Lions fans brace for sky-high costs to witness the season’s most pivotal game.
A High-Stakes Matchup Drives Prices Skyward
Detroit Lions fans are preparing for an electrifying Week 18 showdown against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field, but attending the game in person comes at a premium. Ticket prices have surged, with the “get in the door” cost nearing $500 on resale platforms. Lower bowl seats start at $700 and can exceed $1,000, reflecting the game’s high stakes
Fans React to Skyrocketing Costs
The soaring prices have sparked mixed reactions from fans. “That’s outrageous. That’s just outrageous,” said Bernard Criscenti, a loyal Lions fan. Others, however, see the costs as a sign of the team’s rising status.
Lions Lead NFL Ticket Demand
Kyle Zorn, head of content for TickPick, highlighted that the Lions are driving the highest ticket demand in the NFL this season. The Vikings matchup, averaging $651 per ticket, ranks as the second most expensive game of the year, just behind the Lions’ clash with the Buffalo Bills.
Comparable to Playoff Pricing
“This is comparable to more like a divisional or conference championship ticket price,” Zorn said, underscoring the rarity of such high costs for a regular-season game. Detroit’s newfound success is attracting attention and driving up ticket prices like never before.
Avoiding Scams Amid High Prices
As ticket costs rise, so do concerns about fraud. The Lions are urging fans to buy only from trusted platforms like Ticketmaster and to use credit cards for additional purchase protection. “If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is,” Zorn cautioned.
When to Buy Tickets
For those willing to pay the price, Zorn advised purchasing tickets the night before the game rather than waiting until game day. This strategy, he said, often results in better deals as sellers aim to offload remaining inventory.
A Sea of Honolulu Blue
Most ticket purchases for the game are coming from Michigan residents, with only 2% originating from Minnesota. “It should be a pretty heavy Detroit crowd for this game,” Zorn noted. With playoff implications on the line, the Lions faithful are showing up in full force to support their team, regardless of the cost.