Going to see a professional sports team in action can be an expensive outing. First of all, you have to buy the tickets. Then factor in parking, hot dogs, nachos, beer, sodas, and souvenirs… It can really break the bank! Nerdwallet, a financial analyst site, has put together a study of the most expensive teams to see live. Not surprisingly, the Cleveland Cavaliers top the charts with a total family cost for a family of four: $1,504.89! This is what some call, “The LeBron Factor.” Cavaliers games are going to be more expensive, because people want to see him in action. Also, for teams playing the Cavaliers at home, the tickets will increase in price as well.
The Atlanta Hawks have been a playoff team for most of the last decade, and their average ticket resale price is $151, coming at 9th overall for most expensive teams. But the ticket price all depends on the popularity of the team the Hawks are playing in any given game. The more popular the opponent, the more expensive and more widely attended the Hawks game will be.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have an average increase of 31.6% on the opposing team’s ticket prices. The Los Angeles Clippers may be one of the best teams in the Western Conference, as they have some great talent on the team. Their popularity has grown despite the disgrace and impending sale of the franchise, who used to be the superior of the two Los Angeles basketball franchises. The Atlanta Hawks play the Los Angeles Clippers on December 23, 2014.
Los Angeles Lakers
Speaking of the Lakers, they are still a popular team to see. The Los Angeles Lakers are pretty much a brand in themselves. They still have superstars such as Kobe Bryant to entice fans to come out and see their games. The Lakers increase opposing teams tickets prices by 60.1%! That’s not too shabby. On the other hand, home games for the Lakers may see a downward trend, due to lower demand. The Atlanta Hawks play the Los Angeles Lakers on November 18,2014.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have an average increase of 44% on the opposing team’s ticket prices. The Thunder have a very loyal fan base, and even Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook’s injuries haven’t kept them at bay. Both star players are expected to be back in December, so expect ticket prices to rise even more after their return. The Atlanta Hawks plays the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 23, 2014.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Again, it’s the “LeBron Factor.” Any team playing the Cleveland Cavaliers is going to see a dramatic increase in ticket resale values. The Cavaliers have an average increase of 138.6% on opposing team’s home game tickets! While eight months ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers were one of the worst teams in the league, with one of the lowest tickets prices. Now, the Cavs have LeBron James back, and even Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Everyone is clamoring to see “The Next Michael Jordan” in action, and they are willing to pay for it! The Atlanta Hawks play the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 30, 2014 and March 6, 2015.
