To purchase tickets for a Divisional Round matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders, you’ll need to go through several steps to secure your seat for one of the most anticipated games in the NFL postseason. Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the Lions or Commanders, or simply a fan of playoff football, getting access to tickets can be a crucial part of the experience. While this game is hypothetical (since these two teams are not currently playing in a Divisional Round as of now), the process of purchasing tickets follows a set procedure for NFL games, particularly during the postseason. Below, I’ll guide you through the essential steps involved in buying tickets for such an event.
1. Determine the Location of the Game
The first thing you need to know is where the Divisional Round matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders will be played. In the NFL playoff system, the location of each game is determined by the outcome of the Wild Card Round.
- If the Detroit Lions or Washington Commanders have won their Wild Card Round game, they will play in the Divisional Round against a higher-seeded team. Depending on whether they are playing at home or on the road, you will need to know where the game is happening.
- If it’s a home game for the Lions, the venue will be Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.
- If it’s a home game for the Commanders, the game will take place at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, located near Washington, D.C.
In some cases, the NFL may change the location for neutral-site games, but for the sake of this hypothetical, we’ll assume the game is played at one of these two venues.
2. Official NFL Ticket Providers
The next step in the process is finding an authorized seller to purchase your tickets. For any official NFL game, including playoff matchups, the primary ticketing platforms are:
a. NFL Ticket Exchange
- The NFL Ticket Exchange is the official marketplace for buying and selling tickets to NFL games. Here, season ticket holders often resell their tickets for games they can’t attend. This platform ensures that all tickets are legitimate, as they are verified by the NFL.
- You can access the NFL Ticket Exchange through the official NFL website or through the NFL app. After selecting the game you want to attend, you can filter tickets by price, seating section, and more.
b. Team Websites
- Both the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders sell playoff tickets directly through their own official team websites. For example, if the game is being played at Ford Field in Detroit, you’ll be able to purchase tickets through the Detroit Lions’ official site. Similarly, if the game is at FedExField, the Washington Commanders’ website will be your destination.
- Team websites will often provide detailed seating charts and allow you to select your exact seat within the stadium. Keep in mind that tickets for playoff games can sell out quickly, so it’s crucial to act fast.
c. Ticketmaster
- Ticketmaster is one of the most widely recognized ticket platforms in the world and is often the official distributor of tickets for major events like NFL playoff games. If the NFL uses Ticketmaster for a specific game, you can go to their website to purchase your tickets directly.
- Ticketmaster also partners with teams and venues to offer access to presale tickets, which may be available to fans with certain membership statuses or credit card holders. Ticketmaster is often a good option for people looking for a wide variety of tickets for all seating sections.
d. Secondary Ticket Markets
- If official channels are sold out or if you want to explore other options, you can turn to secondary ticket marketplaces like StubHub, Vivid Seats, or SeatGeek. These platforms allow fans to resell their tickets to others, often with some markup. Be cautious when purchasing from secondary markets as ticket prices can be inflated, and you should verify the legitimacy of the tickets before purchasing.
3. Understand the Different Types of Tickets
Before buying your tickets, it’s important to understand the various options available for seating at the game. NFL stadiums have a wide range of ticket categories, each offering different viewing experiences.
a. Standard Seats
- Standard seats are typically the most affordable option and are usually located in the upper levels of the stadium. These seats provide a good view of the action, but they may not offer the same level of comfort or access to premium amenities as other seating options.
b. Club Seats
- Club seats offer a more luxurious experience, typically located in the lower levels of the stadium. These seats may include additional perks like access to exclusive club lounges, premium food and beverage options, and more comfortable seating.
c. VIP and Suite Tickets
- If you’re looking for a high-end experience, you might consider purchasing VIP or suite tickets. These tickets provide access to private suites, where you’ll enjoy the game in a climate-controlled environment with upscale food, beverages, and exclusive services.
