Times are changing, and unfortunately, they are changing for the worst. Despite the fact that the average price for 2011 tickets has dropped, ticket prices continue to remain unattainable for some.
The Average Price of an NFL ticket
As of this week the average ticket price for 12 NFL teams is over $200. Yes that’s right, over $200! While it is true that last year’s ticket prices were even more outrageous, there is no excuse to why the average ticket costs so much. (No matter how high the demand)
The national unemployment rate has remained at an abysmal 9.1% these past several months and the economy is showing no signs of improvement. Jobs are being lost as people crowd unemployment lines. Meanwhile NFL Owners like Jerry Jones (Cowboys) and Robert Kraft (Patriots) are living in their own little bubbles, ignoring what is happening in the “real world”.
The Stadium Experience
Sure nothing beats the excitement of a loss of hearing after visiting an NFL game, but is the stadium price really worth it anymore? With a third of teams selling their average ticket for more then $200, I am not surprised that demand isn’t as high as it once was.
While teams are constantly using funds to improve the stadium experience, upgrades tend to come at a price. Concessions in many stadiums like the new Meadow-lands Stadium are out of control. A small soda costs about $5, while a pork sandwich fetches for price of $9. That right folks, pork is really quite valuable in the eyes of the Giants Owners!
Just looking back at some old statistics, you quickly realize that something is seriously wrong. In 1991 the average price of a hot-dog was $1.85, while in 2009 it was $4.40.
Beer was $3.04, and in 2009 it was $6.80. Soft-drinks were $1.51, in 2009 the average was $4.09
Anyone who has attended an NFL game recently, can vouch that the situation has only gotten worse. Things like concessions have quickly achieved outrageous price tags…
The Alternative
While some may see the stadium experience as irreplaceable, most NFL fans beg to differ. With Direct T.V and other T.V networks offering coverage of NFL games for a fraction of the cost of attending a stadium, I am shocked that so many people still prefer attending stadiums.
Why attend a game which will cost $150-$800 (depending on the number of people you bring), when you can watch from the comfort of your home? Snacks won’t be as expensive, you don’t have worry about cramped parking, and your bathroom is only seconds away! (Harder to miss those key moments)
Direct T.V offers “Sunday Ticket” for $340 year round. (With a basic subscription) That means you get 16+ games of your favorite team, for the price of one game at the stadium. It isn’t hard to see that with offers such as the ones made by Direct T.V, stadiums will continue to grow out of touch with the average NFL fan. (And out of their price range!)
Conclusion
NFL fans will eventually get fed up. NFL owners and players should ride their easy money for as long as possible, because popularity will most likely continue to plummet. With all the ridiculous issues that come with being an NFL fan, we can expect the “Golden Years” of NFL football to end in only a few years. Less people will show up to the actual stadiums while at the same time, more will turn to the comfort of their own home. Why attend a crowded and overpriced stadium, when someone can watch the same game from the comfort of their home?
Its a No-Brainer!