For most sports fans, there is a measure of discomfort in attending a game. Crowded bleachers, public restrooms, long concession lines and exposure to the elements can be unavoidable parts of the experience.
There is, however, a group that does not have to deal with such inconveniences: suite holders, whose experience can seem far different from that of the average fan.
They enjoy air conditioning, padded seats, high-definition big-screen televisions, granite counters and bars, paintings and memorabilia along the walls, refrigerators fully stocked with soda and beer and, if that doesn’t suit them, wait staff to bring snacks and drinks.
Such luxuries have long been the domain of the famous and wealthy. But it is not exclusive to them anymore.
Owning a suite may still be an unattainable goal for the average fan, but opportunities to occasionally splurge and enjoy fine comforts are growing, as a thriving secondhand rental market has emerged in recent years.
For example, if you wanted to see the Dodgers play the Oakland Athletics on July 28, the Dodgers’ next home game, you could buy a preferred field seat in the lower bowl online for $48, plus a convenience fee of $7.
General parking, beer, hot dogs and ice cream cost $35, and all told, you spend about $90.
Or, you and 19 friends could pony up a total of $3,000 for an evening in a luxury suite.
On the Dodgers’ website, single-game suite rentals are priced from $4,500 to $6,500 — and that’s about the only game in town that publicly shares that information with fans. The Angels, Lakers, Clippers, Kings and Ducks all require a request to receive pricing for their suites.
However, by using one of a handful of companies that act as the StubHub of luxury suites, fans can secure a suite for less. Suite Experience Group, one of those companies, listed a suite for that Dodgers-A’s game for $3,000.
For years, luxury seating could be acquired only by paying premium prices and signing long-term leases. Stadium suites were largely the realm of big business, which used the facilities to entertain well-heeled clients and reward high-producing employees.
Once they were rented, the suites rarely became available again — and then usually at a price far steeper than what they originally went for, based on catering options, location and other terms, of course.
Suites at Dodger Stadium start at $245,000 per season. The Angels’ start at about $200,000 per year. The Ducks’ lowest price is $175,000, and Staples Center, which hosts the Kings, Lakers and Clippers, starts at $300,000, an arena spokesperson said.
In recent years, availability has improved as the economy weakened. In some instances, companies that signed deals before the recession were liable for millions of dollars. In 2010, the Dallas Cowboys sued 10 area businesses for not paying for their suites. According to the lawsuit, the companies owed the Cowboys $82.3 million in rent.
That’s when brokers such as SEG entered the picture. Founded in 2010, the company connects suite holders looking to recoup some of their investment with fans who want a premium seating experience without a long-term commitment.
Even as the economy recovers, more companies are choosing to use their suites more efficiently, said Scott Spencer, founder and chief executive of SEG. Few companies fill their suites for every game or event at a stadium. Making them available for certain occasions makes financial sense.
The Angels offer 12-person suites located midfield starting at $2,700 per game. On SEG, the price is $1,815. Suites located between the dugouts with access to an exclusive lounge area, in-seat catering and a private entrance go for $2,960. Staples Center suites start as low as $2,800 and go up to $6,000, depending on the opponent and day of the week. Ducks suites range from $1,900 to $4,000.
Although fans often reserve suites with SEG up to seven weeks in advance, Spencer said his company can arrange rentals with only three or four days’ notice.
“The rich individuals and the companies who want this premium tier of access, they understand that there’s a better way to get this than signing up for these long-term commitments or purchasing the asset themselves,” Spencer said. “That’s the model we’re trying to bring to luxury suites. … The goal is to be disruptive in the way that you can access premium inventory.”
SEG is one of only a few companies tapping into what Spencer calls a growth market. Exchange sites for general admission tickets have been online a decade or more, but the availability of suites was slower to develop.
Teams have not changed their practice of trying to get long-term leases on as many suites as possible, but more fans are seeking high-quality experiences at sporting events to compete with the comforts of home and the accessibility of high-definition TVs.
The typical suite package now includes not only HD televisions, but also snacks and drinks, concierge service, reserved parking, private entrances and merchandise discounts.
The Dodgers offer early entrance into the stadium, and the Angels include access to exclusive areas such as the teams’ batting tunnels. For long-term lease holders, teams also offer priority access to tickets for playoff games and concerts.
But let’s say you and your friends don’t want 20, or even 12 tickets.
