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Ticket prices for both opening round matchups in the CFP are soaring, ranking first and second as the most expensive passes this bowl season.
The rising costs suggest that the committee accomplished its goal of pitting the four best teams in the field, and television ratings are likely to reflect it.
The selection process was a controversial one with Florida State being omitted. The Seminoles became the first undefeated Power Five champ to get left out of the four-team event as one-loss Texas and Alabama got the nod.
While the committee justified the picks by referencing an injury to starting quarterback Jordan Travis, many believed the move was made to generate higher television revenue.
In the end, fans wound up with a trio of college football blue bloods. The opening round will include contests between Texas-Washington and Alabama-Michigan.
CFP ticket prices soar ahead of kickoff
It’s being reported that tickets for the Rose Bowl are going for an average of $456 at Vivid Seats. The Sugar Bowl matchup between the Longhorns and Huskies is even higher at $785.
That initial meeting between the Tide and Wolverines will pit two of college football’s biggest coaches against one another. Nick Saban and Jim Harbaugh will be roaming the sidelines, only boosting the anticipation from a fan perspective.
A number of bettors are already backing Alabama, causing the opening line to shrink to just a point in favor of Michigan.
Many have been quick comment on the high prices online.
“These Rose Bowl prices are outrageous.”
“Looking at prices for rooms, tickets, and airfare for a family of four, it’s going to cost $10K.”
The Sugar Bowl is even worse.
“I saw the ticket prices for the Sugar Bowl… I will be watching from the comfort of my own home.”
And the flights are no better…
“Alaska Air added new flights all between $575 and $775 round trip… and they were gone in 10 minutes.”
Washington and Texas are featured in that nightcap.
The Longhorns are 12-1 after winning the Big XII. They are the only team in the field to boast a win over another playoff team thanks to their victory over Alabama in September.
Washington, meanwhile, is a perfect 13-0, using a pair of wins over Oregon to launch themselves into title contention.
While Deion Sanders believes they’re the CFP’s villain, the Huskies have a chance to play ultimate hero for one Washington fraternity that has $50K riding on a championship.
It should be an entertaining couple of games, but for those that want to watch in person, they will be costly.