Will Fewer 2012 Super Bowl Tickets Mean Higher Prices?

The NFL has scaled back plans for temporary seating at Lucas Oil Stadium for Super Bowl 2012, meaning Indianapolis is on track to host one of the smallest in-person crowds for the big game in 20 years. The league originally planned for up to 7,000 extra seats at the downtown Indianapolis stadium but now plans to install only about 5,000.

Lucas Oil Stadium will host about 68,000 people for Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5. By comparison, 103,000 fans attended last year's Super Bowl in Dallas, and 74,000 attended the 2010 game in Miami. The reduction in the number of seats so far hasn't had a big impact on ticket pricing other than to minimize discounting, said James Reilly, a market analyst at Vivid Seats.

"What we have noticed is that the huge supply of seats last season gave fans who might usually be priced out of attending the Super Bowl a chance to go the game as we saw a large number of sales in the $1,000 to $2,000 per ticket range," Reilly noted. "This year, with a more limited supply of seating, there are very few options for fans working with that type of budget."

Tickets are up for sale from about $2,000 to $6,000 apiece depending on the location within Lucas Oil Stadium. Of course, prices could fluctuate based on which of the final four teams make it to Super Bowl Sunday. All four of the teams, the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots, have strong fan bases that travel well.

The temporary seats are scheduled to be in place more than two weeks before the game to allow for safety inspections and ensure everyone with a ticket gets a seat, avoiding a repeat of last year's fiasco in Dallas.

Super Bowl 2012 Tickets: Avoiding a Repeat of Dallas

It was the ultimate letdown for more than 3,000 fans at last year's Super Bowl: They arrived on game day to discover their seats were not ready or deemed unsafe. About 500 wound up without a seat at all. That's not likely to happen in Indianapolis. The NFL and host city have taken special measures to prevent a similar fiasco for ticket holders to the 2012 Super Bowl. Lucas Oil Stadium will use less temporary seating, most of which has been used for prior events, and ensure the seats are installed and approved well in advance of game day. The stadium's regular staff of ushers will direct fans since they are most familiar with the venue's layout.

Super Bowl in Indianapolis: Have a ticket, have a seat

Fans denied seats at last year's Super Bowl will be among the roughly 63,000 people watching the big game on Feb. 5 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The league offered them refunds for their tickets and travel, along with tickets and accommodations for this year's game. The stadium hosts about 63,000 people for regular season Colts games and will host roughly the same total for the Super Bowl. Some extra seating is planned for a plaza area where Lucas Oil displays drag-racing replicas, along with upper level areas in the end zones.

How to buy Super Bowl 2012 tickets

Fans can buy tickets to the big game from a handful of online ticket marketplaces that have relationships with teams and sponsors. At the moment, tickets are being sold (buy now) within certain zones in the stadium, rather than specific rows and seats, until the game nears and the NFL allocates paper tickets. It's worth noting that buying a more expensive ticket within a zone does not guarantee a better seat within that zone. Another word of caution: Ticket prices may seem high now but they could go higher as it becomes clearer which teams are in the hunt.

How much you should expect to pay for 2012 Superbowl tickets

At the moment, tickets are for sale from about $2,000 to $6,000 apiece depending on the location within Lucas Oil Stadium, but the prices are expected to fluctuate widely in the next few weeks as the playoffs shape up. The teams on the field ultimately will determine the cost of tickets. Prices will rise if a team with a rabid fan base that travels well, such as the Green Bay Packers or Pittsburgh Steelers, makes it to the Super Bowl. Story lines matter, too. Tickets likely would jump in price in the event Tim Tebow leads the Denver Broncos to the big game.

Win Tickets to Super Bowl 2012: Sweepstakes Rundown

The most exciting way to land tickets for Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis is by winning a sweepstakes from one of the NFL's corporate sponsors. We've compiled the following list of contests that could win you a visit to Lucas Oil Stadium for the big game on Feb. 5, 2012. Many of the deadlines fall at the end of December, so you'll have to act fast!

Some contests require only a few clicks on Facebook, but others will take a little creativity. You can win a Super Bowl trip, for example, by showing how you transformed your look using Van Heusen clothing, or taking a photo of an impressive tailgating spread to win Prilosec's offering. If you've heard of other contests, please share the details in the comments. And remember to check back regularly with Indy2012.com, your guide to the Big Game.

UPDATE: Most of the deadlines to win free tickets have passed! Still looking to buy tickets? Send your name, phone number and a good time to call to indysuperbowltickets@gmail.com and a ticket concierge will be in touch shortly.

