NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Tips Off
As the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament tips off, ticket prices continue to be a key indicator of fan demand and excitement. With First Round sessions taking place in eight venues across the country, the pricing variations between Session 1 and Session 2 offer key insights into market dynamics, regional interest, and purchasing behavior.
Each First Round venue will host two sessions, with Session 1 featuring the first two matchups of the day and Session 2 closing out the evening with the remaining two games. Several factors influence Average Ticket Price (ATP) disparities between the sessions, including team matchups, local fan bases, and game scheduling.
Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee leads ATP for both sessions, with a 20% increase from Session 1 to Session 2. INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita sees the largest session-to-session increase, as Session 2’s ATP rises 70.5%. This surge is largely driven by a local Session 2 matchup between Drake and Missouri, which attracts strong regional support and increases demand.
Matchups featuring No. 1 seeds generally drive higher ATPs, as top-ranked teams generate more fan interest and demand. This is evident at Rupp Arena, where Auburn (1) vs. Alabama St. (16) game results in Session 1 ATP being 1.5x higher than Session 2, marking the most significant drop between sessions.
The Lenovo Center in Raleigh presents a unique case, maintaining nearly stable ATPs between sessions with less than 1% increase. This is due to an unprecedented situation—both sessions feature No. 1 seeds, sustaining demand throughout the day.
Daytime scheduling seems to impact ticket prices, with 7 out of 8 First Round host venues exhibiting lower ATPs for Session 1, likely due to workday schedules limiting attendance. Rupp Arena does not follow this pattern due to the Auburn vs. Alabama St. matchup in Session 1. Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle shows a 32% increase in ATP from Session 1 to Session 2, while Rocket Arena in Cleveland sees a 25.5% increase.
Understanding these pricing trends helps fans make strategic decisions on what, and when to buy. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament remains a premier sporting spectacle that blends competition with commerce. TFL Group’s expertise in ticketing and pricing analytics plays a crucial role in helping fans and organizations navigate the ever-changing market, ensuring that the passion for the game translates into unforgettable live experiences.
