There’s nothing worse than a sports fan who just wants to go to a sporting event but, because tickets are so expensive, just can’t. Even when searching the secondary market and trying to scrounge up a deal from fellow fans, prices have gotten to be quite ridiculous. And while baseball might be known as America’s Pastime, it’s football that really has the country’s sports’ fans obsessed. That’s why I wanted to see which NFL teams have the highest average ticket prices during the 2014 season, and let you know that, if you’re looking to score a seat to one of these teams’ games, I wish you nothing but the best of luck—because it’s going to cost you.
10. Denver Broncos Tickets – $299
They have the best quarterback in the NFL—and, when all is said and done—the best passer ever, so it’s no wonder the Denver Broncos have such a huge following each and every game. Going to two-straight AFC title games since Peyton Manning has joined Denver, fans are always ecstatic to get into the stadium to catch a glimpse of the future Hall of Famer—assuming they can get tickets. Even those who can are going to pay a serious premium, with the average cost being $299 for just one seat.
9. Baltimore Ravens Tickets – $302
As one of the best-run franchises in the league over the past decade or so and winning the Super Bowl in the 2012 season, the Baltimore Ravens have had a tremendous fan base since moving from Cleveland before the 1996 season. With that success has come a full house, with fans coming out in packs to make sure the Ravens end up on top of their opponent. Sure, tickets might be above $300 for one, but most of their supporters don’t seem to mind.
8. Washington Redskins Tickets – $304
After drafting quarterback Robert Griffin III second overall in 2012 and making the playoffs that same season, Washington Redskins fans were rejuvenated to believe that they could compete for a Super Bowl. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened since that magical rookie season by RG3, but that hasn’t stopped fans from coming to the stadium to support them, even with an average ticket price of over $300 and the criticism for the team’s name.
7. Dallas Cowboys Tickets – $322
With an owner who won’t stop at anything to field a winning team, a gorgeous, billion-dollar stadium and the stigma of America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys might be the most expensive team in the NFL. And with an average ticket price of $322, they prove that. With some of the most faithful and supportive fans in the league, the Boys know that they can charge almost anything and they’ll still get people to the park. Cowboys games are all about the experience, so fans do what they can to take part in it each week.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers Tickets – $328
Even after going just 8-8 the past few seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the most successful franchises in the NFL. For that reason—and with such passionate fans—the team is capable of charging a pretty premium price for their fans to get to Heinz Field for home games. It also doesn’t hurt that the Steelers have won two Super Bowls since franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger joined the team in 2004, making expectations always high in the Steel City.
5. Chicago Bears Tickets – $348
Playing in the third biggest market in the United States and having a team that, was supposed to, compete in the NFC, Chicago Bears tickets fall just short of the $350 plateau. Even with guys like Jay Cutler, Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall, Da Bears have struggled on the field, failing to be a serious factor in their conference. That hasn’t stopped fans from coming out to Solder Field, though, as supporters brave the freezing elements to take in a game and do what they can to get their team a win—even if it hasn’t happened for them much in 2014.
4. New York Giants Tickets – $366
Two Super Bowl titles in the past seven seasons haven’t hurt, nor does playing in one of the ritziest cities in the entire world, but seeing how the New York Giants have been inconsistent the past few years, it’s a little shocking to see their ticket prices are still so high. But one thing we all know is that New Yorkers—especially New York sports fans—are always going to show up at their favorite team’s games, meaning Giants execs can probably charge what they want and still see plenty of people pack MetLife Stadium. Yes, even if Eli Manning does throw a bunch of interceptions while they’re there.
3. San Francisco 49ers Tickets – $388
Three-straight NFC title games have led to great expectations in the Bay Area, with the San Francisco 49ers knowing that the product on the gridiron isn’t going to come cheap to see live. And after signing quarterback Colin Kaepernick to a big deal this past offseason, along with opening up a new stadium, it’s no wonder the front office charges an insane amount for the average ticket. Still, that hasn’t stopped fans from filling the new seats in Levi Stadium, as they have been near capacity in each home game.
2. New England Patriots Tickets – $414
WIth one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game under center, as well as the reputation of being one of the top organizations in all of sports, New England Patriots tickets have exceeded over $400 per ticket. With their great history and a stadium that offers an unbelievable fan experience, it’s no wonder why so many Northeasterners make the trip to Foxborough each time the Pats take the field.
1. Seattle Seahawks Tickets – $452
Living in Seattle, I can tell you that snagging a ticket to Century Link Field to see a Seahawks game is next to impossible. Not only are games always sold out, but, as this ranking shows, they’re also the most expensive in the entire league. Seeing how the fans are known as the 12th Man, it’s probably not too surprising, but, still, with an average of over $450 per ticket, it’s pretty insane to think that so many diehards will pay such a steep price just to take in a game. Saying that, they are the defending Super Bowl champs, so, of course people want to see them live.
Image via Getty