The Dodgers offer the “Ketel One Baseline Club,” a group of seats down each foul line with tables in front of them and in-seat food service. The Angels have a Diamond Club 20 rows behind home plate that features a patio and lounge area for which you can buy individual tickets. Staples Center offers a limited number of premier tables and lounges that can host four to six people. They sell for $165,000 to $175,000 per year. The Rose Bowl, which was recently renovated to add 54 luxury suites, now also has almost as many loge boxes — 48 — and 1,200 premium “club seats.”
StubHub Center, home to the Galaxy soccer team, has four-person “cabanas” — private, open-air tents located next to the Stadium Club. The Galaxy has also opened another club underneath the stands that allows fans to interact with players as they leave and enter the locker room.
Across the board, these premium seating options are on the rise, according to Tracy Tapp, an interior designer for Populous, an architecture firm that has worked on NFL, Major League Baseball and college stadiums throughout the country.
“If there are some suites that aren’t moving in teams’ inventory as fast as they would like, sometimes we take those spaces and turn them into a club,” Tapp said. “Or we can turn those into loges, which have continued to be a very popular premium amenity because they’re a good midlevel price point in the hierarchy of the premium inventory.”
A market such as Los Angeles is ideal for premium seating options, Tapp said. The high concentration of celebrities means there will always be demand for luxury at sporting events. And with the possibility of an NFL franchise or two relocating to the Southland, there could be as many as 12 college and professional teams vying to sell their suites in the next few years.
All of this is good for the consumer, said Todd Lindenbaum, CEO of the luxury suite rental website SuiteHop. He expects the cost of suite rentals to continue to drop as competition arises for the limited number of corporate dollars in Southern California.
So let’s go back to you and your friends at that Dodgers game.
For about $90 per person, you get a general admission seat with a few beers and hot dogs.
For $108 per person, you get a spot in a loge box, with a countertop area, HD televisions and a dedicated wait staff providing food and beverage service.
Or, for about $150 per person, you can pamper yourself for a place in a luxury suite with all of its amenities.
Your choice.
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FAQs
How much do suites at Soldier Field cost? The price of Soldier Field suites is determined by matchup and location in the stadium. Private suites are available for all home games and events with pricing starting at $21,000 and may cost as much as $40,000.
What are the D level suites at Soldier Field? ›
Executive Suite Level D
The suites offer a climate controlled and luxurious environment outfitted for your viewing pleasure. The suite provides a customizable catering menu, a dedicated suite attendant, HDTV's, a private restroom plus bar-style and stadium-style seating.
Who are SuiteHop competitors? ›
Who are SuiteHop 's competitors? Alternatives and possible competitors to SuiteHop may include Lamps , Suite Experience Group, LLC. , and Used-Line.com .
How much are suites for Angels Games? ›
How much do Los Angeles Angels Suites cost? Los Angeles Angels suites range from $1,500 to $15,000. The price of a Los Angeles Angels suite will vary based on matchup and location in the stadium, and the type of seating option and services requested.
How much is a suite for a normal football game? ›
Regular season college football suites at professional stadiums may cost anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 for a 20 person private suite. Championship events start at $20,000 and can cost as much as $120,000 for a Collegiate Football National Championship Suite.
How much does it cost to own a suite at AT&T stadium? ›
AT&T Stadium luxury suite prices can range from $5,000 to $50,000+ depending on the type of suite and event. Suites for Dallas Cowboys NFL games are in particularly high-demand and average $20,000 per game, whereas concerts and other events start as low as $5,000 for a fully private luxury box.
How many seats are in a suite at Soldier Field? ›
The Suite can hold up to 125 guests and offers unparalleled views of the stadium and of Lake Michigan. The 7,725 sq. foot space will include VIP parking passes and all inclusive food and beverages.
What is 300 club level at Soldier Field? ›
300 Level Club Seats
Seats here are about 40-60 rows from the field. There is noticeably more elevation compared to the 200 level, but not near as much as in 400 Level Grandstand seats. These sections are typically closed for Chicago Fire matches, but are open for some soccer games, all Bears games and most concerts.
Where do you go to be dropped off at Soldier Field? ›
Ride Share drop off is located at the 18th Drive turnaround located just west of the exit ramp at 18th Drive. Ride Share pick-up is located at Columbus and Balbo just North of the stadium.
Where is the best place to sit for the Angels game? ›
Seats on the third-base side are always better than similar seats on the first-base side; this is the Angels side, you have a direct view of the scoreboard and the sun sets behind the seats.
There are several options for Luxury Club suites at Angels Stadium. These suites range in size and price depending on the location within the stadium. Each suite can accommodate groups ranging from 12 to 36 guests and are broken down by the following: Gold Suites: 12-24 guests.