• Visa’s You + Ten (Deadline passed)
  Enter via Facebook for a chance to win a trip to the Super Bowl for you and up to 10 friends (valued at more than $59,000!).
  Entry frequency: Unlimited
  End date: Dec. 27, 2011, at 11:59 p.m. PT
  Eligibility: USA, 18+
• GMC Never Say Never Sweepstakes
  Enter by choosing your dream GMC vehicle, and you could win that car or a trip to the big game.
  Entry frequency: One entry per person/email
  End date: Different deadlines for each week’s drawing
  Eligibility: USA, 18+
• Rudolph Foods – The Big Game Contest (pig Skins for pigskin) (Deadline passed)
  Enter for a chance to win tickets to Super Bowl XLVI, a year's supply of pork rinds, $2,000 cash and other prizes.
  Entry frequency: Unspecified
  End date: Dec. 31, 2011, at 11:59 p.m. PT
  Eligibility: Contiguous USA, 21+
• Campbell’s Soup – Chunky Super Bowl XLVI Sweepstakes (Deadline passed)
  Enter Campbell’s Chunky Super Bowl XLVI Sweepstakes via Facebook for a chance to win one of 10 trips to the game, each valued at more than $10,000.
  Entry frequency: One entry per person/email
  End date: Dec. 9, 2011, 11:59 p.m. ET
  Eligibility: USA, 21+
• Snickers – Super Bowl Sweepstakes (Deadline passed)
  Enter to win a trip to two to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, valued at more than $11,000.
  Entry frequency: One entry, per day per person/email
  End date: Jan. 3, 2012, 12 a.m. ET
  Eligibility: Contiguous USA, 18+
• Van Heusen – Big Game In Style Contest (Deadline passed)
  Submit photos that show how Van Heusen clothes have transformed you from a schlub to a swaggerer, and you can win a trip for you and four friends, valued at almost $23,000.
  Entry frequency: Five entries per person/email
  End date: Dec. 31, 2011, 11:59 p.m. ET
  Eligibility: USA, 21+
  
• Prilosec – A Better Way to Tailgate: Tailgate Fan Challenge (Deadline passed)
  Show your tailgate spirit by entering photos of either your tailgate food spread, your team spirit or your tailgate set-up, and you could win one of three free trips to the Super Bowl in Indianapolis.
  Entry frequency: One entry per person, per category
  End date: Jan. 4, 2012, 5 p.m. ET
  Eligibility: Contiguous USA, 18+
• Papa John’s – Super Bowl XLVI trip giveaway (Deadline passed)
  Enter a chance to win one of five trips valued at more than $10,000 each.
  Entry frequency: One time per person/email
  End date: Dec. 25, 2011
  Eligibility: USA, 18+
• Castrol EDGE Super Bowl Sweepstakes (Deadline passed)
  Enter for a chance to win a three-night trip for two and $1,000 cash.
  Entry frequency: One entry per person/email
  End date: Dec. 31, 2011, 11:59 p.m. ET
  Eligibility: USA, 18+
• NFL Play 60 Super Bowl Contest 2012 (Deadline passed)
  This contest is designed for entry by children ages 6-13. If a child describes which NFL player inspires him or her to be more fit, as well as how his or her family stays fit, all in 25-75 words, he or she could win a trip to the 2012 Super Bowl, including the ability to deliver the game ball to the field. Other prizes include tickets to NFL games during the 2012 regular season.
  Entry frequency: One time, per person/e-mail
  End date: Dec. 8, 2011, at 11:59 p.m. ET
  Eligibility: USA, ages 6-13
• Liftmaster – Get a Lift to the Game Sweepstakes (Deadline passed)
  Enter via Facebook for a chance to win a free trip to Super Bowl XLVI valued at more than $11,000.
  Entry frequency: One time per person
  End date: Dec. 16, 2011, at 11:59 p.m. PT
  Eligibility: USA, 18+
• Smoothie King – Oath of “Oh-Yes-You-Can” Super Bowl contest (Deadline passed)
  Enter via Facebook for a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl XLVI.
  Entry frequency: One time per person
  End date: Dec. 18, 2011, at 12 a.m. PT
  Eligibility: USA, 18+

Tips on Choosing a 2012 Super Bowl Package

Attending a Super Bowl is as much about the atmosphere and experience as the game itself. The parties. The pep rallies. The NFL Experience. But planning a Super Bowl trip is a lot more complicated than your typical vacation. Hotel rooms are scarce, traffic can be a nightmare and surprise expenses add up fast. That's why plenty of savvy Super Bowl veterans book a package deal for the big game. Credible ticket marketplaces already are offering 2012 Super Bowl Packages that let fans focus more on atmosphere and experience and less on logistics. Here are a few tips for choosing the right Super Bowl package:

