making it to a bowl game or the College Football Playoff, demand for tickets will likely be high, which can drive up prices. On the other hand, if a team is struggling or has a losing record, ticket prices may be more affordable.
Opponent
If a team is playing a big rival or a highly-ranked team, ticket prices may be higher due to increased demand. Conversely, if a team is playing a less well-known or less competitive opponent, ticket prices may be more affordable.
Stadium Size and Location
Larger stadiums with more seating capacity may be able to offer tickets at a lower price point, while smaller stadiums may have to charge more to cover costs. Additionally, stadiums located in popular tourist destinations may have higher ticket prices due to increased demand from visitors.
To give you an idea of how these factors can impact ticket prices, here are a few examples:
| Game | Teams | Average Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|
| SEC Championship Game | Alabama vs. Georgia | $499 |
| Orange Bowl | North Carolina vs. Texas A&M | $193 |
| Rose Bowl | Oregon vs. Ohio State | $325 |
| Peach Bowl | Michigan State vs. Pittsburgh | $146 |
As you can see, ticket prices can vary widely depending on the teams involved, the location of the game, and other factors. If you’re looking to attend a college football game, it’s a good idea to do your research ahead of time and compare prices to find the best deal.
Student Athletes and College Football Ticket Prices
Attending a college football game is a popular pastime for many students. However, for student athletes, the cost of attending these games can be a significant financial burden. Unfortunately, college’s seldom make football game tickets free for students, though they may receive earlier access to them than the general public.
In this section, we will explore the relationship between student athletes and college football ticket prices.
Scholarships and Compensation
One way in which student athletes can offset the cost of attending college football games is through scholarships and compensation. While student athletes are not paid a salary, they may receive scholarships that cover tuition, fees, and room and board. These scholarships can be worth tens of thousands of dollars per year and can significantly reduce the financial burden of attending college.
By the way, did you know that, because they are not governed by NCAA rules, college cheerleaders can get paid to cheer?!
However, not all student athletes receive full scholarships, and some may still struggle to afford the cost of attending college football games. Additionally, there is ongoing debate about whether student athletes should be compensated for their contributions to college sports.
Treatment of Male and Female Athletes
While male football players often receive more attention and resources, female athletes may struggle to receive the same level of support. This can be particularly true when it comes to access to facilities, equipment, and coaching staff.
Furthermore, female athletes may not receive the same level of compensation as male athletes, even though they are contributing to the success of their college sports programs. This has led to calls for greater gender equity in college sports and increased support for female athletes.
To highlight the differences in treatment between male and female athletes, consider the following table:
| Metric | Male Athletes | Female Athletes |
|---|---|---|
| Scholarship Amount | $25,000 | $20,000 |
| Access to Facilities | Yes | Limited |
| Access to Coaching Staff | Yes | Limited |
| Compensation | None | None |
Public Interest
Schools with more successful football programs may charge higher ticket prices, which can further exacerbate the financial burden on student athletes.
While scholarships and compensation can help offset some of the costs, there is still a need for greater support for student athletes, particularly when it comes to gender equity and access to resources.
The Future of College Football Ticket Prices
The future of college football ticket prices remains uncertain. However, there are several factors that could impact the cost of attending a college football game in the coming years.
Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has already had a significant impact on college football ticket prices. In 2020, many universities limited stadium capacity or canceled games altogether, resulting in a decrease in ticket prices. As the pandemic continues to evolve, it is possible that universities will continue to limit capacity or implement other safety measures that could impact ticket prices.
TV Ratings and Viewership
TV ratings and viewership have a significant impact on college football ticket prices. In recent years, there has been a decline in TV ratings and viewership for college football games. This trend could lead to a decrease in ticket prices as universities try to entice fans to attend games in person.
NFL Players and College Football
For example, if a university produces several successful NFL players, it could lead to an increase in ticket prices as fans become more interested in attending games to see future NFL stars in action.
March Madness and NCAA Tournament
If a university’s basketball team has a successful run in the tournament, it could lead to an increase in ticket prices for football games as fans become more interested in attending games to support the university’s athletic program as a whole.
NCAA College Sports
If a university has a successful athletic program across multiple sports, it could lead to an increase in ticket prices as fans become more invested in the university’s athletic program as a whole.
Stadiums and Coaches
If a university invests in improving its stadium or hires a successful coach, it could lead to an increase in ticket prices as fans become more interested in attending games to see the improvements on display.
In conclusion, the future of college football ticket prices remains uncertain, but there are several factors that could impact the cost of attending a game in the coming years. From the impact of COVID-19 to the success of NFL players who played college football, there are many variables that could impact ticket prices.