How much is a suite for a OU game? ›
How much does a Oklahoma Sooners Football suite cost?
| Event Type | Average Cost |
|---|
| NFL Suites | $15,000 - $35,000 |
| NHL & NBA Suites | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| MLB Suites | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Concert Suites | $5,000 - $15,000 |
The marquee players will get their own rooms, and some of them might even get something really plush. But for rookies and lesser known players, they will have to bunk up with a teammate.
Which NFL stadium has the most suites? ›
The 170 suites at Levi's Stadium can accommodate 20-40 guests and will cost you up to $60,000 depending on the game and the specific suite according to data obtained by Bloomberg.com.
What is the most expensive NFL suite? ›
According to the NFL, $1 million is the most ever paid for a suite at the Super Bowl. The league said the previous high was $750,000 for a box at Super Bowl LIV in Miami, in February 2020.
How much is a suite at Chase Field? ›
The price of Chase Field suites varies based on matchup and location in the stadium. Private suites are available for all home games and events with pricing starting at $2,500 and may cost as much as $8,000.
...
| Low Range | Location | High Range |
|---|
| $2,500 | Legends Suites | $8,000 |
2 more rowsHow much does a Texas A&M Aggies Football suite cost?
| Event Type | Average Cost |
|---|
| NFL Suites | $15,000 - $35,000 |
| NHL & NBA Suites | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| MLB Suites | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Concert Suites | $5,000 - $15,000 |
Brewers Suite Details and Pricing
Brewers suites prices range from $2,100 to $7,000 depending on the size of the suite, popularity of the opponent, and time of year. Included in the price of a Brewers suite will be tickets, parking passes, and a ballpark fare food & beverage package.
What is the largest crowd to Soldier Field? ›
The largest crowd for any event in Soldier Field was 260,000 on Sept. 8, 1954, for the religious Marian Year Tribute.
Where are the best seats in Soldier Field? ›
For the best overall views, look for tickets in the last rows where you'll be close to the concourse and also have more elevation for superior views to the far end of the field. Handicap accessible seating is available at the top of Sections 122, 123, and 151.
The club lounge features multiple bars and upscale food options not available to fans in other seating sections. The lounge also has additional seating areas, televisions and private restrooms.
Is Soldier Field cashless? ›
The Chicago Bears are going cashless at Soldier Field for the 2022 season. All shops, concession stands, and roaming food and drink vendors will only accept credit, debit, or prepaid cards. The prepaid option will be sponsored by Visa. Fans can transfer cash onto the card and use it inside the stadium.
Does Soldier Field still take cash? ›
Cash will no longer be accepted as a form of payment for concessions or souvenirs inside the stadium. You'll need to use debit or credit cards, or use mobile payments. Fans will also be able to use cash to purchase a pre-paid gift card to make purchases.
Can you tailgate at Soldier Field? ›
Tailgating at Soldier Field is a long-standing tradition and is permitted within all stadium controlled parking lots on Museum Campus. Parking spaces may not be used for tailgate equipment alone.
What is the average attendance at the Angels games? ›
Regular season average attendance of the Los Angeles Angels 2009-2022. The average attendance at Los Angeles Angels games in Major League Baseball in 2022 was 30,339.
What seats are behind home plate Angels? ›
Los Angeles Angels Premium Seats
Located right behind home plate are the Diamond MVP Seats (row C), and Diamond Hall Of Fame tickets in rows D-H provide access and amenities that no other seats offer (sections 114-122). Amenities include access to the Diamond Club Restaurant, as well as in-seat wait service.
Which seats at Angel Stadium include food? ›
Features & Amenities
For Angels games, Ticketholders seated in sections 309-343 receive in-seat food and beverage service, while all club ticketholders will have priority access to the Saint Archer Brewing Co.
Why are Stadium suites so expensive? ›
Stadium suites or luxury boxes are an exclusive class of seating in a stadium. There are a limited number of these seats in each stadium. Often, they are reserved for large businesses who pay a premium price for access to the box. Sales companies often buy suites to take their customers to events.
How many people fit in a Yankees suite? ›
Yankee Stadium suites seat 12-34 guests and include comfortable cushioned seating to enjoy the game from. SuiteHop recommends club seats for smaller parties of 2-8 guests. Clubs offer the same large, padded seating with in-seat wait service.
How many people fit in Lakers suite? ›
Event Suites at Located on Level C at the end of the stadium within Hyde Lounge, these suites can hold up to 30 people with the option to buy additional tickets. You can also privately rent Hyde Lounge with a capacity of 132 guests, or simply rent a table or seating for 6 guests within the lounge.
