As summer comes to a close and September arrives, Americans begin thinking about their favorite pastime, football. In the U.S., football is a major contributor to the economy. Statista.com estimates that in 2023, the NFL generated nearly $20 billion in revenue, and College Football generated nearly $1.3 billion. Considering the crazy amount of money spent on football in this country, how do you plan to spend (or minimize spending) during the football season? Here’s our starting lineup of tricks and tips for fun this football season.
Avoid Gameday Grifters
When looking for tickets for game day, be sure to buy from trusted sources. Avoid buying tickets on social media sites or from private parties you don’t know. Avoid people selling tickets on the street outside the stadium. Instead, buy directly from the venue or buy from authorized brokers. Legitimate brokers will guarantee the validity of your ticket. As a rule of thumb, the more desirable the ticket, the more potential for fraudulent tickets.
Consider Watching from Home
In 2023, the average cost of an NFL ticket was $377. Add parking, tailgating, concessions and souvenirs inside the stadium and it’s easy to fumble your budget. Enjoying gameday at home can save you hundreds of dollars while staying warm and comfy. Being an “armchair quarterback” has its perks. Feel the need for a fan experience? Watching from a sports bar is a fun experience and will cost a fraction of what it will cost to attend in person.
Friday Night Lights
While NFL and College Football get all the glory, don’t forget to support your local high school teams. Between cheerleaders, marching bands and cheap popcorn, small town games offer a lot of fun for a very small ticket price. It’s a great opportunity to have a fun night out while supporting local students. This is also a great opportunity for families with children who may find attending an NFL or college game out of reach.
Tips for Gameday Goodies
Football, friends and food are a match up made in heaven. If you find yourself entertaining for game day, you may be thinking about how to stretch your dollar. Stock up on non-perishable snacks when they are on sale. Check local ad circulars for specials. Visit your local wholesale stores for deals and steals on linebacker sized packages and pre-made appetizers. Cut and arrange your own fruit and veggies instead of buying pre-made deli trays. Host a Soup-er Bowl. A pot of soup or chili is a great low-cost option for feeding a crowd. Don’t be afraid to host a potluck party or encourage BYOB (bring your own beverage).
A Word on Sports Gambling
In 2023, the sports betting industry produced revenue of nearly $11 billion. Nearly half of Americans have placed a wager on football in the past year. Online sports betting platforms have made sports gambling accessible from nearly everywhere. While it may be tempting to participate in gambling, the odds are never in your favor. Know the difference between responsible fun and risky behavior. While Fantasy Football is a game of skill and not chance, this can be a slippery slope for those with addictive personalities. Always practice responsible gambling habits such as setting a limit and walking away from losses without trying to win your money back.
Football season is a great time to spend time with friends and family cheering on your favorite team. Whether you are cheering for your favorite high school, college or NFL team, we hope you have a great time celebrating football season this year.
 |
Rebecca AgamaiteInvestment Advisor Representative Rebecca joined the firm in 2011 as an Investment Advisor Representative. In this role, she works with clients to manage their investment assets and help them obtain their financial objectives. Rebecca brings a great deal of experience to the team having worked for several years at Marshall & IIsley Bank and MetLife. She earned a Masters of Business Administration degree (with an emphasis on finance) from Concordia University. |
Advisors Management Group, Inc. is a registered investment adviser whose principal office is located in Wisconsin. Opinions expressed are those of AMG and are subject to change, not guaranteed, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns, and investing involves multiple risks, including, but not limited to, the risk of permanent losses. Please do not send orders via e-mail as they are not binding and cannot be acted upon. Please be advised it remains the responsibility of our clients to inform AMG of any changes in their investment objectives and/or financial situation. This commentary is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to AMG’s investment advisory/management services. Any subsequent, direct communication by AMG with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides. A copy of our current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees continues to remain available for your review upon request.