• Super Bowl package basics.
  Every Super Bowl ticket package at a minimum should include game tickets, hotel accommodations and transportation to and from the game. Packages generally are sold at a per-person rate, so you can save money if you're willing to share a hotel room with friends.
• Choose your level.
  Super Bowl ticket packages are priced based on where you'd like to sit for the big game. The base price will get you an upper-level seat but you're welcome to upgrade based on your budget. Make sure the hotel included in the package is well located, and review the rankings on Trip Advisor. In some cases, you can actually choose your hotel. 
• Look for experience and a guarantee.
  Make sure the marketplace has Super Bowl experience and a guarantee on your package. For an event like the Super Bowl, credible sellers will offer on-site customer service so you can immediately address any concerns about your tickets or accommodations.
• Extras are everything.
  Tickets to the big game, hotel accommodations and ground transportation are a given with most Super Bowl ticket packages. Before you seal the deal, look for extras like VIP party passes, tickets to the NFL Experience and even complimentary souvenirs.

Tips for Buying 2012 Super Bowl Tickets

Watching a Super Bowl in person is the experience of a lifetime. It’s also the toughest ticket in the world of sports. But you can snag 2012 Super Bowl Tickets even without the inside track of a team or sponsor connection if you know where to turn. Below you’ll find some helpful tips for buying your tickets.

• Understand how tickets are supplied.
  Ticket marketplaces can offer Super Bowl tickets with guaranteed seating in certain sections before the on-sale date. How? They have relationships with sponsors, players and others with access to guaranteed seats. Exact section and row assignments will be available as the game nears.
• Set a price alert.
  Most marketplaces offer price alerts when ticket prices reach a specified level. The industry is a live market, so prices change daily. Just because tickets may be out of reach one day does not mean they won’t eventually fall.
• Look for a guarantee.
  Always make sure the marketplace has a guarantee on tickets sold for the Super Bowl and understand what recourse you have should there be issues with availability or shipping. For an event like the Super Bowl, legitimate sellers will offer on-site delivery for last-minute orders. Be sure the buyer guarantee includes a full refund if the exact tickets you want aren’t available.
• Find the best seats.
  When it comes to finding the right seats, interactive seating charts are your friend. Not only can you drill down on each section of Lucas Oil Stadium, but you’ll also be able to compare prices for each section. If you’re still not able to find the seats you’re looking for, call customer service. Reputable marketplaces have agents on call to discuss anything regarding tickets, pricing, seating and shipping.

Colts Headed Back to Miami!

The Indianapolis Colts will face the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV on Feb. 7 in Miami. It marks the first time since 1994 that two No. 1 seeds face off in the Super Bowl, and the first time ever that two indoor teams battle in the big game. The game will be broadcast by CBS, and commercials will cost an average of $3.1 million for a 30-second spot. Peyton Manning and the Colts have opened as a four-point Las Vegas favorite to beat New Orleans. Can the Colts keep their momentum alive and play a home-field Super Bowl in 2012? Information on 2012 Super Bowl tickets is here.

Super Bowl 2012 Tickets: Expensive and Rare

Ready to buy tickets? Call 800-840-9227 to speak with a Vivid Seats representative.

 

Lucas Oil Stadium will hold roughly 63,000 spectators for the Super Bowl in 2012. The host-city Indianapolis Colts will receive about 5 percent of the available tickets, or about 3,600, the Associated Press has reported.

The teams that make it to the Super Bowl each will receive about 17 percent of the tickets. The NFL takes 25 percent, and the rest hit the open market.

The face value on the seats is expected to be about $1,000 apiece, though seats already are selling for much more on the secondary market through various ticket brokers and sports travel outfits.

Prices on the secondary market range between about $2,400 per seat for the most remote tickets, all the way up to more than $12,000 for prime seats with a great view of the action. At this point, the tickets fall within specified zones since the NFL has not yet released actual seat locations.

The 2012 Super Bowl is scheduled to kick off at 5:15 p.m. on Sunday, February 5, at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis.

Tickets to 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis Could Cost More Than $1,000

Ready to buy tickets? Call 800-840-9227 to speak with a Vivid Seats representative.

Tickets for last year's Super Bowl in Tampa cost $1,000 each at a minimum, the Associated Press reported. By 2012, when Indianapolis hosts the big game, tickets likely will be much higher.

At last year’s game, the average price of tickets on StubHub, the online resellers, was $4,300.
Ticket prices for the first Super Bowl, played at the Los Angeles Coliseum 43 years ago, were $6, $10 and $12. They went over the $100 mark in 1988 and have increased regularly since.

The face value on the seats is expected to be about $1,000 apiece, though seats already are selling for much more on the secondary market through various ticket brokers and sports travel outfits.

Prices on the secondary market range between about $2,400 per seat for the most remote tickets, all the way up to more than $12,000 for prime seats with a great view of the action.


Ready to buy tickets? Call 800-840-9227 to speak with a Vivid Seats representative.