As one of the most popular sports in America, basketball tickets can pack a serious punch to your wallet. But with these buying tips from SeatGeek, you’ll be armed with the tools to find the best deals on your favorite NBA teams’ games.
Unsurprisingly, primetime weekend games on Saturdays and Sundays are, on average, the priciest times to go to an NBA game. For those who don’t mind partying on a school night, Monday and Tuesday matchups are often an opportunity to score a good deal on tickets. Check out our NBA page to find out which games fall on said days.
Throughout the 2015-16 season, tickets for games in October, November, and December are often less expensive than those in later months. If you want to make sure to see your team at least once this year, doing so before the playoff race heats up would be a smart move.
While buying tickets far in advance will ensure you’re in great seats, those willing to wait may have a chance at scoring a great deal. On average, 2015-2016 tickets to NBA games purchased within a week of game-day resold for almost 25 percent less than those purchased a month in advance or more. There may be more limited options for seating section and quantity with this strategy, but those who can be flexible would be smart to wait.
Of course, the popularity–and win-loss record—of a home team can have an impact on ticket prices, but the visiting team can have a significant impact on ticket prices as well. Over the past three NBA seasons, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat have driven prices up the most on the road, while the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, and Charlotte Hornets have offered the best values as the visiting team.
One of the best experiences an NBA fan can have is traveling with their team to catch a game on the road. Those who are up for the trip this winter will need to keep airfare, hotel prices, and weather in mind when planning, but it’s also important to remember that the price of resale NBA tickets can vary greatly depending on the team. When traveling, fans may want to avoid following their teams to games against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors, who have had the most expensive home tickets in the league over the past three seasons. Instead, trips to games against the Utah Jazz, New Orleans Pelicans, and Detroit Pistons have a much better chance of being a good value.
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