The dazzling, neon-lit setting of first-time host Las Vegas and 49ers fans’ hopes to reverse their 2020 loss to the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs are driving Super Bowl ticket prices higher than any other game in recent memory. The resale price of the average ticket sold is on pace to be the most expensive ever for a championship game, topping the $8,600 mark set by the Los Angeles Super Bowl two years ago. The enthusiasm for this year’s contest, slated for Sunday at the new Allegiant Stadium, is also well above the record-setting levels of last year’s matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots in Minneapolis or the 2015 contest between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons in Denver.
Those high-demand factors drive ticket prices to four-figure and five-figure figures, even at the most popular resale sellers. Several websites say they have tickets available, although some sell for close to face value. “This is a big-ticket event, so demand will always be high,” said Chris Leyden, director of growth marketing at SeatGeek, a leading ticketing platform. “People are looking to see the two best teams in the NFL and have a great weekend in Las Vegas, so it’s a great combination.”
Budelli said that Super Bowl tickets typically spike up immediately after the conference championship games are played on Sunday. Then, as the big day draws closer, prices usually decline. This one, however, may follow a different pattern.
Leyden added that Super Bowls have historically been more expensive than other events because fans are willing to pay for the opportunity to see their teams play in a world-class venue, and there is also an aura of excitement and anticipation surrounding the event.
The cheapest available ticket on StubHub is $6,379 for a seat in Section 442, Row 8, near the top of the stadium and positioned right behind what will be the 49ers bench. The most expensive tickets on the Vividseats website are $31,500 for seats in Section C132, Row 10, positioned just behind the Chiefs bench.
Some fans, however, are concerned that ticket prices are too high and could discourage them from attending the game. Keith Jennings, a Chiefs fan with family in town to watch the game, told The Kansas City Star that he and his wife plan to fly home from Las Vegas before kickoff if they cannot source tickets at an affordable rate. He added that he knows people on social media who have posted screenshots of fake tickets and warned others to purchase from a trusted site.
