The Cost Of Attending An NFL Game Has Risen 40% In The Last 10 Years

The economics of football are shifting, and fans are feeling the squeeze. According to new research from FinanceBuzz, the cost of attending an NFL game has climbed dramatically over the last decade, with tickets, concessions, and parking all contributing to the rising price tag.

On average, it now costs $158 per person to attend a game in 2024 — up 40% since 2014. That’s higher than the overall U.S. inflation rate of 32% in the same period.

The steepest jump belongs to the Detroit Lions, whose average game-day cost ballooned from $92 in 2014 to $277 in 2024 — a 201% increase. Lions fans may not have had much to celebrate a decade ago, but with the team emerging as a Super Bowl contender, demand has driven prices to the top of the league.

The Las Vegas Raiders rank second, with costs rising 178% after the team’s move from Oakland into a flashy new Las Vegas stadium. Other big increases include the Buffalo Bills (105%), Miami Dolphins (103%), Los Angeles Rams (98%), Cincinnati Bengals (97%), and Philadelphia Eagles (95%).

Not all fans are paying more. The New Orleans Saints saw costs fall by 41% since 2014, while prices dropped 20% for the Arizona Cardinals and 12% for the New England Patriots, partly thanks to the Patriots introducing free parking in 2023.

Beer prices are also surging. The Washington Commanders raised their 16-ounce beer price from $6.55 in 2014 to $16.49 in 2024 — a 152% increase and the sharpest in the league. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (137%) and Los Angeles Rams (133%) also more than doubled beer costs, fueled by Super Bowl wins and a new stadium.

Looking ahead, FinanceBuzz reports that 2025–2026 ticket prices could climb even higher. Early SeatGeek data shows the Philadelphia Eagles’ home opener starting at $538, the most expensive in the NFL, with the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears also among the priciest. On the low end, the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers have some of the cheapest opening-day tickets.

For fans, the rising costs mean game-day budgeting has become as important as the action on the field. FinanceBuzz suggests strategies like buying tickets closer to kickoff on the secondary market, using cash-back or travel credit cards to offset expenses, and exploring streaming options for games at home.

With half the league raising prices faster than inflation and some teams tripling their costs in just 10 years, one thing is clear: NFL success isn’t just measured in wins anymore — it’s also reflected in fans’ wallets.

You can read FinanceBuzz’s full study here.