Breaking Down Prices For Buffalo Bills Tickets Against AFC East Rivals
By Greg Cohen
Sept. 30, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots middle linebacker Brandon Spikes (55) tackles Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Patriots beat the Bills 52 to 28. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
This is a great year to be a Buffalo Bills fan. The Bills have finally moved on from their stay in mediocrity, separating themselves from the noodle-armed Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback, and replacing Chan Gailey with Doug Marrone at head coach. There is a new regime and a new feel in place, and regardless of who is at quarterback, the Bills are expected to showcase one of the most electric running backs in the entire league – C.J. Spiller – as their main offensive weapon.
On top of that, their pass defense has taken their game to another level, and if the pass-rush can match their intensity, the Bills could seriously be a sleeper team to watch for. They’ll certainly need either Kevin Kolb or E.J. Manuel to help out at quarterback, but the writing is on the wall; these Bills are getting closer and closer to finally getting back to post-season play. Most importantly, Bills fans get to witness the journey in Buffalo at just $131 a pop for home games.
Home Games
(9/8) vs. New England Patriots | Avg: $169 | Get-in: $75
Buffalo kicks off the season against the Patriots, which is understandably their most expensive home game at 29% above their home game season average. Tom Brady and co. are always good for a solid show, but add in that this is a season opener, and the value is off the charts. Spiller will have to get going early and set the tone for Buffalo to stand a chance, but that’s not unrealistic with the home crowd cheering him on.
(11/17) vs. New York Jets | Avg: $126 | $29
An even cheaper outing here, as the Bills take on the Jets in mid-November with a price tag 4% lower than their average home game. The Bills appear to be deeper and more balanced than the Jets overall – especially on offense, and could run away with this one potentially. After all, they did run all over the Jets last year.
(12/22) vs. Miami Dolphins | Avg: $120 | Get-in: $23
Buffalo’s cheapest divisional home game comes against the Dolphins late in December, which is a little ironic considering it’s around playoff season. The Dolphins have made major improvements, too, likely making this a flashier battle than it has been in the past. With that said, this is another home divisional battle the Bills should be able to win, adding further value to the ticket price, while coming in an insane 23% lower than Buffalo’s average home game.
Road Games
(9/22) @ New York Jets | Avg: $190 | Get-in: $24
This early season battle in New York costs more because of the location, it’s still fairly price at under $200 on average, with a nice get-in tag of just $24. The recipe for success is still pounding the rock with C.J. Spiller, but on the road the Bills are almost certainly going to need more out of their passing game, as well as their defense.
(10/20) @ Miami Dolphins | Avg: $140 | Get-in: $26
Buffalo’s first date with Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins is actually $20 more expensive than their home date, with no real extra hype or meaning around it. All we know for sure is that these teams are pretty evenly matched and that despite $20 either way, it’s a solid value buy.
(12/29) @ New England Patriots | Avg: $293 | Get-in: $104
Last, but certainly not least, Buffalo heads to New England to take on the Patriots in the week 17 season finale. Buffalo isn’t a lock for the playoffs by any means, but there is the potential this could carry playoff ramifications for both sides. At the very least, it’s Buffalo’s season closer with the chance to mess with New England’s playoff seed.
For even more on AFC East ticket prices, check out this article on Forbes.com breaking down prices for the entire division.