How Many NFL Season Ticket Holders Actually Attend the Super Bowl Each Year?

The allocation of Super Bowl tickets to NFL season ticket holders can vary significantly year by year. This article explores the distribution process, the factors affecting allocations, and the chance for season ticket holders to secure a spot at the biggest game of the year.

The Allocation Process

The NFL and the host team control the allocation of Super Bowl tickets. According to typical policies, the league reserves approximately 25% of the total ticket supply. The National Football Conference (NFC) and American Football Conference (AFC) each get 17.5% of the tickets, with the host team receiving 5%. The remaining tickets are allocated to the participating teams' season ticket holders.

Each of the 32 teams, including the host team, is allocated a minimum of 1.2% of the total tickets. This translates to around 250-300 tickets for most teams, but the host team may receive slightly more. The 5% allocated to the host team is split between the league and the team itself, promoting equity.

Season Ticket Holders' Chances

Being a season ticket holder does not guarantee access to Super Bowl tickets. However, many teams provide season ticket holders with a chance to enter a lottery or purchase tickets if their team reaches the Super Bowl. It's common for each team to receive around 15 tickets for the Super Bowl, which can be roughly 6000 to 7000 tickets for each participating team.

Not all of these tickets go to season ticket holders. Some may be reserved for sponsors, team employees, and other stakeholders. The exact number of tickets actually allocated to season ticket holders can vary, but there are documented instances, such as the 49ers, where certain seat packages include Super Bowl tickets every year.

Anecdotal Evidence

One of the best examples of this process is the 49ers. My uncle, a season ticket holder in 1981, recounts his experience. In addition to regular season tickets, the 49ers offer ultra-premium seat packages that include Super Bowl tickets every year. This is a testament to the fact that while not every season ticket holder will get a Super Bowl ticket, there are mechanisms in place to ensure a select few can experience the game.

Conclusion

While the process of allocating Super Bowl tickets to season ticket holders is complex and varies each year, it is clear that there are opportunities for season ticket holders to secure Super Bowl tickets. The NFL and participating teams take steps to ensure a fair distribution, while also recognizing the unique value of season ticket holders.

To learn more about the ticket allocation and lottery process, click here for detailed information.