How to Buy NFL Preseason Tickets

If buying regular-season NFL tickets is tough, getting a preseason seat may leave you scrambling. Start long before you get the fall-football bug for the best chance of finding a block of seats at your local stadium, or locate an NFL package deal outside your area, and make a destination of it. Even if you're straight-armed by the box office, there are alternative ways to find preseason tickets.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Official NFL preseason schedule

Locate and Purchase NFL Preseason Tickets

1. Buy from the source. Box offices have a finite number of tickets, but you can get lucky by buying preseason tickets in person, by phone or via a website on the day they go on sale to the public. Check your favorite team's website.
2. Hear about contests or new ticket sources through the grapevine. Stay up to date by visiting an online sports forum or bulletin-board service.
3. Keep an eye on auction or purchase options for preseason tickets on eBay (see Resources below).
4. Use your favorite travel agent or get a referral to one who sells NFL package vacations. Ask her to customize a preseason trip.
5. Throw yourself at the mercy of the scalpers on game night or on the day tickets go on sale at the box office. Stand around in front of the stadium, calling for spare tickets, or wait to hear sellers advertising tickets for sale.

Tips & Warnings

• The NFL "preseason" generally takes place in August. Look for tickets as soon as they go on sale for the year. Check with your team's stadium website for the date.
• Start searching for a reputable online broker sometime before you're ready to buy tickets. You'll want to be able to take advantage of preseason deals as they become available.
• Don't expect preferred seating. If your seats are located in a "general seating area," your entry ticket does not guarantee you a certain seat.
• Always protect yourself against unknown sellers. When buying from a distant seller, be sure to get your tickets before you pay or via cash on delivery (COD).
• Stay on the right side of the law. If you buy tickets from an individual at the stadium, be aware of local or state laws that govern ticket scalping or public ticket transactions.