Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Photo by Spatms via Wikimedia Commons
Ticket Prices Stay Hot for CFP Quarterfinals After Historic First Round
The College Football Playoff quarterfinals are fast approaching, and the ticket market is reflecting the high stakes and excitement surrounding the expanded playoff format. Scheduled for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, these games will determine which teams advance to the Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl semifinals and, ultimately, the College Football Playoff National Championship in Atlanta.
According to Ticket Club, the markets for the games after the first round seems strongest, though three of the four games feature a minimum ticket price starting at more than $200. The lone outliner on that is the Peach Bowl – which features tickets for as low as $79 as of Monday afternoon, though the average sold price for that contest – played in the same Atlanta stadium that will host the National Championship in January – is still above $300.
“The ticket market for the College Football Playoffs remains strong, as fans are clearly enjoying the newly expanded format,” says Sean Burns of Ticket Club. “That the ticket prices remain where they are despite the fact that there are no truly “local” teams for any of these matchups speaks to the willingness for fans to prioritize their budgets to see these kinds of games in person.”
College Football Playoffs Ticket Prices
| Game | Game Location | Low Ticket Price (Monday) | Average Sold Ticket Price (Monday) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiesta Bowl – Penn State vs. Boise State (3) | State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ | $238 | $432 |
| Sugar Bowl – Notre Dame vs. Georgia (2) | Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA | $216 | $395 |
| Peach Bowl – Texas vs. Arizona State (4) | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | $79 | $315 |
| Rose Bowl – Ohio State vs. Oregon (1) | Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA | $213 | $372 |
Fiesta Bowl: Penn State vs. Boise State (3)
Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Fan Travel Distances: Penn State, 931 miles; Boise State, 2,189 miles
Ticket Trends:
- Low Ticket Price: Rose from $217 (Friday) to $238 (Monday).
- Median Ticket Price: Dropped from $448 to $423.
- Average Sold Price: Increased from $395 to $432.
The Fiesta Bowl experienced one of the largest price surges post-first round. Penn State’s decisive win and proximity to the venue compared to Boise State fans appear to have driven demand. Those purchasing tickets early likely benefited from lower prices.
Sugar Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Georgia (2)
Venue: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Fan Travel Distances: Notre Dame, 541 miles; Georgia, 962 miles
Ticket Trends:
- Low Ticket Price: Dropped from $335 (Friday) to $216 (Monday).
- Median Ticket Price: Declined from $547 to $397.
- Average Sold Price: Held steady at $395.
Ticket prices for the Sugar Bowl saw significant drops in low and median ranges, making it one of the best values for fans. Notre Dame’s shorter travel distance likely contributed to steady demand, while Georgia fans may have been slower to secure tickets, impacting overall price trends.
Peach Bowl: Texas vs. Arizona State (4)
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Fan Travel Distances: Texas, 1,796 miles; Arizona State, 930 miles
Ticket Trends:
- Low Ticket Price: Dropped from $119 (Friday) to $79 (Monday).
- Median Ticket Price: Fell from $220 to $170.
- Average Sold Price: Increased slightly from $303 to $315.
With the lowest entry prices among all quarterfinal games, the Peach Bowl remains a bargain for fans. The modest rise in average sold prices reflects heightened interest following Texas’s commanding first-round victory.
Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oregon (1)
Venue: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
Fan Travel Distances: Ohio State, 856 miles; Oregon, 2,234 miles
Ticket Trends:
- Low Ticket Price: Dropped from $315 (Friday) to $213 (Monday).
- Median Ticket Price: Fell from $557 to $420.
- Average Sold Price: Increased slightly from $366 to $372.
Despite Oregon’s top seed status, fans face the longest travel distance, potentially contributing to declining ticket prices. However, strong demand from Ohio State supporters has kept average sold prices steady.
Key Takeaways for Ticket Buyers
- Best Value Games: The Sugar Bowl and Rose Bowl saw the steepest declines in low and median ticket prices, offering significant opportunities for fans.
- Rising Interest: Average sold prices rose for the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl, signaling increased enthusiasm from fans after the first-round results.
- Travel Impacts Pricing: Teams with shorter travel distances tend to generate stronger demand, which influences ticket prices.