- Suite tickets are often the most expensive option but come with a high level of comfort and privacy.
d. Standing Room Only (SRO) Tickets
- Some games may offer standing room only tickets. These tickets allow you to be inside the stadium but do not include an actual seat. Typically, standing room areas are located in less desirable locations, such as the upper levels, but they can be a more affordable option for fans on a budget.
4. Pre-sale Opportunities
Before general tickets go on sale to the public, certain groups of people may have the opportunity to buy tickets early. These pre-sale opportunities can increase your chances of securing a ticket to the game. Some examples of pre-sale access include:
a. Season Ticket Holders
- NFL teams often give season ticket holders the first chance to buy playoff tickets. If you are a season ticket holder for either the Detroit Lions or Washington Commanders, you should check your email or team website for details about how to access tickets during this pre-sale period.
b. Fan Clubs and Loyalty Programs
- Fans who are members of the team’s official fan club or loyalty programs may receive early access to tickets. These programs are often free to join, and they reward loyal fans with opportunities to purchase tickets before the general public.
c. Credit Card Pre-sales
- Certain credit card companies, such as American Express, may offer their cardholders early access to tickets for NFL playoff games. If you have an eligible credit card, check with your card issuer for any special ticket offers.
d. Team Partners and Sponsors
- Corporate sponsors and team partners may also receive access to a limited number of tickets before they are available to the general public. These tickets are typically distributed through contests, giveaways, or loyalty promotions.
5. Ticket Pricing
Ticket prices for NFL playoff games can vary widely depending on factors like the teams involved, the stadium, and how far along the postseason has progressed. Here are some things to consider about pricing:
- Demand: Playoff games are often in high demand, and prices for tickets can increase based on how successful the team has been throughout the season. A matchup between two popular teams will likely drive up ticket prices.
- Seating Location: Premium seats, such as those in the lower sections or suites, will be more expensive than standard seating in the upper levels.
- Secondary Market: If tickets sell out quickly through official channels, the price of tickets on secondary marketplaces can often skyrocket. It’s important to be aware of market trends and to buy tickets as soon as possible to avoid paying inflated prices.
- Fees: Keep in mind that ticket platforms like Ticketmaster or third-party vendors often charge service fees on top of the ticket price. These fees can add a significant amount to your total cost, so it’s important to factor them into your budget.
6. Purchasing Your Tickets
Once you’ve selected your ticketing platform and chosen your seats, it’s time to purchase your tickets. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps:
- Create an Account: If you haven’t already, create an account with the ticket platform you’re using. This will make the checkout process easier.
- Select Your Seats: Choose the number of tickets you want and select the specific seats you desire. The platform will usually show you a map of the stadium with available seats.
- Enter Payment Information: Once you’ve selected your seats, enter your payment details. Make sure that you’re using a secure payment method, and double-check your information before submitting the order.
- Review Your Purchase: Before finalizing the purchase, review all the details of your order, including the ticket price, seating location, and any additional fees.
- Confirm Your Order: After reviewing your purchase, click the “Confirm” button to complete the transaction. You should receive a confirmation email with your ticket details.
7. Delivery and Accessing Your Tickets
After purchasing your tickets, there are several ways you may receive them:
- Mobile Tickets: Many ticket providers now offer mobile ticketing, where your tickets are delivered to your phone through an app like the NFL or Ticketmaster app. This is the most common method for receiving tickets in today’s digital world.
- Physical Tickets: If you purchased physical tickets, they will be mailed to you in advance of the game, often a few weeks before the event.
- Print-at-Home Tickets: Some platforms allow you to print your tickets at home. These tickets should be printed clearly and presented at the stadium on game day.
8. Arriving at the Game
Once you have your tickets in hand (or on your mobile device), it’s time to plan your arrival at the game. Make sure to:
- Arrive Early: NFL playoff games can get crowded, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to avoid long lines and to enjoy the pre-game atmosphere.
- Know Your Gate and Parking: Make sure you know the stadium’s entry gates, your seating section, and where you’re parking. The team website will provide this information, and it’s always helpful to have a game plan.
