NFL Ticket Buying Guide: Best Strategies for 2026 Season

Your Complete Guide to NFL Tickets

NFL tickets are among the most expensive in sports, but smart buying strategies can save you hundreds. Here's everything you need to know.

Understanding NFL Ticket Tiers

NFL pricing varies dramatically based on several factors:

Team Tier:

• Premium teams (Cowboys, Patriots, Chiefs): $150-500+ average
• Mid-tier teams: $80-200 average
• Rebuilding teams: $50-150 average

Game Type:

• Preseason: 50-70% cheaper than regular season
• Regular season: Standard pricing
• Playoffs: 200-500% markup
• Super Bowl: Sky's the limit

Best Time to Buy NFL Tickets

Regular Season Games:

• Sweet spot: 1-2 weeks before game
• Avoid: Right when schedule releases
• Exception: Rivalry games (buy early or pay premium)

Playoff Games:

• If your team is good: Buy before clinching
• After clinching: Prices spike 50%+
• Wait until: Day before for potential deals

Money-Saving Strategies

1. Target Weather Games

December and January games in cold-weather cities often see price drops. Bears, Packers, Bills, and Patriots games get cheaper as temperatures drop.

2. Watch the Standings

When teams fall out of playoff contention, ticket prices drop significantly. A 2-8 team's remaining home games become bargains.

3. Consider Preseason

Want the stadium experience without the price? Preseason games offer:

• Same venue atmosphere
• Fraction of the cost
• Chance to see rookies
• Less crowded concessions

4. Monday Night Deals

Despite the primetime slot, Monday games can be cheaper because:

• Work the next day
• Harder for traveling fans
• Often less desirable matchups

5. Buy Partial Season Packages

Some teams offer 3-4 game mini-plans at a discount. You get priority access and below-market pricing.

Where to Sit: Value Analysis

Section

Typical Price

Value Rating

Club Level	$200-400	Medium (perks included)
Lower Sideline	$150-350	Low (premium pricing)
Lower End Zone	$100-200	High (close to action)
Upper Sideline	$75-150	Best Value
Upper End Zone	$50-100	Good for budget

Team-Specific Tips

High-Demand Teams (Cowboys, Packers, Chiefs):

• Buy 3+ weeks early
• Consider away games
• Weekday games are cheaper

Mid-Tier Teams:

• Wait for deals
• Non-division games are cheaper
• Check for promotions

Rebuilding Teams:

• Last-minute deals available
• Upper level very affordable
• Great for first-time fans

Avoid These NFL Ticket Mistakes

1. Buying at schedule release - Prices are highest then

2. Ignoring weather forecasts - Use weather to your advantage

3. Overlooking parking costs - Factor in $30-75 for parking

4. Missing mobile ticket requirements - Most NFL teams are mobile-only now

Playoff Ticket Strategy

If your team makes the playoffs:

Before Clinching:

• Prices are speculative
• Can find deals from pessimistic fans
• Risk: Team might not make it

After Clinching:

• Prices spike immediately
• Limited inventory
• But tickets are "real"

Day Before Game:

• Last-minute deals possible
• Higher risk
• Need flexibility

Track Your Team

The best strategy is consistent price monitoring. Set up alerts on Ticket Scan for your team's home games and we'll notify you when prices drop to your target.