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LAS VEGAS (AP) — With Super Bowl tickets far exceeding affordable price points, numerous NFL enthusiasts who pre-planned their Las Vegas vacation are settling for televised viewings of the big game.
Many are embracing alternative entertainment options in the city.
Swamped with fans in NFL regalia but sans tickets, the NFL Experience resembled a bustling convention. Attendees rooted for various teams like the Packers and Steelers yet converged in Vegas despite their teams not reaching the finals.
Reasons varied, but most had one thing in common: the hope that their team would vie for the championship led to early Vegas bookings. However, last-minute ticket costs are prohibitive, with current prices hovering around $7,700—a slight drop from prior weeks.
Carl Bray, an optimistic Bengals supporter, booked his Vegas journey two months back when the Bengals had a winning streak, despite Joe Burrow’s injury. Without game tickets, Bray decided to enjoy the game at a local Super Bowl bash.
On record, Super Bowl tickets have experienced a consistent, sharp rise in cost, from $12 in 1967 to over $1,000 in 2009. This week, the average ticket price peaked at $9,815 on Tick Pick and then dipped to $7,684 by Saturday.
Nevertheless, this price range remains inaccessible to fans like Rick Goff. From Kansas City to Vegas with his son, Goff dressed in Chiefs attire for the NFL Experience but the stadium seats will remain a wishful dream.
Goff remarked, “We’re working people who can’t afford it,” yet expressed no regret.
Soon after the Chiefs’ victory over the Ravens, the Goffs planned to join other Kansas City supporters in Vegas, despite not expecting to attend the game live. For Eric and Stephanie Hubbard, the Super Bowl sparked a family rivalry, with one backing the 49ers and the other the Chiefs. A hefty casino win was their only ticket to the game, which didn’t happen, leading them to retreat home to their couch.
The Las Vegas visitor trend during the Super Bowl isn’t new; past games have attracted around 300,000 visitors. This year anticipates 330,000 visitors, which will fuel an estimated $600 million in economic activity.
Like many others, Jets fan Delmas Crum took a chance and booked a Vegas trip early in the season, well before knowing the final contenders. Crum and his dad, a Colts fan, enjoy the Vegas allure and the sports betting scene while experiencing the Super Bowl atmosphere.
“If nothing else, it’s a vacation to Vegas,” stated Delmas.
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Reporting by student journalist Spencer Ripchik from the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State.
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For more NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
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FAQs About Super Bowl Weekend in Las Vegas
- Why are Super Bowl tickets so expensive?
Super Bowl tickets are in high demand and are a limited commodity, which drives up the price. Additionally, prices often reflect the high-profile nature of the event and the extensive experiences offered during the game. - Can you still enjoy Super Bowl weekend in Las Vegas without attending the game?
Yes, many visitors come to Las Vegas for Super Bowl weekend to enjoy the ambiance, place bets, and watch the game at various parties and events around the city. - Is it common for NFL fans to travel to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl even if their team isn’t playing?
Yes, fans of various teams often book trips to Las Vegas to experience the excitement of Super Bowl weekend, irrespective of whether their team makes it to the finals. - What are some alternative activities for Super Bowl fans in Las Vegas?
Alternatives include attending the NFL Experience, participating in game day parties at casinos, sports betting, and exploring the many other attractions Las Vegas has to offer. - How does the Super Bowl impact Las Vegas’s economy?
The influx of visitors for Super Bowl weekend significantly boosts the local economy, with estimates suggesting hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity for Southern Nevada.
Conclusion
The iconic Super Bowl weekend continues to attract a massive crowd to Las Vegas, proving that the event is about more than just the game itself. With its hefty ticket prices, fans are choosing to immerse themselves in the electrifying atmosphere and entertainment that Vegas uniquely offers. Despite not attending the game, visitors demonstrate that the spirit of football and the joy of the Super Bowl experience can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether betting, celebrating at a themed party, or watching amongst the casino buzz, for these fans, Vegas during the Super Bowl offers an unbeatable blend of sports, leisure, and the chance for an unforgettable vacation.
