Unprecedented Demand: College Football Final Tickets Cost Thousands

Ticket prices for the college football championship game have reached unprecedented heights, with average resale prices soaring to $4,974, a significant increase from previous years. This market behavior is likened to Super Bowl demand, driven by a local team playing in its home stadium and a large, traveling fan base. For instance, one fan paid $1,138 for a deposit, securing a ticket for a total of $1,638, while others are seeing 'get-in' prices between $3,500 and $4,500.

This surge in pricing has created a dilemma for many fans. While some are willing to pay thousands to witness the historic event, others are drawing a line. A longtime Miami Hurricanes fan expressed refusal to pay the inflated prices, preferring to watch from home rather than engage in what he called 'price gouging.' The scarcity of tickets allocated at face value, with teams receiving 20,000 each and the remaining controlled by the CFP and partners, further pushes fans into the costly secondary market.

The financial commitment for attending the game extends beyond tickets, with parking passes also skyrocketing from $75 to around $1,000. Some fans are facing significant financial strain, with one season ticket holder expecting to pay off his two tickets for three to five years. This situation raises concerns about pricing out students and loyal fans, potentially altering the traditional culture of college athletics championships.