You're sitting on the couch, watching Roger Goodell get booed for the hundredth time, and you think: I should be there. You want to see the future of your franchise walk across that stage. You want to feel the energy of 600,000 people screaming in a city center. But then the panic hits. You start wondering about the cost. If a Super Bowl ticket costs as much as a used Honda Civic, how much is nfl draft tickets going to set you back?
The answer is actually kind of shocking. Most people pay absolutely nothing.
Seriously. The NFL Draft is one of the few massive sporting events where the "ticket" price is basically $0. But—and there is always a "but"—it’s not exactly like showing up to a public park for a picnic. There is a system. There are tiers. And if you want the fancy seats, you’re going to need a very different budget.
The Secret Price of Admission: $0 (With a Catch)
Most fans are looking for the "NFL Draft Experience." This is the massive fan festival that takes over the host city—Pittsburgh in 2026, Green Bay in 2025. It’s got games, the Lombardi Trophy, and huge screens.
To get in, you don't go to Ticketmaster. You go to the App Store.
The "price" is downloading the NFL OnePass app. You register your info, get a QR code, and that’s your ticket. It costs zero dollars. You can bring up to five kids with you. It’s the best deal in professional sports, honestly. But here is the catch: it’s first-come, first-served. If the North Shore in Pittsburgh hits capacity, they close the gates. You’re standing outside with a free app and no view of the stage.
What About the Seating in the "Theater"?
This is where the confusion starts. When you see those fans sitting right in front of the stage, they aren't usually people who bought a ticket on the secondary market.
Historically, those seats are reserved for:
- Season Ticket Holders: Teams often hold lotteries for their most loyal fans.
- Invited Guests: Family members of the prospects and sponsors.
- The Inner Circle: Each team selects a group of "super-fans" to sit in a special section.
You can't really "buy" your way into the Inner Circle with money. You buy your way in with years of season ticket loyalty and maybe a bit of luck in a team-run sweepstakes. However, if seats in the back of the theater aren't filled, the NFL sometimes lets OnePass users in for standing-room spots, especially on Friday (Rounds 2-3) and Saturday (Rounds 4-7).
The High-End Reality: VIP Packages
If you hate standing in lines and you have a corporate card or a very healthy savings account, you can actually spend money. A lot of it.
The NFL’s official hospitality partner, On Location, sells "Official Draft Ticket Packages." These aren't just entries; they are experiences. For the 2025 Draft in Green Bay, for example, VIP packages started at around $650 for a single day (Day 3) and climbed way higher.
What does $6,500 get you? Usually, it's an "All Rounds" pass. You get:
- Reserved seating in the Draft Theater (no standing in the sun for 6 hours).
- Food and open bars (the "hospitality lounge").
- Red Carpet access to see the draftees walk in.
- Photo ops with NFL legends.
It's a "bucket list" experience for people who treat the Draft like their version of Coachella. If you're asking how much is nfl draft tickets because you want the luxury experience, expect to start your budget at $1,000 per person and go up from there.
Hidden Costs: It’s Not Just the Ticket
If the entry is free, why do people spend so much? Logistics.
When the Draft hit Detroit in 2024, hotel prices in the downtown area tripled. Some Airbnbs were listed for $1,200 a night for a studio apartment. Pittsburgh in 2026 will be no different. The "Steel City" is going to be packed.
If you're planning a trip, the ticket is the easy part. You’ve got to factor in:
- Parking: Expect to pay $50–$100 for "event parking" within walking distance.
- Flights: Prices spike the moment the NFL announces the dates (April 23–25, 2026, for the Pittsburgh event).
- Food: You’re eating at food trucks or downtown bars. It adds up.
Why the Price Changes by Day
The Draft is a three-day marathon. The "price" of your time and effort changes depending on when you go.
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Thursday (Round 1): This is the peak. This is when the crowd is the biggest and the security lines are the longest. If you want a good spot in the free viewing area, you might need to show up four hours before the first pick.
Friday (Rounds 2-3): A bit more chill. The "die-hards" are there. You have a much better chance of getting closer to the stage without a VIP pass.
Saturday (Rounds 4-7): Basically a giant party. The crowd thins out, the atmosphere is more like a festival, and the NFL often moves fans from the "Experience" area into the "Theater" seats just to fill them up for the TV cameras. If you want a seat for free, Saturday is your best bet.
Is it Actually Worth It?
Honestly, it depends on your tolerance for crowds. If you love the "vibe" and the community of fans, the $0 price point via the OnePass app is unbeatable. It's a once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere.
But if you have back pain and hate being bumped into by a guy in a full-body gorilla suit wearing a rival team's jersey, you'll either want the $1,000+ VIP package or you'll want to stay on your couch.
There is no "middle ground" ticket. You’re either in the free-for-all or you’re in the high-end hospitality suite.
Your Next Steps to Attend
If you're serious about going, don't wait for a ticket window to open. There isn't one for the general public.
- Book your hotel now. Like, right now. Look for places along the Pittsburgh "T" light rail line (which is free between Downtown and the North Shore) to save on transit.
- Download the NFL OnePass app. Registration for the 2026 Draft usually opens a few months before the event (expect early 2026).
- Check your team's emails. If you're a season ticket holder or on a waitlist, keep an eye on your inbox for "Inner Circle" or "Theater Seating" lotteries.
- Budget for the VIP option. If you decide you can't stand for 8 hours, keep an eye on the On Location website for when the 2026 packages drop—they usually sell out fast despite the high price tag.
The NFL Draft is a weird, beautiful, chaotic event. It's the only time you'll see a Raiders fan and a Chiefs fan sharing a beer without a fight—mostly because they're both just happy they didn't have to pay $500 to get through the gate.