Mingle and relax in a large shared suite, complete with instant access to the best all-inclusive amenities, including exceptional chef-prepared food and beverages.
How much is NFL Suite at Super Bowl? ›
The website says 'Super Bowl LVII luxury suites are in extremely high demand and will cost between $1,500,000 to $2,000,000. '
How much is a Super Bowl box seat? ›
The 2022 Super Bowl ticket packages listed on On Location start at $5,822.50 per person. Depending on seat location and package details, listings even go up to $29,750.00 per person for VIP sections in their Hospitality section.
How much is a suite at a Kentucky football game? ›
Two suites at $45,000 apiece also are leased to the University of Louisville, Advancement, according to the records furnished by the school.
How much is a suite at Texas stadium? ›
How much do Texas Rangers suites cost? Texas Rangers suites range in price from $4,000 to $8,00. Classic Suite: Located on the highest of the two suite levels.
How much is a Browns suite? ›
FirstEnergy Stadium suites are priced by event. Suite prices for Cleveland Browns (NFL) football games typically cost between $8,000-$16,000 depending on team performance, opponent, day of the week, and suite size. Primetime games on Monday, Thursday, or Sunday night's are priced at a premium.
How much is a box suite at an NFL game? ›
CNBC.com notes that annual suite prices can stretch anywhere from $80,000 per box (the lowest price you'll pay at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium) to more than $900,000.
How much is Suite 122 at Chase Field? ›
Studio @122 offers a view from behind the plate at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks invested $200,000 in the project. In turn, they charge $3,000 to $8,000 a game for Studio @122 depending on the opponent and day of the week.
How much are Diamond Back Suites? ›
Private suites are available for all home games and events with pricing starting at $2,500 and may cost as much as $8,000.
...
| Low Range | Location | High Range |
|---|
| $2,500 | Field Level Suites | $5,000 |
| $2,500 | Diamondbacks Suites | $5,000 |
| $2,500 | Legends Suites | $8,000 |
How much does a Notre Dame Fighting Irish suite cost?
| Event Type | Average Cost |
|---|
| NFL Suites | $15,000 - $35,000 |
| NHL & NBA Suites | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| MLB Suites | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Concert Suites | $5,000 - $15,000 |
Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) suites at Arrowhead Stadium usually cost between $15,000-$30,000 per game depending on opponent, day of the week, and suite size. Primetime games played on a Monday, Thursday or Sunday night are priced at a premium as are games against marquee opponents.
Why are stadium suites so expensive? ›
Stadium suites or luxury boxes are an exclusive class of seating in a stadium. There are a limited number of these seats in each stadium. Often, they are reserved for large businesses who pay a premium price for access to the box. Sales companies often buy suites to take their customers to events.
How much is a suite at an LSU game? ›
How much does a LSU Tigers suite cost?
| Event Type | Average Cost |
|---|
| NFL Suites | $15,000 - $35,000 |
| NHL & NBA Suites | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| MLB Suites | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Concert Suites | $5,000 - $15,000 |
The average price for a private Super Bowl suite looks to be about $430,000, but they range anywhere from $175,000 to $700,000 depending on the views and the number of tickets included. Individual tickets for a premium seat in a shared suite were going for $17,500 each.
How much is a suite at Kentucky Derby? ›
How much do Kentucky Derby suites cost? Most suite options for the Kentucky Derby will include the Kentucky Oaks as part of a package. At Churchill Downs, Turf/Infield Suites will typically range from $3,500 - $5,000 per ticket. Turf Club tickets will range from $4,000 - $6,500 per ticket.
How much is a Bengals suite? ›
How much do Paycor Stadium (Formerly Paul Brown Stadium) suites cost? Paycor Stadium (formerly Paul Brown Stadium) luxury boxes for Cincinnati Bengals (NFL) home games can cost between $12,000-$22,000 per game depending on opponent, day of game, and suite size.
How much does a suite cost at the Rose Bowl? ›
How much do Rose Bowl suites cost? Rose Bowl luxury suite pricing will range from $12,000-$65,000 on average. Rose Bowl suites vary in cost widely on the particular matchup and suite location. In years where the Rose Bowl is a College Football Playoff semifinal game, Rose Bowl suites will be on the more expensive side.
How much is Suite for Colts? ›
Indianapolis Colts Suite Prices and Details
A luxury suite for an Indianapolis Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium will cost between $13,500 - $25,000 depending on size of suite, opponent and location of the suite.
