How to Get Tickets to the Super Bowl Game: The Ultimate Fan Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Super Bowl Tickets

As a huge football fan, going to the Super Bowl has always been my dream. This year, I am finally making that dream a reality by getting tickets to Super Bowl LVIII! The Super Bowl is the biggest sporting event in the United States, with millions of viewers tuning in every year. For any football fanatic, attending the big game live is the ultimate experience.

Getting your hands on Super Bowl tickets is no easy task though. As the NFL's premier event, demand drastically exceeds supply for seats. With the two best teams giving their all on the gridiron, fans are willing to pay top dollar too. But withproper planning and preparation, you can beat the competition and secure tickets to the Super Bowl.

When and Where is Super Bowl LVIII?

Super Bowl LVIII is set for February 9, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This will be the first time that Las Vegas has hosted the Super Bowl, which is fitting given the city's reputation as the entertainment capital of the world. The 65,000 seat Allegiant Stadium is home to the Las Vegas Raiders and will surely provide an electric atmosphere for the big game.

When Do Super Bowl Tickets Go On Sale?

The exact on-sale date for Super Bowl tickets varies each year. Generally though, Super Bowl tickets will go on sale to the general public 4-6 months prior to the game. For Super Bowl LVIII, you can expect tickets to start being sold by the NFL around September or October 2023. Sale dates are announced well in advance each year so keep an eye out!

Where Can I Buy Super Bowl Tickets?

There are several places you can buy official Super Bowl tickets once they go on sale:

• Directly from the NFL – A limited number of tickets are sold directly through the NFL's Super Bowl ticket page. These tickets all carry full price face value.
• Team Ticket Lotteries – Fans of the two Super Bowl teams get the first chance to buy tickets at face value through team-run lotteries.
• On the Secondary Market – Ticket resellers like StubHub, Vivid Seats and SeatGeek will have tickets available at variable prices.
• NFL On Location Experiences – Packaged deals are sold through the NFL On Location program with perks like pre-game parties.

How Much Do Super Bowl Tickets Cost?

Ticket prices for the Super Bowl vary greatly depending on the specific seat location. In recent years, the average price paid for Super Bowl tickets has exceeded $5,000. For Super Bowl LVIII, prices are expected to be high given pent up demand after the pandemic.

Here are some sample ticket price ranges for Super Bowl LVIII:

• Upper Endzone: $2,500 - $3,500
• Corner Upper Level: $3,000 - $5,000
• Midfield Lower Level: $5,500 - $9,000
• Lower Sideline: $9,000 - $20,000
• 50 Yard Line Row 1: $15,000+

Ticket prices often rise leading up to the Super Bowl too. Be prepared to pay a premium for one of the hottest tickets in sports!

Tips for Buying Super Bowl Tickets

Here are my top tips for successfully buying Super Bowl LIII tickets:

1. Sign up for alerts - Follow the NFL and ticket sites so you know right when tickets are available.
2. Act fast - Popular seats sell out extremely quickly so don't hesitate.
3. Be flexible - Take what you can get and then upgrade later if you desire.
4. Use a credit card - It offers buyer protection compared to wire transfers or checks.
5. Verify tickets - Carefully examine digital tickets before purchase to avoid fakes.
6. Consider package deals - Bundles with hotels and events may be easier to acquire.
7. Have backups - Make arrangements for alternate viewing spots in case tickets fall through.
8. Set a budget - Prices can rocket so know your max price before getting caught in a bidding war.

Finding Cheap Super Bowl Tickets

With the sky-high costs, finding cheap(er) Super Bowl tickets is the holy grail. While runway ticket prices dominate headlines, deals can be uncovered with perseverance and luck.

Some ways to score cheaper Super Bowl tickets include:

• Joining fan ticket lotteries - Your team's lottery provides the best shot at face value tickets.
• Searching for singles - Buying just one ticket instead of pairs often saves money.
• Buying upper level end zone seats - You're high up but get in the door.
• Waiting until the last minute - Prices drop as sellers scramble to unload inventory.
• Taking public transportation - Skip costly parking by taking the Super Bowl shuttle.
• Avoiding packaged deals - Individual game tickets are cheaper than bundles.

