Inflation has taken a bite out of Americans’ wallets at the gas pump and the grocery store in recent years, and it will follow them to football stadiums this fall.
Ticket prices are on the rise throughout the NFL, and Washington Commanders fans might experience some sticker shock at the concession stand during Sunday’s home opener at the newly renamed Northwest Stadium.
A Washington Commanders spokesperson said the team raised most concession prices by around 10% to keep pace with other NFL stadiums and sports venues in the D.C. area. The cost of soda, bottled water and hot dogs was unchanged.
Commanders owner Josh Harris invested $10 million to renovate the concession stands this offseason, creating 11 “frictionless markets” where fans can easily grab essentials like water without interacting with a cashier. Team officials said fans should expect better quality, selections and technology when they visit Northwest Stadium this season.
But with the cost of food, drinks and tickets on the rise, how much will it cost to see the Burgundy and Gold in 2024?
Tickets
The average ticket for a Commanders game this season will cost about $104, according to SeatGeek’s online marketplace. For Sunday’s game against the New York Giants, the cheapest seats in the nosebleeds of section 413 are available for $58. For those with more glamorous tastes, tickets in a luxury suite are available for $1,355.
Across the NFL, ticket prices grew by 9% to an average of $151 in 2024. The Commanders sit in the middle of the pack with the 18th-most expensive tickets, based on SeatGeek’s data for all 32 NFL teams.
Parking
Whether they’re in the luxury suites or the nosebleeds, fans will often have to pay to get to the game. Northwest Stadium is located about a mile from the Morgan Boulevard stop on the Metro — about a 20-minute walk uphill.
For those looking to avoid the walk, an Uber ride from the Metro stop to the stadium would cost about $16.
Anyone looking to drive themselves to the game will need to spend $72 to reserve a spot at the stadium. Team officials noted that parking prices stayed the same for the 2024 season.
Food
What’s a football game without some finger food? Hungry fans have an array of options — if they’re willing to pay up. An order of chicken tenders and french fries is available for $15.49. A quarter-pound hot dog will cost $8.49 and some traditional nachos are listed for $10.
But the Commanders said fans were clamoring for “shareable” options to split the costs at the register.
Enter the “Raising Hail Nachos.” Served in a “stadium-sized” container, the dish features brisket or pulled pork, cheese, jalapenos, onions and barbecue aioli.
The $29 offering could feed a family of four, a team spokesperson said.
Fans looking to take their stadium experience home with them can invest in a souvenir popcorn bucket or fountain drink for $12.49 each.
Drinks
Bottled water at Northwest Stadium is available for $6, while a 20-ounce bottle of soda will cost $7. But those prices, though higher than what shoppers would pay outside of a stadium, are not typically the main attraction at a concession stand.
That honor belongs to the beers.
At the Legends Plaza, the Commanders are offering 12-ounce domestic beers for $6.75. In other sections of the stadium, visitors will pay up to $17.49 for a 24-ounce import.
Fans can expect a wider variety of alcoholic beverages this season, including locally brewed options and ready-to-drink cocktails.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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