The New England Patriots' season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles is already the most in-demand game of the entire NFL regular season due to the return of Tom Brady to Foxborough.
Brady, 45, retired from football on February 1 after three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and now has the opportunity to be honoured by the Pats for his 20 years of service to the franchise. Owner Robert Kraft invited the former quarterback to attend their home opener on the day the 2023 season's schedule was announced.
That will be in Week 1 against last season's Super Bowl runner-ups. Inevitably, these factors have only ramped up the price of admission for punters wanting to be there to witness the return.
American ticket exchange and resale company Vivid Seats displays that the average ticket price for a seat to see the Patriots play on opening weekend is $807, per ESPN. The next most expensive ticket is $300 cheaper.
The average price to watch the Dallas Cowboys take on the San Francisco 49ers play live in Week 5 is $501. But nothing comes close to the anticipation Patriots fans have ahead of Brady returning to Foxborough for his homecoming.
With such a premium to see the fixture, the players seem set to put on a show too. “We want to get a win every game, but that game, we definitely have to get a win.” Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux told ESPN.
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Further comments from Kraft will reassure fans who cannot fork out almost $1,000 to be there in September as there seem set to be more opportunities for celebrations honouring Brady to come. "I invited him back to be with us at the opening game and let the fans in New England thank him," the Pats owner told NFL Network earlier this month.
Kraft continued: "It will be the beginning of many celebrations to honor Tom Brady," Those who are fortunate enough to be there in the flesh on Week 1 can expect it to be one memorable occasion.
On Brady, Kraft added: "He's very excited to come back and see our fans. It will be a great, great celebration."
Patriots fans hope the seven-time Super Bowl winner will one day come out of retirement for a second time to sign a ceremonial one-day contract with the franchise and retire as a Pats player. Regardless, the 199 overall pick in the 2000 draft is already a part of New England folklore.
Brady quarterbacks the All-2000s and All-2010s teams selected by the Patriots Hall of Fame selection committee in the 21st century. That same committee also picked the San Mateo, California native in their 50th Anniversary team and All-Dynasty team that spans almost all of Brady's career in New England.
September 10 will be another accolade to add to Brady's burgeoning list. And there is still some space for more yet.
