The Price of the Super Bowl

When Pittsburgh and Green Bay take the field for Super Bowl XLV Sunday, over 100,000 are expected in Cowboys Stadium as well as a standing room only crowd outside the view of the field. Those inside most likely paid more than the face value of $900 as the Super Bowl has a large re-sell market. Players and coaches are allowed to buy two tickets to the NFL's big game, and it is well-known that some of those choose to make a few dollars off that opportunity.

The last time the Packers won this title game, tickets went at face value for $375. That was 1996, and the price as escalated to $800 a year ago in Miami, and $900 for this year's tilt in Dallas.

With these prices, the NFL has out-priced the majority of their fan base. Imagine what $900 could pay for? And it isn't only $900, it is $1,800 as you can't just buy one at face value. The game before the Super Bowl - AFC & NFC Championship games - the face value for the game ticket is $146. How they decide upon $146 is beyond me, but a considerable amount less than the next game up. Aside from the entertainment value that comes with the Super Bowl, how can the NFL justify such a large price jump from one game in the playoff to the next?

Next year the game will be played in Indianapolis, but in 2014 the NFL looks to take their biggest game to the biggest stage, New York. Although the weather in Dallas this past week may be similar to what it could be in New York, at least this year's game as a roof to it. At the increasing cost, the 2014 fans may be paying $1,100 to sit in a cold wintry mix.