Super Bowl Ticket Prices Keep Fans at Bay, but Vegas Offers Alternative Fun
As the Super Bowl frenzy engulfs Las Vegas, there are countless fans who, despite making travel reservations months in advance, find themselves unable to attend the much-anticipated game due to the astronomical ticket prices. However, they are not letting that dampen their spirits. With a plethora of alternative activities, these ticket-less fans are determined to make the most of their time in Sin City.
The NFL Experience, resembling a fan convention, has become a hub for those without tickets. Wearing their team jerseys with pride, supporters of the Packers, Bengals, Steelers, and Eagles, among others, gather together to soak in the Super Bowl atmosphere. Many of them share a common story – their team appeared to have a shot at the championship, so they went ahead and booked a trip to Las Vegas. Unfortunately, their team didn't make it to the big game, but they decided to come anyway. Purchasing tickets just days before the event can be exorbitantly expensive, with prices starting at around $7,700, though this year, prices have dropped by approximately $2,000 in the past two weeks.
Carl Bray, a devoted Cincinnati fan, planned his Super Bowl trip two months ago, despite quarterback Joe Burrow sustaining a wrist injury. While he doesn't have tickets yet, Bray remains optimistic, stating, 'If not, I'll just go to MGM or someplace and watch it.' On Saturday, Bray still hadn't managed to find a reasonably priced ticket, so he decided to join a Super Bowl party at the M Resort Spa Casino in nearby Henderson.
Over the years, Super Bowl ticket prices have steadily skyrocketed. From the humble cost of $12 ($108 adjusted for inflation) for a seat at the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1967 to surpassing $1,000 for the 2009 Steelers vs. Cardinals matchup in Tampa, prices have consistently climbed. This year, the average purchase price on Tick Pick reached a staggering $9,815 before settling around $7,684 on Saturday morning.
Unfortunately, these steep prices are simply unaffordable for fans like Rick Goff, a dedicated Chiefs supporter. Traveling from Kansas City with his young son Zach, the Goffs decked themselves out in Chiefs gear at the NFL Experience, fully embracing the Super Bowl spirit. However, attending the game in person is out of the question for them. Rick explains, 'We're working people who can't afford it.' Nonetheless, they are not disheartened and are still thrilled to be in Vegas surrounded by fellow Chiefs fans during Super Bowl week.
Eric and Stephanie Hubbard, a couple from Southern California, were faced with a divided household as Eric is a die-hard 49ers fan, while Stephanie pledges her allegiance to the Chiefs. However, rather than risking marital discord, they opted to embrace the excitement of the perfect Super Bowl matchup by planning a trip. Realistically, they understood that their only chance of attending the game would be through a fortunate gambling win. Eric jokingly remarks, 'Unless we win $6,000 tonight,' to which Stephanie interjects, 'No, no, no – we need $17,000 to get tickets to the game.' Unfortunately, luck was not on their side, and the couple returned home on Friday to watch the game from the comfort of their own couch.
Traveling long distances to watch the Super Bowl from the casinos is not a new phenomenon in Las Vegas. The city has consistently been a popular destination for fans, attracting around 300,000 visitors during past Super Bowl weekends, according to the research center at the Las Vegas Convention Visitors Authority. This year, with an estimated 330,000 visitors expected, Las Vegas is poised to generate approximately $600 million in economic activity for Southern Nevada, despite the majority of fans watching the game from afar.
Delmas Crum, a loyal New York Jets fan, had planned his trip to Las Vegas before knowing which teams would make it to the Super Bowl. Accompanied by his father, Troy, an Indianapolis Colts fan, they recognized that attending the game in person wouldn't be financially feasible. Nonetheless, the allure of Las Vegas and sports betting drew them in. Delmas aptly explains, 'If nothing else, it's a vacation to Vegas. A trip to Vegas and also there's a Super Bowl happening here, so we can bet on it, watch it, and have a good time taking in the atmosphere.'
While the dream of attending the Super Bowl may remain out of reach for many fans, Las Vegas continues to offer a wide array of alternative activities and experiences. From extravagant Super Bowl parties to immersive casino experiences, fans are finding new ways to immerse themselves in the Super Bowl spirit. Ultimately, even without a ticket to the game, their journey to Las Vegas promises a memorable and enjoyable experience.
