10 Proven Ways to Find Cheap NFL Tickets This Season

Introduction

NFL football isn’t just America’s most-watched sport—it’s also one of the most expensive to attend in person. From the Dallas Cowboys’ resale prices topping $500+ on average to playoff games rivaling the cost of a weekend getaway, fans often feel priced out.

But here’s the secret: ticket prices fluctuate dramatically. What sells for $450 on Monday might be sitting at $180 by Sunday morning. The trick is knowing when to buy, where to look, and how to use technology like ticket alerts so you catch the right deal when it happens.

1. Buy Tickets After Kickoff

It sounds crazy: why buy a ticket after the game has already started? But in the NFL resale market, unsold tickets plummet the moment kickoff arrives.

• Why it works: Sellers hate eating the cost of a ticket. The second the game starts, that seat becomes worthless.
• How much you can save: Discounts of 50–70% are not uncommon within the first 10 minutes of the game.
• Best for: Fans who live close to the stadium and don’t mind missing the first drive or two.

Pro Tip: Set a Pingseat ticket alert and we’ll keep watch for you—even if prices fall right at kickoff.

2. Track Weekday vs. Weekend Pricing

NFL tickets follow a weekly rhythm:

• Thursday Night Football: Often undervalued because it’s harder for out-of-town fans to travel midweek.
• Sunday games: Most expensive, especially 4:25pm ET national TV slots.
• Monday Night Football: Varies—if the matchup is weak, prices may dip 30–40%.

By targeting Thursday or Monday games, you can save significantly without missing the stadium atmosphere.

3. Use Team-Specific Alerts to Catch Price Drops

Manually refreshing Ticketmaster or StubHub is exhausting. The real savings come from automation.

With Pingseat ticket alerts, you pick your team (e.g., Kansas City Chiefs), section, and budget. When prices hit your threshold, we ping you instantly—no refreshing required.

Set up your first free alert in under a minute.

4. Shop the 48-Hour Window Before Gameday

The NFL resale market loosens up within 48 hours of kickoff. Sellers panic, buyers finalize plans, and prices adjust rapidly.

Case study: According to SeatGeek, Bears vs. Lions (2023) saw upper-bowl tickets fall from $220 to $110 in the final 36 hours.

If you’re flexible on section, this is your sweet spot. With Pingseat keeping watch, you’ll hear as soon as those drops happen.

5. Consider Preseason or Less Popular Matchups

Everyone wants Cowboys–Eagles, but preseason and low-demand games offer incredible value.

• Preseason: Often 40–60% less, but still deliver the stadium atmosphere.
• Non-rival games: Matchups like Jaguars vs. Texans are typically much cheaper.
• Late-season games: If a team is eliminated from playoff contention, tickets nosedive.

6. Compare Across Multiple Sections

Pricing varies wildly, even within the same level of a stadium. For example, 300-level sideline vs. end zone may differ by $80+.

Use section filters in your alerts to maximize value and only buy when the view you want matches your budget.

7. Leverage SMS Alerts Instead of Refreshing

The fastest way to miss a deal is to rely on email only. SMS alerts deliver instant action—seats can sell in under 30 seconds.

Example: Tailgating outside the stadium? A text is actionable immediately, while an email might get buried. With Pingseat, you choose the channel and we’ve always got your back.

8. Join Fan Forums and Local Groups

Don’t overlook grassroots methods:

• Facebook Marketplace groups often have face-value tickets.
• Reddit’s NFL forum: fans sometimes offload extras at fair prices.
• Team forums: season-ticket holders offload spares here first.
• Warning: Always use secure payment methods—avoid PayPal “Friends & Family.”

9. Target Games in Colder Markets

Weather directly impacts demand. December games in Buffalo, Cleveland, or New York can be 30–40% cheaper than September equivalents.

If you’re willing to bundle up, you’ll save big on cheap NFL tickets.

10. Buy After a Team Loses

Emotions move markets. After a tough loss, fans often dump next week’s tickets at lower prices.

Example: After the Patriots’ Week 10 loss in 2022, resale tickets for their next game fell 25% overnight on StubHub.

Wrapping It Up

NFL tickets don’t have to cost a fortune. By combining smart timing (kickoff buys, weekday games, 48-hour windows) with modern tools like Pingseat’s ticket alerts, you can consistently find deals others miss.

Create your first free alert today and let Pingseat keep watch while you focus on the fun.