The NFL playoffs are always a spectacle, with every game serving as an opportunity for teams to prove they belong on the biggest stage. However, as thrilling as the action is on the field, there’s another equally captivating story happening in the stands: the cost of tickets. And when the Washington Commanders faced off against the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Playoff game, ticket prices reached jaw-dropping heights, offering a stark reminder of how the price of admission for NFL fans has skyrocketed in recent years.
For many fans, securing a seat at a playoff game is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The excitement of seeing their favorite team compete for a chance at the Super Bowl is a dream come true, but it comes at a price—one that has grown substantially in the modern era. The Commanders-Lions Divisional playoff matchup, which took place in January 2025, provided a striking example of just how steep those prices can get.
### The Demand for Playoff Tickets: A Supply-and-Demand Phenomenon
To understand why ticket prices for the Commanders-Lions Divisional playoff game were so exorbitant, we need to look at the basic economic principle of supply and demand. The NFL playoffs, unlike regular-season games, are a limited commodity. Each year, only 14 teams make it to the postseason, and only a handful of those teams will play in front of home crowds during the early rounds. This scarcity naturally drives up demand, and when you pair it with the incredible popularity of the NFL, ticket prices skyrocket.
For teams like the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions—franchises with loyal, passionate fanbases—the demand for tickets to a playoff game is only amplified. Both teams had a compelling reason to compete in the postseason, and the anticipation around the game was palpable. Fans wanted to be part of the action, witness their team’s potential run to the Super Bowl, and feel the electricity of a high-stakes game. But in the age of secondary ticket markets and premium pricing strategies, that opportunity came at an astronomical cost.
### Ticket Prices Hit the Roof
When the Commanders and Lions squared off for the Divisional Playoff game at FedEx Field, ticket prices were reported to be among the highest seen for an early playoff round. According to various ticket resale platforms, such as StubHub and SeatGeek, the price of an average ticket for a decent seat in the stadium was upwards of $500. For lower-level seating near the 50-yard line or in luxury suites, prices soared well over $2,000 per ticket, with some seats reaching as high as $5,000 or more, depending on the section and the demand.
While these kinds of prices are common for the Super Bowl, it’s noteworthy that a Divisional playoff game is only one step removed from the regular season. Fans in the Washington, D.C., and Detroit metro areas found themselves facing a particularly steep price to attend what was, essentially, just another postseason game.
A quick comparison with regular-season games can help contextualize just how wild these prices were. During the 2024 season, tickets for Commanders home games at FedEx Field averaged around $100 to $150 per ticket for general seating. Of course, playoff games are always more expensive, but the difference between regular-season prices and playoff ticket prices has grown considerably in recent years. The inflated prices are fueled by the high demand for in-person postseason experiences, the rising popularity of the NFL, and the proliferation of online ticket resale platforms that allow prices to spiral out of control.
### The Influence of Secondary Market Resale Platforms
A significant factor contributing to the insane ticket prices for the Commanders-Lions Divisional playoff game was the growing influence of secondary market resale platforms. Websites like StubHub, Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats have become central players in the modern ticketing landscape. These platforms allow individuals to buy and sell tickets at prices that often far exceed face value.
While secondary market platforms can help fans who miss out on purchasing tickets through official channels, they also drive up prices for high-demand events like playoff games. For instance, a seat that originally cost $200 might end up being resold for $1,000, depending on demand. This market dynamic makes it difficult for everyday fans to afford tickets to major events, pushing the cost of entry into a realm that only a fraction of the fanbase can realistically afford.
With the Commanders-Lions matchup having national appeal and playoff stakes, the secondary market was flooded with listings at inflated prices. The result was a situation where many fans were forced to either pay the premium or watch the game from home. This phenomenon is now a familiar one for sports fans across the country—especially during the playoffs—where demand far outstrips supply and prices reach unprecedented heights.
### The Impact of Corporate and VIP Packages
Another factor that drives up the cost of tickets to high-profile games is the prevalence of corporate and VIP ticket packages. These packages, which offer luxury seating, exclusive access, and additional perks like food and drink, have become increasingly common at playoff games. For fans who are willing to pay for a premium experience, these packages offer an elevated level of comfort and status.
At the Commanders-Lions Divisional playoff game, many of these VIP packages came with prices ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per person. These tickets provide access to private lounges, upscale food and beverages, and sometimes even meet-and-greets with former players or team executives. While these experiences cater to a more affluent fanbase, they also contribute to the overall escalation of ticket prices. The demand for these high-end experiences often competes with the average fan looking for a regular seat, making it even harder for people to find affordable options.
### Why Fans Are Willing to Pay the Price
So, what is it that makes fans willing to fork out thousands of dollars for a single ticket? The answer lies in the rarity and excitement of the event itself. The NFL playoffs represent the pinnacle of the sport, and for many fans, being part of the atmosphere is an opportunity they cannot miss. Whether it’s the chance to see a Super Bowl contender in person, the memories of cheering for their team, or the desire to be surrounded by fellow fans, the emotional value of attending a playoff game is something that transcends the sticker price.
For Washington Commanders fans, the opportunity to witness their team’s playoff run in the stadium was especially significant given the team’s playoff drought in recent years. For Lions fans, the game represented a rare chance to experience postseason glory after a long absence from the playoffs. The passion and energy surrounding these fanbases led to a perfect storm of high demand and high prices.
### The Economics of Playoff Games: A Double-Edged Sword
While the steep cost of tickets to the Commanders-Lions Divisional playoff game may seem exorbitant to some, it’s important to understand the larger economic dynamics at play. The NFL and individual teams benefit enormously from playoff games, both in terms of ticket sales and the broader media exposure that accompanies these high-profile matchups. The profitability of playoff games has led to a trend of higher prices, as teams and the league look to maximize their revenue from a limited supply of tickets.
However, the downside to these high prices is the potential alienation of the average fan. For many fans, paying thousands of dollars for a single ticket to a postseason game simply isn’t feasible. This raises questions about the accessibility of live sports and whether the growing trend of escalating ticket prices is making the experience too exclusive for the average person.
### Conclusion: The High Cost of Playoff Glory
The astronomical cost of a ticket to the Commanders-Lions Divisional playoff game serves as a stark reminder of the financial realities that fans face in today’s sports landscape. While playoff games are an unmatched spectacle, the prices attached to them can be out of reach for many loyal fans who simply want to witness history in person. As ticket prices continue to climb, the question becomes: how will the NFL and teams balance their desire for profit with the need to keep the game accessible to all fans?
For those lucky enough to afford the high cost of admission, the payoff is clear—an unforgettable experience in the heart of playoff football. But for many, the price of entry is simply too high, and they’ll have to settle for cheering from the comfort of their living rooms.