Utah Sports Attendance Becomes Increasingly Expensive
Salt Lake City, UT – A recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll indicates that approximately 75% of Utah residents believe attending live sporting events has become financially burdensome. This perception arises as both professional and college sports teams, notably the Utah Jazz and the University of Utah, announce ticket price increases. The Jazz’s season tickets for the 2025-26 season will range from $3,216 to $11,352, while the University of Utah has also raised football ticket prices ahead of its second Big 12 season.
The rising costs reflect a broader trend where sports participants express concern over affordability. In fact, 82% of individuals earning between $50,000 and $99,000 report that event pricing is steep. Comparatively, average ticket prices can vary dramatically; for instance, a Jazz ticket averaged $218 this past season, while single-game prices hinge on variables like the opposing team and seat location.
Despite these increases, many fans still yearn for opportunities to attend games, with minor league options like the Salt Lake Bees offering more budget-friendly alternatives. Their tickets start as low as $13. However, the cost at major events continues to climb, and single-game tickets at the Mammoth hockey games also saw a price rise.
The issue extends beyond physical attendance, as fans grapple with the complexity of sports streaming. While 42% of respondents say live sports are easy to watch, 39% cite the increasingly fragmented streaming landscape as a drawback. This shift represents a significant change in how fans access content in a climate marked by rising ticket and streaming fees.
Sports organizations are addressing these challenges by introducing programs offering lower-cost tickets and affordable arena food, although the future of affordable live sports attendance remains uncertain.
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