Attending Super Bowl Events

Can't afford tickets to the Super Bowl itself? Not a problem! The Super Bowl host city becomes football central all week leading up to the big game. There are tons of fun events to experience like:

• Super Bowl Opening Night - Players and coaches from both teams meet the media.
• NFL Experience - Immersive exhibits and games for fans of all ages.
• Super Bowl Concerts - Marquee artists perform nightly concerts.
• NFL Honors - Awards show recognizing achievements from the season.
• Super Bowl Parade - Championship team parades through the host city.
• Super Bowl Parties - Bars, restaurants and hotels throw exciting viewing parties.

Attending the periphery Super Bowl events lets you soak in the atmosphere and excitement without needing tickets.

Watching the Super Bowl at Home

Given the massive hype but limited ticket availability, many fans opt to watch the Super Bowl at home. This is often the most affordable and convenient option. Ways to maximize your home viewing Super Bowl experience include:

• Getting the biggest TV possible - Install a projector or rent a big screen.
• Enhancing sound - Add surround sound or wireless speakers.
• Creating a game zone - Deck out your space in team banners, signs and colors.
• Making game-worthy food - Serve classic tailgating and stadium eats.
• Dressing up - Sport your favorite team's jersey or fun football outfit.
• Downloading the Super Bowl app - Access additional content and features.
• Turning it into a party - Invite over fellow fans to recreate that lively stadium feeling.

Super Bowl Trips and Travel

For the ultimate Super Bowl experience, many fans turn attending the game into an entire trip or vacation. With planning, you can make a Super Bowl trip achievable and memorable.

Super Bowl Packages

Packaged Super Bowl trips take the hassle out of travel coordination. The NFL and travel providers like On Location offer bundled deals that include:

• Game tickets
• Flights
• Hotel
• Ground transportation
• Pre-game hospitality

Packages start around $5,000 per person and run upwards of $15,000+ for VIP treatment. While pricy, they simplify logistics for a seamless Super Bowl experience.

Booking Flights

If arranging your own travel, book flights early once the Super Bowl location is announced. Ideally, aim to arrive on the Thursday or Friday before the game and leave on Monday. This gives time to take part in pre-game festivities. Reaching the host city usually requires at least one connection given high demand.

Check smaller alternative airports that serve the region too. For example, consider flying into Ontario, California for a Super Bowl in Los Angeles. Be sure to give yourself plenty of buffer time in case of delays.

Finding Super Bowl Accommodations

With fans flocking in from all over, securing Super Bowl lodging is extremely competitive. Hotels in the host city sell out fast and raise rates significantly for the weekend.

Your best bet is to research and make reservations early. Cast a wide net across downtown convention hotels, trusted chains, vacation rentals, etc. Consider staying outside the city center too if cheaper options are available near public transportation.

Another approach is booking a refundable hotel outside the host city initially. You can then try to reserve preferred Super Bowl lodging later once confirmed tickets are in hand.

Getting Around the Super Bowl City

Public transportation is your friend for Super Bowl travel. Driving and parking will be nightmarish in the congested host city. Walk, take buses and rideshare wisely. Also consider using bike shares or scooters as an easy way to maneuver crowded streets.

If staying outside the downtown zone, research routes and schedules ahead of time. Allow plenty of travel time for activities and don't cut timing too close on the day of the game.

Enjoying the Super Bowl Host City

Beyond the big game itself, take time to enjoy everything the Super Bowl host city offers. The week ahead of the Super Bowl doubles as a great vacation. Sightsee, enjoy restaurants, take in arts and culture, and more.

Many cities roll out special events, concerts, parties and discounts to welcome Super Bowl visitors. Peruse the official city tourism site for tips on what to see and do all week long.

Super Bowl Tailgating

Football games aren't complete without epic tailgating. Fortunately, Super Bowl tailgating takes the pre-game party experience to unimaginable levels. Here's what you need to know about this beloved tradition.

