StubHub has reported record resale prices for Super Bowl tickets ahead of this weekend’s game, but demand seems to have stagnated in the build-up to the clash between Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs.
StubHub, an official ticket exchange for the National Football League (NFL), says that the average ticket sale price of $7,589 is up 18 per cent year-on-year.
With the 2020 championship game’s average sale price currently the highest ever, StubHub suggests Sunday’s match in Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium could prove to be a new record, with prices tipped to climb even higher before the Bucs and Chiefs commence battle.
“There is also a chance that perhaps prices could climb back up as traveling buyers purchase their tickets in the next 48 hours and local Tampa buyers start purchasing,” a StubHub spokesperson told MarketWatch.
“This is such a unique event this year –– more so than ever –– with such an intimate audience that we strongly suggest fans buy sooner than later before ticket supply diminishes.”
Raymond James stadium in Florida will only admit 22,000 fans, or about one-third of capacity. Of those 22,000 fans, 7,500 will receive free tickets that have been dedicated to front-line health workers. It will be the smallest crowd ever for a Super Bowl match.
The Bucs are the first-ever team to play at their home arena in a Super Bowl, and the fact that fans can be patient in ticket purchases, without having to consider booking flights and hotels, is thought to be influencing price points.
At present, the most expensive regular listings on StubHub are at $19,734 for each of two seats in the Lower Level Center 109 section. StubHub’s lowest-priced listings are $4,200 for each of four seats in Upper Deck Corner 304.
Meanwhile, ticket aggregator TicketIQ said it has seen a double-digit reduction in demand over the last week, with all types of tickets seeing a fall in price.
The average price for all tickets is $9,133, which is down 27 per cent this week, while the most expensive single-ticket is down 40 per cent to $24,757. The cheapest ticket is down 13 per cent to $5,159 with the cheapest lower-level ticket down 28 per cent to $6,248.
On Location Experience (OLE), the NFL’s official hospitality partner, last month unveiled its packages for Chiefs fans looking to travel to the Florida game.
Ticket packages are available for up to $22,951 per person and include an official game ticket, virtual experiences with NFL legends and a commemorative Chiefs gift. The cheapest packages begin at just over $7,438.
OLE said: “In addition to Official Ticket Packages, fans can also purchase a fully catered private suite experience. Whether a fan is looking for a multi-night stay to enjoy Super Bowl weekend in Tampa, or simply wants a gameday ticket package, On Location and Kansas City have something for everyone.”
Image: Raymond James Stadium