Going to a college football game in Utah this year? Brace yourself, because ticket prices are wild, especially if you’re eyeing a big-time matchup. Forget casual attendance for the whole family unless your wallet is stacked.
The Price Tag for Utah Football Is No Joke
Let’s break down what it costs to catch some of the action. If you’re a University of Utah fan, their home opener on September 3rd against the Idaho Vandals, an FCS team from the Big Sky Conference, will set you back at least $38 for a single-game ticket on SeatGeek. That’s not too bad, right? But hold onto your hats. When the Utes host BYU in Salt Lake City in November, the cheapest seat explodes to a whopping $331. Yeah, you read that right.
Over in Provo, BYU fans can see their Cougars open against the Utah Tech Trailblazers, another Big Sky team, for as low as $88 per ticket on SeatGeek. Manageable. But when Notre Dame rolls into Provo for a marquee clash with BYU in October? Prices start around $600! Talk about a premium! Amidst all this, Utah State, one of the three FBS schools in the state alongside BYU and Utah, is the budget-friendly option, even with their move to the newly reconfigured Pac-12 conference. BYU and Utah now play in the Big 12, one of the Power Four conferences, and it seems like their ticket prices reflect that big-conference status. Like most pro and college teams, these schools use variable pricing, meaning the opponent, day, and time all jack up or lower that price.
Fans Are Feeling the Pinch: Is It Sustainable?
This isn’t just about a few big games, though. A new Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll dropped, and the results are telling. Nearly one-third of Utah voters who call themselves football fans straight up said it’s not affordable to take their family to a game. Another third found the costs, including tickets, parking, and food, only “slightly affordable.” Only about one-fifth found it “moderately affordable,” and a tiny 1 in 10 thought it was “very affordable.” The poll surveyed 789 registered Utah voters, finding 56% considered themselves avid or casual fans. This isn’t some niche issue; it’s hitting the majority.
So what’s driving this insane climb? It’s a perfect storm: post-pandemic demand, NIL deals, revenue sharing, the expanded College Football Playoff, and just good old general inflation. Schools are passing these rising costs directly to the fans.
This isn’t just about a ticket price; it’s about whether loyal fans can even be in the building. Will this pricing strategy alienate the very people who make Saturdays special? That’s the real question these schools face.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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