Demand for tickets to Week 1 games is usually quite strong. Fans are extremely excited for the NFL’s return, and no matter what the experts predict for your favorite team, there’s always a level of hope and optimism when the regular season begins.
That said, ask the New England Patriots for their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, September. 10 is through the roof.
Not only will it be a great matchup between two favorites (the defending NFC champions) and a rematch of Super Bowl 39 and Super Bowl 52, the Patriots will also be giving legendary quarterback Tom Brey that afternoon. Tribute to Dee.
Brady returns to Gillette Stadium in 2021 as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Patriots have yet to officially honor him.
Fans are willing to pay more to witness Brady’s celebrations. The Patriots-Eagles tickets are by far the most expensive of the Week 1 games, according to Vivid Seats. Those prices are also significantly higher than what Brady rival Peyton Manning paid for his retirement game in 2017 (698% higher, according to Vivid Seats) when the Indianapolis Colts Hats off to him.
Here are the five most expensive games of Week 1, based on average ticket prices at Vivid Seats.
1. September Eagles vs. Patriots 10: $734
2. Packers vs. Bears, September 10: $438
3. September Lions vs. Chiefs 7: $417
4. September 49ers vs. Steelers 10: $323
5. September Cowboys vs. Giants 10: $280
The Eagles aren’t the only playoff team coming to Foxborough this season. Some of them will follow Route 1. Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl champions will square off in Week 15 on “Monday Night Football.” Los Angeles Chargers star quarterback Justin Herbert will make his first trip to New England in Week 13. The new-look New York Jets, with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, will be on Fox Foxboro for the Week 18 finale. In Week 7, the Buffalo Bills will play at Gillette Stadium.
So even if the Patriots aren’t a very good team this season, ticket prices will likely still be high because there are several very good opponents heading to Foxborough.