This week, data from a technology company revealed a significant difference in ticket prices between the NCAA women's Final Four and the men's semifinals. The average price paid for a ticket to the women's semifinals was $2,323, while the men's semifinals averaged $1,001.21. This indicates that the average price for the women's games was twice as high as that for the men's.
The women's semifinals, featuring matchups between Iowa and Connecticut, as well as South Carolina and North Carolina State, took place at the 19,432-seat Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland. Looking at data from sales made over the past month and beyond, the average price for the women's semifinals was $1,131.78, a significant increase from $400.29 during the same period in 2023.
On the other hand, the men's semifinals, with Purdue facing North Carolina State and Connecticut playing against Alabama, were held at the 63,400-seat State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The overall average ticket price for the men's semifinals stood at $993.70, up from $636.43 in 2023.
For the championship games, a ticket to the women's final was selling for an average of $1,110.63, while the men's title game ticket was priced at $646.45 on average.
The surge in demand for women's tickets can be attributed to the popularity of Iowa's Caitlin Clark, the all-time leading scorer in Division I. The Hawkeyes have consistently drawn sellout crowds throughout the season, both at home, on the road, and at neutral sites.
Face value prices for tickets to the women's semifinals were $400, with the championship game priced at $200. In comparison, tickets to the men's semifinals had a face value of $900, and the title game tickets were priced at $250.
These ticket price variations highlight the differing levels of demand and fan interest between the NCAA women's Final Four and the men's semifinals, showcasing the unique dynamics of each tournament.
Sources: AP March Madness bracket and March Madness coverage.
