Introduction

In a surprising twist, Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill has stirred the pot by comparing the ticket demand for the upcoming Vikings-Rams game to that of a Taylor Swift concert. While Bidwill deserves recognition for his generosity in offering the Cardinals' stadium and practice facilities to the Rams, who have been forced to relocate due to wildfires, the comparison he made stirs more skepticism than admiration.

Bidwill's Comments

During a conversation with NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Bidwill claimed that the speed at which tickets were selling resembled that of a Taylor Swift concert. According to Rapoport's summary during an NFL Network segment, Bidwill said, “It was like the pace of a Taylor Swift-type sale of a concert that was, it was really fast.” However, fans and ticket buyers are not buying into this ‘Swift-esque’ hype.

Current Ticket Landscape

Currently, tickets for the game can be found on platforms like StubHub for as low as $110, and on SeatGeek for $176 each. In stark contrast, a recent analysis of ticket sales from Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour revealed that some individuals profit massively, with one person reportedly making $20,000 after reselling just four tickets to a single show. The ticket demand for a Taylor Swift concert is fueled by a mix of fervent fans, pre-existing popularity, and the infamous resale market, none of which simply aligns with the current Vikings-Rams matchup.

Criticism of the Comparison

Critics argue that Bidwill wasn’t necessarily referring to the ticket prices, but instead the speed at which tickets were selling out. The reality, though, is a bit more complex; ticket resellers using advanced algorithms are often responsible for rapid sellouts, making it feel like tickets are disappearing at a blistering pace, when in fact, legitimate seats may remain available.

Neutral-Site Game Sales

It’s also worth noting that neutral-site games often have a mixed history regarding ticket sales. While Bidwill stated this occurrence is rare, numerous sold-out games in Europe see similar, if not faster, sales every year, making his claim appear exaggerated.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Vikings-Rams matchup has generated significant interest and has sold out, potential attendees looking for a seat aren’t necessarily out of luck. Plenty of tickets remain, especially on resale sites. For those eager to watch the game live, it might be worth checking SeatGeek for available options – even if they’re not embellished by a Taylor Swift-level of frenzy.