GA Bulldogs make list of priciest football game days in NCAA. Here’s cost, ranking
College football season is almost here and Saturdays down South aren’t just about a game. They are a highly sacred experience, but in today’s economy, attending a game is more than just a tradition. These days, it’s a financial decision many fans can’t justify.
With ticket prices climbing and parking fees creeping higher, budget-conscious fans may want to think twice before committing to a single game day. To get a better sense of the cost, the online sports site Oddspedia crunched the numbers for some of the country’s top football programs.
Game day cost breakdown
Oddspedia gathered all the data and tracked the cost for two people to attend a game, including:
- Tickets
- Beers
- Sodas
- Hotdogs
- Parking
The cost of one gameday in the SEC
Oddspedia analyzed the cost of attending a single game at 100 major NCAA Division I football programs and five of the 10 most expensive game day experiences came from SEC schools.
The average cost of a game day for two across all 100 programs is $184.67, but the average cost from the SEC schools in the top 10 is $282.20.
Most expensive SEC game days
On average, it will cost SEC fans $97 more per game for two people.
- #2 Alabama: $295
- #3 Texas: $292
- #5 Georgia: $289
- #7 South Carolina: $277
- #8 Texas A&M: $268
Cheapest college game days
There are no SEC teams in the bottom least expensive experiences and gameday prices are a downright steal at these programs.
- #100 Western Kentucky: $84
- #99 Arkansas State: $86
- #98 Ohio University:$100
- #97 North Texas:$106
- #96 Northern Illinois:$107
Why are prices so high?
It’s not just inflation. With colleges allowed to share up to $20.5 million of revenue annually with their athletes next year, programs face pressure to keep the money flowing, often by passing costs on to fans.
This puts a lot of pressure on the top earning programs to keep the revenue coming in. However, as attorney and name, image, likeness expert Robert Boland told Oddspedia, “But even SEC football powerhouses like Alabama have seen live attendance drop in recent years.”
It may seem like a splurge to attend a college football game, but the cost is part of the tradition. However, as prices continue to rise, it’s smart to know what you’re in for on a gameday. These numbers don’t factor in the tailgating set up or the cost of hosting other fans at your spot.
Although the SEC offers superior football, you better be ready to pay for the privilege.
What are your gameday rituals? Do you have any tips to save money? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published August 8, 2025 at 6:00 AM.