How much can Vol fans expect to pay for tickets to playoff game against Ohio State?
3,500 of Ohio Stadium’s 102,780 seats are allotted for Tennessee.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - With less than two weeks until Tennessee travels up to Columbus to take on Ohio State for the program’s first-ever playoff game, many fans are weighing their options, trying to decide if they’ll make the trip.
“Even casual fans would want to attend those games with the uniqueness of the ability to do it, and again being the first makes it very exciting,” said Dr. Rob Hardin, a sport management professor at the University of Tennessee.
The College Football Playoff guidelines only give visiting teams 3,500 tickets, half of what the Vols usually receive for a regular-season SEC away game. For reference, Ohio Stadium has a capacity of 102,780.
“Fans have to adjust to that allotment once institutional needs are taken care of, such as players tickets and administrative tickets,” Hardin said.
UT Athletics project that only 1,000 tickets will be left after fulfilling those needs. High-ranking donors will take priority for the rest.
The other nearly 100,000 seats will be up for Ohio State season ticket holders before tickets go on sale to the general public Thursday morning.
“I’m not sure how many would be left for sale, but then there will most likely be some and some of those season ticket holders will sell most likely sell theirs on the secondary market, and that’s where fans will be going primarily get their tickets,” Hardin said.
High demand and resell price hikes are already playing a role. Nose bleed seats listed on Ticketmaster are currently listed at over $300.
“One of my friends bought [tickets], but I guess he has more cash than I do,” said Gabe Adcock, a UT student.
Before paying the high price for tickets, experts are warning about scams. Only buy on credible websites and only those listed as a verified resale ticket. This also includes parking passes.
“It’s verifying you that that’s a ticket somebody owns and is putting up for sale,” Hardin said.
Another tip is to watch out for anyone selling a physical, paper ticket. All College Football Playoff tickets are digital.
While tickets are expensive, those planning to head to the game can try to save money on hotels. Experts said to use free websites to compare prices and to consider staying a little further away to save some money.
Merchandise for this historic game is on sale now and can be purchased here.
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