Tips for Scoring Super Bowl Tickets

While everyone talks about eye-watering resale prices, a small number of Super Bowl tickets are sold at their original “face value”—the price printed on the ticket by the NFL. This is the official price from the “primary market,” which is like buying a new car from a dealership at sticker price. For a recent Super Bowl, these face value passes ranged from about $950 to $2,500. So, is there any way for a regular fan to get in on that price? There is one, but it requires a bit of luck and a postage stamp.

The only official path for the general public to purchase tickets at face value is by entering the NFL’s official ticket lottery. It’s a simple, though highly competitive, process:

1. Write a request for the specific Super Bowl you want to attend.
2. Mail your entry via certified mail to the official NFL address between February 1 and June 1 of the year before the game.
3. Wait for a notification in October or November to see if your name was drawn.

Before you rush to the post office, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations. According to the NFL, only about 500 pairs of tickets are made available through this lottery, meaning the odds are incredibly slim. Furthermore, winning doesn’t mean you get free tickets; it means you win the right to purchase one or two tickets at their face value. It’s a long shot, but it remains the most legitimate and affordable way for a fan without team connections to try and score a seat.

The Realistic Path: How to Safely Navigate the Super Bowl Resale Market

Since very few tickets are sold directly to the public, most fans turn to the secondary market. This is the world of resale sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster, where anyone from season ticket holders to corporate sponsors can sell their seats. For the vast majority of people, this is the most realistic path for buying single game Super Bowl access.

The price you see here has little to do with the original face value. Instead, it’s all about simple supply and demand. If two teams with huge, passionate fan bases that travel well make it to the Super Bowl, the average Super Bowl admission cost skyrockets as a bidding war begins. Conversely, a less anticipated matchup can cause prices to soften as fewer fans compete for seats.

This constant fluctuation leads to the big question: when is the best time to buy? Honestly, it’s a gamble. Buying tickets right after the championship games locks in your spot, but that’s often when demand is at its absolute peak. Waiting until the final days before the game might land you a deal from a desperate seller, but you also risk prices climbing even higher or missing out completely.

Regardless of your timing strategy, safety is paramount. The single most important rule is to stick to a well-known, reputable resale marketplace that offers a 100% buyer guarantee. This is your best protection against fraudulent tickets and something you won’t get from a private seller on social media or a sketchy website.

Buyer’s Guide: Ticketmaster vs. StubHub

When you start your search, you’ll immediately see two giants: Ticketmaster and StubHub. Both are reputable and offer strong buyer protection, but they go about it in different ways. This distinction is crucial for deciding where you feel most comfortable making such a significant purchase.

As the NFL’s Official Ticket Marketplace, Ticketmaster provides what are called “Verified Resale” tickets. When you buy a ticket here, the original seller’s barcode is instantly cancelled and a brand-new, unique one is reissued directly to you. Think of it like the platform changing the locks for you—it’s the most direct way to ensure the ticket you’re holding is the only one that will work at the gate.

StubHub, the largest independent marketplace, uses a different but also highly effective model called a FanProtect Guarantee. Instead of reissuing a new ticket, StubHub promises to find you a comparable or better replacement if your original ticket has an issue. If they can’t, you get a full refund. Because it draws from a massive network of sellers, you might find more inventory or price variety here.

Don’t Get a Dud: How to Read a Super Bowl Seating Chart

After you’ve picked a marketplace, your eyes will jump to the seating chart. The natural instinct is to think “lower is better,” but for football, that can be a costly mistake. The most important factor for a great view isn’t your row number—it’s your viewing angle. A seat that looks great on a map might leave you staring at the back of a pylon or struggling to see action on the far side of the field.

The best seats for the Super Bowl are almost always along the sidelines, between the 20-yard lines. Think of it like watching TV: you want a full, panoramic view to see plays develop. From the sideline, you can follow the quarterback’s eyes, see running lanes open up, and watch the entire field at once. In contrast, low corner and end zone seats, while close to some action, can feel like you’re watching half the game through binoculars.

So, here’s the pro tip: a seat in an upper-level sideline section will often provide a far better and more satisfying viewing experience than a more expensive seat in a low-level end zone corner.

4 Red Flags That Scream “Counterfeit Ticket”

With prices soaring into the thousands, the temptation to jump on a “deal” you find online is strong. But this is exactly what scammers count on. A moment of wishful thinking can lead to a disastrous—and expensive—outcome. Protecting yourself from counterfeit NFL championship tickets is easier than you think, but you have to know what to look for.

Spotting potential Super Bowl ticket scams comes down to watching for a few classic warning signs. If you see even one of these red flags, walk away immediately.

• The price is too good to be true. If most tickets are selling for $6,000, that $1,500 offer on Facebook isn’t your lucky day—it’s a trap.
• The seller demands non-reversible payment. Scammers love Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, and wire transfers because they act like digital cash. Once you send the money, it’s gone forever with no buyer protection.
• They send you a PDF or screenshot. Modern Super Bowl tickets are mobile-only and tied to an account for verified fan entry. A static image or PDF is easily faked and will not get you into the stadium.
• The sale is happening on an unverified platform. Avoid sellers on Craigslist, Instagram, or any forum that doesn’t offer a 100% money-back guarantee.

Ultimately, your payment method is your safety net. Always use a credit card on a reputable, major ticket marketplace that explicitly guarantees your ticket’s authenticity.

The All-Inclusive Route: Are Super Bowl Travel Packages Worth It?

Hunting for tickets, booking last-minute hotels, and worrying about scams can turn a dream trip into a logistical nightmare. This is where official hospitality packages come in. Think of them as an all-in-one Super Bowl vacation, bundling a guaranteed authentic ticket with other perks like lodging and event access into a single, secure purchase.

The most trusted name in this space is On Location, the NFL’s official partner and the only source for league-sanctioned packages. Their offerings can range from pre-game parties with NFL legends and premium food to exclusive entertainment, all designed to create a seamless, high-end experience without the risks of the resale market.

But are they the cheapest way to go to the Super Bowl? Absolutely not. You are paying a significant premium for security and total convenience. These packages are best for fans who value a stress-free, guaranteed-authentic experience over the stressful hunt for the lowest possible price. For those with the budget, the peace of mind that everything is handled—and real—is often worth every penny.

Your Super Bowl Ticket Game Plan: A Final Checklist

Follow this action plan to navigate the process with confidence.

Your Action Plan

1. Set Your Realistic Budget.
2. The Longshot: Enter the official NFL lottery (between Feb 1-June 1 for next year’s game).
3. The Realistic Shot: Pick a guaranteed marketplace (like Ticketmaster or StubHub) and monitor prices.
4. The Golden Rule: NEVER buy from a random person on social media or pay with Zelle/Venmo.