Are Memphis Grizzlies Tickets the Best Value in the NBA?
By Nir Regev
Oct 20, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) talks with Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies Tickets lead in Overall Value and Affordability
According to research conducted by Sports Finance Analyst, Sreekar Jasthi of NerdWallet.com, Memphis Grizzlies tickets reign among the most affordable in the NBA.
Key Points:
– For a family of four, Grizzlies home games will only cost approximately $414 for tickets, drinks, food, and a parking spot.
– That’s less than a third of what it costs to go to a Cavaliers game this season. Cleveland has the most expensive home games this year at approximately $1,504 for a family of four.
– The league average is approximately $654.
Q & A with Sreekar Jasthi, Sports Finance Analyst
Nir: Is attending an NBA game becoming a hobby for the rich?
Sreekar: While it’s true that the price of attending an NBA game has steadily been rising over the last few years, it’s still more than possible for an average NBA fan to enjoy a game.
Average ticket prices on the resale market are extremely high (especially right now, before the season begins) but there tends to be a significant variance in ticket prices depending on quality of seats, who the teams are and when one is buying a ticket, so it’s not too difficult to find reasonably-priced tickets throughout the season.
Nir: In your estimate, does affordable still equal quality entertainment? For example, is it worth paying extra to see a Lebron James? Are teams like the Brooklyn Nets similarly overcharging via location advantages?
Sreekar: Higher affordability can often mean that a team doesn’t provide the same level of quality entertainment, but there are also a variety of other factors typically involved. For example, the Grizzlies are one of the best values because despite their status as a quality playoff team, their prices are relatively low likely due to market size and historical team performance. The opposite is also true, as in the case of the Lakers this year–prices are quite high even as they’re projected to be one of the worst teams in the West.
Certain teams or players–the Cavs and Lebron come to mind–cost fans a premium and depending on who their opponent is or which night of the week the game is (for example, a Tuesday night game vs. the 76ers), it can definitely be worth it.
Nir: You mentioned the Memphis Grizzlies relatively low figure for a family of four. Indicating obvious accessibility for the average fan. Are the Memphis Grizzlies the best value in sports entertainment residing in Tennessee? Best value overall in the NBA?
Sreekar: Given the success the Grizzlies have had over the last few years and the relatively low cost of their home games, it’s safe to say they’re the best value in Tennessee sports entertainment (Titans ticket prices are low compared to other teams in the NFL, but they’re obviously not as great of a team as the Grizzlies).
One could definitely also make a case for Memphis being the best value in the NBA, since they’re easily the best team among the ten most affordable. The Spurs are also a great value because of how great they are perennially, but their Total Family Cost is more than $200 higher than the Grizzlies’.
Conclusions:
Memphis Grizzlies tickets are an affordable route for quality NBA entertainment. While they lack a Lebron James or Kobe Bryant as headlining marquee names, they produce a tried and true product. A playoff team with superb talent including Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley. Fans know what they’re getting with Memphis Grizzlies tickets. A fine evening of basketball. Which is something other small market teams have a lot to answer for.
The Grizzlies main competitor in affordability and value are the Spurs. Considering San Antonio won the title last year, and viewed as the pinnacle of how to run a team. One would say Memphis holds great company.
Tonight, the Grizzlies will face the Cavaliers in the FedEx Forum. No doubt for tonight’s game, you’re thinking Memphis Grizzlies tickets will spiral out of normality. At the end of the day, the market is still set by demand. But in reality, the game remains as accessable as ever. Look at the prices yourself for Memphis Grizzlies tickets for tonight’s game on Stubhub. Whether fans prefer watching superstars or fundamental basketball lies with you. The consumer. The real question is, can’t it both? And it can, my friends.. For a price. The real price being demand set by your own peers.
For people in Tennessee, Memphis Grizzlies tickets represent an entertaining sports outing for the family. They are a reminder to the average NBA fan that they don’t deserve to be gypped by resellers for subpar seats and poor games. It is us, the fans that dictate how much we are willing to pay to attend the league’s games. If we want a top notch NBA experience, a Memphis Grizzlies tickets reality when we go to our hometown arenas.. We have to be willing to stop accepting overcharging by resellers.
However, simple that may sound. The minute your favorite NBA player stops by. Well, it might be easier spending that extra hundred for those nosebleed seats. Just that one time. Right? That one time per year for each of us, becomes the foundation of the reseller market. Just remember, people in Tennessee. Their beloved Memphis Grizzlies tickets are sold like the old days. At suggested retail prices. MSRP folks. Something those of us living in places like New York, have long forgotten about.