The Economics Behind NFL's Vikings-Lions Showdown

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Welcome to the Sports Economist, the podcast where we dive deep into sports economics. I'm your host, Dr. Shirin Mollah. And today we're diving deep into the fascinating concept of supply and demand in the NFL, whether you're a lifelong fan or new to sports, understanding the economics behind the games can give you a whole new perspective. On today's episode, we're breaking down one of the most talked up matches of the season, the December clash between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions.

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What makes this game so special? And why are tickets through the roof? In this episode, we discuss how the Vikings owner decided to buy tickets for fans to attend the game for more Purple in the Stands. Stay tuned as we explore the forces driving demand, the factors influencing supply, and how this affects everything from ticket sales to TV ratings. Most recently, the team owners bought up to 1,900 tickets on the secondary market.

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which were sold for as cheap as $200. They offered these to staff, family, season ticket members, and team partners as an opportunity to attend a unique game. Many fans talked about how they didn't think they could attend because the ticket average was $700 for this game. But the team owners were in Christmas spirit and made wishes come true. The purple showed up and it was a phenomenal gift exchange. Let's start.

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talking about why the Vikings and Lions game in December was in such high demand. First, both teams are performing exceptionally well this season, making this a critical game for playoff standings. The Lions led by Jared Goff have emerged as NFC contenders, while the Vikings with their electric offense are fighting to stay in the playoff hunt. Rivalry is also a huge component of ticket pricing, though Vikings and Lions share division at NFC North.

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meaning this matchup has playoff implications and years of history behind it. Fans love a good rivalry, and that's a key driver of demand. In addition to that, it's being played in Detroit at Ford Field, a venue known for its exciting atmosphere. Let's shift gears to demand. Why are fans willing to pay so much to attend this game or watch it on TV? Both teams are doing well, and when teams perform, demand skyrockets.

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Fans want to be a part of a winning story. They're willing to pay top dollar to see their team in action, especially when there's something big on the line, like a playoff spot. The Vikings and Lions are storied rivals. Rivalry games often generate more excitement because they carry more emotional weight. Fans don't just want their team to win, they want their team to crush their opposition. Then we go back to scarce resources, the fundamental idea of economics.

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NFL games are finite resources. Each team only plays 17 games in the regular season, and home games are limited to just 8 or 9 per team. The scarcity naturally increases demand. On the secondary market, ticket prices for this game are soaring. Fans who may have purchased tickets earlier in the season for a lower price are now reselling them for several times their original value. Why? Because demand is outpacing supply and fans are willing to pay a premium for the experience.

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According to the Sports Illustrated report, the Vikings organization brought up to 1,900 tickets on the secondary market for about $1,000 each to bring more Viking fans to Detroit. Now let's switch over and talk about supply. The other side of the market. Ford Field has a capacity of around 65,000. That's the hard cap for in-person attendance. Even for millions of fans that want to see the game live, the supply for tickets is limited to the number of seats in the stadium.

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Tickets are distributed in several ways. Season ticket holders, team sales, and secondary markets. Season ticket holders often have this first crack, which limits the number of tickets available to the general public. The NFL's broadcast deals ensure that games are accessible to millions of viewers. However, blackout rules and regional broadcasting can sometimes limit availability. For example, fans in other parts of the country may not get this game unless they have access to premium packages like NFL Sunday Ticket.

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Supply isn't just about tickets. Merchandising around this game is also seeing a spike. Limited edition jerseys, hats, and other gear tied to the matchup are selling fast. Streaming platforms like Amazon Prime or ESPN Plus also play a role in expanding the supply of ways fans engage in the game. So what happens when demand exceeds supply? Prices go up, of course.

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Ticket pricing for Vikings and Lions game are reportedly among the highest for any regular season game this year. Secondary markets such as StubHub and SeatGeek are showing prices well above face value, reflecting the heightened demand. TV ratings are also expected to be through the roof, which means advertisers are willing to pay a premium to air commercials during the game. The NFL, the team, and the broadcasters will all benefit from this high demand. But let's not forget about the fans.

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While some are willing to splurge, others are priced out. This creates a divide in access, something economists often call consumer surplus vs. producer surplus. The fans who can afford the tickets might feel it's worth every penny, but those who can't turn to alternative ways to engage like watch parties or social media. The Vikings and Lion December matchup is more than just a game. It's a masterclass in economics. From the scarcity of tickets to the surge in demand.

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It highlights how the NFL thrives as a sport and a business. So what do you think? Would you still pay the price of a ticket to your favorite team's game or watch on TV? Until next time, teammates, I'm Dr. Shreen Mullah, and this is The Sports Economist. If you enjoyed today's discussion, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. And don't forget to follow us on social media for insights into the fascinating world of sports economics. Thanks for tuning in, and we'll see you next time.