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NFL ticket prices get even pricier Whether watching the game on your own or with the family, ticket holders should expect to pay about 5 percent more this year, survey finds. NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Football fanatics may be eagerly anticipating the start of the National Football League's 2006 season this Thursday, but they should also be prepared to open their pocketbooks a little wider this year if they plan on attending a game. This year fans will pay an average $62.38, a 5.6 percent increase, to watch an NFL game this season, according to the industry trade publication Team Marketing Report, marking the fifth consecutive year that average ticket prices have increased. The survey also revealed that its "Fan Cost Index", or the average cost for a family of four to attend a football game this season and purchase food, parking, soft drinks and souvenirs is $346.16, up 4.9 percent from the 2005 season. Nineteen of the 32 NFL teams raised ticket prices by 5 percent or more for this season, with some teams such as the San Diego Chargers upping ticket prices by as much as 14.6 percent, according to the report. Washington Redskins fans will experience the greatest increase in ticket prices, as the cost of a ticket climbed 17.2 percent for the coming season. At the same time, tickets to a New England Patriots game are still the most expensive, costing an average $90.89. Only one team lowered ticket prices this year - the San Francisco 49ers - with the average ticket prices falling 0.5 percent to $63.70. Watching the Buffalo Bills is still the best deal in the league, with the average ticket price costing $41.29. Often times the basis for an increase in ticket prices can to help cover the costs of a new stadium or to simply pay for talent so that teams can remain competitive. "What we're trying to do is compete with the upper echelon of the NFL," said Jim Steeg, San Diego Chargers Chief Operating Officer, in a press conference earlier this year. "I know that fans don't want to hear that. But the most important thing we've got to do is make sure we do what everybody wants, which is put the best product on the field." The survey also revealed that last year's Super Bowl champs, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and eight other teams left ticket prices unchanged this year. _______________ |
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