Arriving Early is Key

The parking lots open exceptionally early on Super Bowl Sunday - often at 7am for a game starting after 6pm! This gives fans ample time to unwind, eat, drink, play games like cornhole, and soak in the atmosphere. Rise and shine to claim your spot.

More Space to Roam

Compared to regular NFL games, Super Bowl parking lots are massive. They have room for live music, sponsor activations, football skill challenges and more. Walk through different zones to experience all the interactive fun.

Creative Menu and Gear

Fans go above and beyond presenting elaborate food and drink setups on grills, smokers, coolers and more. Team colors dominate but some tailgaters wear quirky costumes too. It's a lively NFL costume party.

Celebrity Sightings

Today's top musicians often play free pre-game concerts. And you never know which NFL legends or actors might wander the lots. Keep eyes peeled for famous faces.

Hosting a DIY Tailgate

Can't make it to the game itself? Throw your own local Super Bowl tailgate instead! Load up on wings, ribs, chili, cold beer and invite fellow fans over. Set up TVs outside, play lawn games and cheer together from afar.

Attending the Super Bowl Game

Game day is finally here! After months of eager anticipation, follow these tips to make the most of your Super Bowl experience inside the stadium:

Arrive Early

Super Bowl crowds cause bottlenecks entering the stadium. Give yourself at least 2 hours to get through security, find seats, wander, and soak in the atmosphere pre-game.

Bring Essentials Only

Strict security limits what you can bring inside. Prioritize essentials like mobile wallet, ID, game ticket, medication, jacket, and phone charger. Avoid bags.

Dress for the Weather

Recent Super Bowls have been in warm locations, but it can get surprisingly cool inside the stadium after sunset. Check forecasts and bundle up as needed.

Hydrate and Refuel

Lines are long inside for expensive food and drinks. Tailgate beforehand and bring permitted snacks plus empty reusable water bottles to fill up.

Know Rules and Etiquette

Understand prohibited behaviors like attempting to enter the field. Maintain good sportsmanship too. The atmosphere is rowdier than a typical NFL game.

Remember Your Seat Location

The stadium seating bowl is enormous. Note landmarks near your section or snap a photo of the seat number on your ticket to avoid getting lost.

Capture Memories

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most fans. Take photos & videos pre-game, during touchdowns, with any celeb sightings and more.

Stay for the Post-Game

The energy continues after the final whistle with the trophy presentation and potential concerts. Stick around to keep celebrating!

Key Takeaways

Attending the Super Bowl takes dedication, money and planning. But for passionate football fans, it's the opportunity of a lifetime. The electric atmosphere and high stakes action is unrivaled. By purchasing early, budgeting wisely, making smart travel arrangements and embracing all aspects of game week, your Super Bowl dreams can become reality!

FAQs

When do Super Bowl tickets go on sale to the general public?

Super Bowl tickets are usually released to the general public 4-6 months prior to the game. Expect them to go on sale around September or October 2023 for Super Bowl LVIII in 2024.

What is the best way to buy Super Bowl tickets?

Buying directly from the NFL ticket page gives you the most reliable way to get legitimate tickets. Sign up for alerts so you know right when they are released. Act extremely fast once on sale as they sell out incredibly quickly.

How much do Super Bowl tickets cost on average?

In recent years, the average price paid for a Super Bowl ticket has exceeded $5,000. For Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, expect to pay a minimum of $2,500-$3,000 for upper level end zone seats. Prime lower level seats can cost $10,000+.

Can I buy Super Bowl tickets on Craigslist or from scalpers?

It's highly risky buying Super Bowl tickets on Craigslist, eBay or from unknown scalpers. There is a huge market for fake tickets. Only buy from 100% verified sources like the NFL ticket site or trusted large ticket resellers.

When should I book flights and hotels for the Super Bowl?

Book Super Bowl flights and hotels as early as possible once the location is announced. Prices skyrocket and availability plummets. Many fans book refundable options outside the host city initially before finalizing more ideal accommodations once they secure tickets.