Before Saturday’s Game, Commanders and Lions NFL Playoff Ticket Prices Set a New Record

The NFL playoffs are an exciting time for football fans across the country, as the culmination of a long season’s worth of hard work, strategy, and perseverance comes to a head in thrilling, high-stakes games. One of the most anticipated matchups in this year’s postseason is between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions, two teams that have shown remarkable improvement over the past few seasons. As these two teams squared off in what would prove to be a crucial game in the playoffs, it was not only the action on the field that caught the attention of fans and the media — ticket prices for the game set a new record, showcasing the ever-growing demand for playoff football.

The Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions have historically been teams that, while passionate and loyal fanbases, have often found themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs. For years, both franchises have struggled to find consistency, often watching as other teams in their respective conferences went on to compete for the ultimate prize — the Super Bowl. However, the 2024-2025 season marked a turning point for both teams, as they each secured playoff spots and demonstrated that they were ready to compete at the highest level.

Before Saturday’s game, which was one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the first round of the playoffs, ticket prices for seats at the stadiums were nothing short of astronomical. Fans who hoped to attend the game found themselves facing unprecedented prices, with the demand for tickets reaching a fever pitch as the game day approached.

Record-Breaking Demand

The surge in ticket prices for the Commanders vs. Lions game was driven by several factors. First and foremost, both teams had proven themselves to be exciting and competitive forces in their respective conferences. The Washington Commanders, led by their strong defense and dynamic offense, had emerged as one of the more formidable teams in the NFC. The Detroit Lions, with their high-powered offense and youthful energy, had captured the hearts of fans and brought an electric atmosphere to every game they played.

Another contributing factor to the sky-high ticket prices was the fact that this was a rare playoff appearance for both teams. Washington had been absent from the playoffs for several years, and Detroit’s last playoff berth had come in 2016. As such, the game was seen as a historic opportunity for both fanbases to witness their teams play in the postseason — a moment that had been a long time coming. Fans who had supported these teams through years of mediocrity and rebuilding were eager to get a seat in the stadium and cheer their team on to victory.

Additionally, the NFL playoffs always bring out the best in fan enthusiasm, as games take on an added sense of urgency and importance. Fans are not just attending another regular-season matchup; they’re attending a do-or-die game that could determine their team’s fate for the season. This sense of urgency translated directly to ticket demand, with many people willing to pay premium prices to be part of the action.

The Role of Secondary Markets

While primary ticket sales — those sold directly by the teams or the NFL — undoubtedly saw their prices increase, it was the secondary ticket markets that saw the most dramatic rise. Websites like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats became the primary sources for many fans looking to buy tickets to the game. The secondary ticket market is where fans who purchased tickets through the primary channels — or those who had season tickets — can resell their tickets for a profit. Given the high demand for tickets, especially for playoff games, resellers took full advantage of the situation, marking up the price of seats to astronomical figures.

In the days leading up to the game, ticket prices for good seats in the stadium — such as those near the 50-yard line — were being sold for several thousand dollars per ticket. Some of the most coveted spots, including luxury suites and club-level seats, saw prices in the tens of thousands of dollars. For fans who were willing to pay top dollar for the opportunity to see their team play in the playoffs, these prices were seen as a small price to pay for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The secondary ticket market’s role in setting a new record for ticket prices highlights a growing trend in professional sports. While ticket prices have risen steadily over the years, the increase in demand for playoff games and the ability of resellers to capture that demand has taken prices to new heights. For many fans, this creates a dilemma: the desire to see their team play live is tempered by the prohibitive costs of attending a game in person.

Factors Driving the Surge in Ticket Prices

The record-setting ticket prices for the Commanders vs. Lions game were the result of a combination of factors, each contributing to the overall surge in demand.

1. Team Performance: As previously mentioned, both the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions had shown significant improvement throughout the season. For Washington, the key to their success had been their defense, which ranked among the league’s best in terms of yards allowed and points scored against them. The Lions, on the other hand, had built their offense around a potent passing game and a dynamic young quarterback who was poised to lead the team into the future. Both teams had fans who were excited about their playoff prospects and eager to see their teams perform in the postseason.
2. Limited Availability of Tickets: Playoff games always have a more limited supply of tickets than regular-season games, given the smaller number of playoff teams. This scarcity, combined with the high demand from fans, naturally drives prices up. With only a select number of seats available for the game, those who were able to purchase tickets early had an opportunity to resell them at higher prices, further increasing the cost for fans looking to buy closer to game day.
3. The Importance of the Game: For both the Commanders and the Lions, this was a pivotal game in their playoff journeys. A loss would mean elimination from the tournament, while a win would propel the victorious team further into the postseason with a chance at Super Bowl glory. This heightened sense of importance only added to the excitement surrounding the game and increased the willingness of fans to pay top dollar to see their teams in action.
4. Fanbase Loyalty and Passion: Both Washington and Detroit have passionate fanbases that have supported their teams through thick and thin. For many of these fans, the opportunity to see their team play in the playoffs was a moment years in the making. The connection between fans and their teams runs deep, and for many, the chance to witness a postseason game in person was worth every penny.
5. The Influence of Media and Social Media: The exposure that the game received through traditional media outlets as well as social media platforms further fueled the demand for tickets. As the days counted down to the game, the hype surrounding the matchup — both in terms of its competitive stakes and the excitement of seeing these teams in the playoffs — continued to build. Social media played a significant role in amplifying this excitement, with fans constantly posting about their plans to attend the game or sharing stories of how difficult it was to secure tickets. This constant chatter helped to keep the game at the forefront of people’s minds and generated additional interest.
6. The Luxury Experience: As ticket prices have risen across all levels of professional sports, there has been an increasing emphasis on providing fans with a luxurious and exclusive experience. Premium seating options — including suites, club-level seating, and VIP packages — have become increasingly popular as fans seek out a more comfortable, high-end experience. These premium packages, often including amenities like gourmet food and access to private lounges, have contributed significantly to the overall increase in ticket prices.

The Future of NFL Ticket Prices

The record-setting prices for the Commanders vs. Lions playoff game are part of a broader trend in the sports industry. As demand for live events continues to grow, ticket prices for major sporting events, especially the playoffs, are expected to keep climbing. While some fans may feel priced out of the experience, others are willing to pay whatever it takes to be a part of the action. The growth of the secondary ticket market, combined with the continued popularity of the NFL, ensures that the demand for tickets will remain strong, further driving prices upward.

As the NFL continues to evolve and grow in popularity, it’s likely that playoff ticket prices will become even more expensive in the future. For fans hoping to attend these games, the challenge will be finding ways to secure tickets at a reasonable price — or to decide whether the experience is worth the financial investment.