SANTA CLARA, Calif. — As the Seattle Seahawks prepare to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium this Sunday, fans hoping to attend the spectacle are facing some of the steepest ticket prices in recent memory. According to ticketing platform Vivid Seats, the lowest available ticket, known as the get-in price, stands at $4,552 as of February 3, while the median price for a seat hovers around $7,497. These figures mark a significant expense for what promises to be a high-stakes clash between two storied franchises.
The matchup pits the Seahawks, who clinched their spot with a gritty playoff run led by quarterback Geno Smith, against the Patriots, making a surprising resurgence under rookie sensation Drake Maye at the helm. Levi's Stadium, home to the San Francisco 49ers and located in the heart of Silicon Valley, will host the game on February 11, drawing an expected crowd of over 65,000 despite the hefty costs. This Super Bowl comes at a time when NFL ticket prices have fluctuated wildly, influenced by everything from team popularity to broader economic pressures.
While the current prices are daunting, they represent a slight relief from earlier projections. Vivid Seats' daily tracking began on January 26, when the get-in price was listed at $5,928 and the median reached $9,827. That initial surge reflected the intense demand following the conference championships, but as the week progressed, availability increased, nudging prices downward. Still, experts note that these levels signal a rebound in Super Bowl economics after a dip last year.
Last season's Super Bowl LVIII between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs saw an average sold price of $4,972, the lowest since 2019 according to Vivid Seats data. That contest, held in Las Vegas, benefited from a larger secondary market and perhaps some fan fatigue after the Chiefs' repeat bid. In contrast, Super Bowl LX's projected average sold price of $9,338 would rank as the second-highest since Vivid Seats started tracking in 2015, surpassed only by Super Bowl LV in 2021, which was impacted by COVID-19 attendance restrictions.
For historical perspective, the 2015 Super Bowl XLIX — also featuring the Patriots and Seahawks — had an average sold price of just $2,623, a far cry from today's figures. That game, played at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, ended with a dramatic interception by Malcolm Butler, securing a 28-24 victory for New England. The lower prices back then coincided with a less inflated resale market, before the explosion of online platforms and celebrity-driven demand.
Beyond the costs, the fan composition at Levi's Stadium is shaping up to be a point of intrigue. Vivid Seats' Fan Forecast algorithm projects that 61% of the crowd will be Seahawks supporters as of February 3, down from a 67% estimate reported on Monday. This edge for Seattle fans could create an electric atmosphere, especially given the venue's proximity to the Pacific Northwest, just a short flight away for many.
However, the impact of home-field advantage in terms of fan support remains a mixed bag. According to ESPN Research, from Super Bowl 50 through Super Bowl LV, the team with the projected crowd majority won all six games, fueling superstitions among supporters. Yet, that streak has reversed recently: in the past four Super Bowls, the team with the smaller fan projection has triumphed three times. This shift underscores how on-field performance often trumps crowd noise in the NFL's biggest stage.
The Patriots' history adds another layer. Over the past decade, New England has appeared in three Super Bowls. They boast a 2-0 record when holding a projected crowd advantage, but suffered a 41-33 loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LII without it. That 2018 game in Minneapolis highlighted Tom Brady's vulnerabilities against a raucous Philadelphia crowd, a scenario that could echo if Seattle's fans dominate Levi's this year.
Ticketing experts attribute the high prices to several factors. Demand has surged due to the novelty of this matchup — the Seahawks and Patriots haven't met in the postseason since their iconic 2015 clash. Additionally, corporate suites and VIP packages are selling out fast, with some reports indicating secondary market fees pushing totals over $10,000 for premium seats. Vivid Seats noted that while prices have softened slightly, any last-minute drops are unlikely given the event's prestige.
Fans without deep pockets have alternatives. Official NFL packages through On Location start at around $6,000, bundling tickets with hotel stays and game-day experiences. Secondary markets like StubHub and SeatGeek show similar ranges, though resale dynamics could shift closer to kickoff. For those staying home, viewership is expected to top 100 million, with CBS broadcasting the game and a halftime show featuring top artists yet to be announced.
The economic ripple effects extend beyond tickets. Santa Clara and surrounding areas are bracing for an influx of visitors, boosting local businesses from hotels to restaurants. Levi's Stadium, which opened in 2014, has hosted previous Super Bowls, including L to in 2016, where the Broncos upset the Panthers. Security measures will be heightened, with the NFL partnering with local law enforcement for a smooth operation.
As prices climb, questions arise about accessibility. Critics argue that escalating costs exclude average fans, turning the Super Bowl into an elite event. Yet, the NFL counters that revenue funds league-wide initiatives, from player salaries to community programs. Vivid Seats' data suggests this year's bounce-back aligns with post-pandemic recovery, where live events command premium pricing.
Looking ahead, the Seahawks enter as slight favorites, riding a defense anchored by stars like Devon Witherspoon. The Patriots, meanwhile, aim to reclaim glory in a post-Belichick era. Whatever the outcome, Super Bowl LX will etch another chapter in NFL lore, even if only the wealthiest can witness it live. For now, the focus remains on the field, where fortunes can change in an instant.
In the days leading up to the game, practice reports indicate both teams are healthy, with no major injuries reported. Coaches Pete Carroll for Seattle and Jerod Mayo for New England have emphasized preparation over distractions. As the clock ticks down to Sunday's 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff, the anticipation builds, prices notwithstanding.
This Super Bowl also highlights broader trends in sports economics. With digital streaming and global reach, the NFL's valuation continues to soar, valued at over $100 billion. Yet, for fans grappling with $4,552 entry fees, the true win may be the shared excitement, whether from stadium seats or living room couches.