Football’s Thanksgiving Day Ticket Feast

By Front Office Sports

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Published November 22, 2024

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The tradition of watching the NFL on Thanksgiving is as old as the league itself, dating back to 1920. In 2006, a primetime Chiefs-Broncos matchup capped off the NFL’s first tripleheader on Turkey Day, and last season, the Jets and Dolphins made history when they staged the debut Black Friday game.

For most fans, Thanksgiving NFL games are viewed in living rooms alongside family and friends. But every year, thousands of diehards show up in person for a chance to see their teams win—and bite a giant postgame turkey leg.

According to data from TickPick, a leading North American ticket marketplace, fans are not exactly gobbling up tickets to every game, however. This week, Front Office Sports shows the difference a quarterback can make from Jared Goff and Patrick Mahomes to a pair of backups. With several ranked college football games on tap, we’ll also dive into some trends on campuses.

The Hottest Thanksgiving Day Game

For the first time in franchise history, the Lions are the current favorites to win the Super Bowl. One season after coming up a game short of an NFC championship, they are the hottest team in football—and open up the Thanksgiving slate against the Bears and No. 1 pick Caleb Williams.

According to TickPick, the matchup is the most expensive Thanksgiving game on record with an average purchase price of $472. That’s 24% more expensive than the Lions’ game last season against the Packers ($378). It is also the most expensive meeting on record between the divisional foes, representing a 67% increase over their next game in Chicago on Dec. 22 ($281) and a 72% increase from the last time they met ($273).

The current get-in price for Turkey Day at Ford Field is $416 for a physical seat and $281 for standing room only.

Tickpick's 10 Most Expensive Thanksgiving Matchups

Black Friday, Take 2

Speaking of Super Bowl favorites, the Chiefs’ undefeated run to the 2024 season was finally snapped, but they are as dangerous as ever. On a day filled with leftovers and online shopping, the two-time defending champions play host to the Raiders in the NFL’s second-ever Black Friday game.

Fans hoping to see the action in person at Arrowhead Stadium will have to shell out, regardless of a likely mismatch: According to TickPick, the average purchase price of $413 is 73% more expensive than last year’s inaugural Black Friday game between the Dolphins and Jets ($238).

Additionally, TickPick notes this is the fifth-most-expensive Chiefs-Raiders game on record. The current get-in price, meanwhile, is $300—53% more expensive than the get-in price of the Chiefs’ following home game against the Chargers ($195).

Cover Your Eyes

For the NFL and viewers, the on-field action for the primetime afternoon slot on Thanksgiving isn’t the most compelling. Dak Prescott received season-ending surgery, the Cowboys are heading in the wrong direction, and flaws in their stadium are adding insult to injury. The Giants have become a contender for the top pick in next year’s draft and just benched Daniel Jones.

That means Cooper Rush and Tommy DeVito will go head-to-head in what was once a fierce NFC East rivalry. While the current get-in price is $57—making it the most affordable game of this year’s Thanksgiving Day slate—the average purchase price is $221, which is the fifth-most-expensive matchup between the two teams on record.

According to TickPick, the get-in price for AT&T Stadium has dropped significantly since the season began. For a physical seat, the price dropped 53% from $123 to $57.