As the anticipation builds for Sunday’s championship game in the dazzling, neon-lit setting of Las Vegas, Super Bowl ticket buyers are grappling with a significant surge in prices. The spike is fueled by the city’s status as a first-time host and the fervent hopes of 49ers fans seeking redemption from their 2020 loss to the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Resale platform StubHub has forecasted that this Super Bowl might become the most expensive ever, with an average ticket price reaching around $8,600. This figure slightly exceeds the prices observed for the Los Angeles Super Bowl two years ago.
Adam Budelli, a spokesperson for StubHub, acknowledged the rising demand, stating, “As we sit here on the Thursday before the Super Bowl, demand continues to rise… The average ticket price sold is right around $8,600.” While the potential for this Super Bowl to break records exists, Budelli noted that it’s still early to make a definitive call.
StubHub’s data revealed that 38% of sales originated from the state of California, contrasting with 10% from Missouri and Kansas. However, fans from both sides have expressed discontent with the steep ticket prices, with some contemplating flying back home from Vegas if the situation doesn’t improve.
Chiefs fan Keith Jennings, attending the fan experience zone in Vegas, voiced concerns about affordability, saying, “You know, it’s just out of touch for the average guy, it really, really is.” Jennings and his family are prepared to fly back to Kansas City on Sunday morning if they cannot secure tickets at a more reasonable rate, expressing a willingness to pay up to $3,000 for a seat.
Brothers Jerry and David Vang, standing outside a media center in Las Vegas, shared similar sentiments. The 49ers fans, both unable to afford tickets, plan to fly back to California to watch the game with fellow supporters. Jerry, a teacher, and David, an insurance worker, emphasized the disconnect between ticket prices and fan expectations. “I’d love to be there to cheer on my squad. Hopefully, we get one, it’s been 30 years (since the 49ers won the Super Bowl). But yeah, it’s just too expensive,” remarked David, indicating a willingness to pay $500 for a ticket.
