The secondary ticket market for the upcoming College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game has exploded, with fans facing astronomical prices to witness the historic showdown between the No. 1 ranked Indiana Hoosiers and the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes.
Sky-High Prices Spark Fan Fury
Following the semi-final victories that set the championship matchup, ticket resale sites have seen costs reach staggering levels. A review on Saturday morning found the cheapest available 'get-in-the-door' price on secondary platforms was a hefty $3,600. For more exclusive seating areas, listings have surged into the astronomical range of over $52,000.
Unsurprisingly, supporters have taken to social media to express their outrage at the prohibitive costs. One user on X branded the situation "absurd," while another lamented, "Absolutely ridiculous!!! Greed!!" The exorbitant prices have led to concerns that even the famously well-travelled Indiana fan base might be priced out, potentially diluting their presence at the venue.
A Historic Showdown in Miami
The championship game will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, effectively serving as a home game for the Hurricanes. This adds a significant layer of intrigue, as Indiana will be playing in hostile territory despite being tagged as overwhelming favourites by -7.5 points in the betting markets.
Both teams are chasing history. Miami is aiming for its first national title since 2001, having earned its spot by dismantling Ole Miss. Meanwhile, Indiana is competing in its first-ever football national championship game after a dominant victory over Oregon in the Peach Bowl. The Hoosiers have demonstrated formidable fan support this season, notably outnumbering Oregon supporters in Atlanta.
Ticket Allocations Yet to Hit Market
It is crucial to note that the current eye-watering prices are based on early speculative listings. Official allocations have not yet been distributed. Each school, Indiana and Miami, will receive 20,000 tickets for their respective fan bases. The remaining tickets will subsequently be released to the general public, which may influence the secondary market dynamics.
The stage is set for a monumental clash in nine days' time, blending sporting prestige with a fierce debate over commercialisation and accessibility in American college sports.
