The Ice Bowl Ticket Stub: What Is It Worth Today?

The Coldest Game in NFL History

On December 31, 1967, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the temperature at kickoff was minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of minus 48. The NFL Championship Game between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys became known as the "Ice Bowl" — and it produced one of the most iconic endings in football history when Bart Starr scored on a quarterback sneak with 13 seconds remaining.

The conditions were so extreme that the field's heating system failed, leaving the turf frozen solid like concrete. Players' breath formed clouds of vapor, referees' whistles froze to their lips, and fans huddled together in layers of blankets. CBS cameras malfunctioned due to the cold, and the marching band's instruments froze during the halftime show. Despite these brutal conditions, 50,861 hardy fans remained in their seats to witness NFL history.

Ticket stubs from the Ice Bowl are among the most valuable and sought-after football collectibles in existence. The combination of extreme conditions, championship stakes, legendary players, and one of the most famous plays in NFL history makes these stubs irresistible to football memorabilia collectors.

Historical Context and Significance

The 1967 NFL Championship Game represented the twilight of the pre-Super Bowl era. This was the last NFL Championship before the Super Bowl became the definitive championship game, making Ice Bowl ticket stubs historically significant beyond just the dramatic finish. The Packers were going for their third consecutive NFL title under legendary coach Vince Lombardi, while the Cowboys were seeking their first championship under Tom Landry.

The game featured Hall of Fame talent on both sides: Bart Starr, Paul Hornung, Ray Nitschke, and Forrest Gregg for Green Bay; Don Meredith, Bob Hayes, Bob Lilly, and Mel Renfro for Dallas. The victory sent the Packers to Super Bowl II, where they would defeat the Oakland Raiders in what would be Lombardi's final game as Green Bay's head coach.

The Famous Final Play

With 16 seconds left and no timeouts, the Packers faced third-and-goal from the Dallas one-yard line, trailing 17-14. In one of football's most iconic moments, Bart Starr followed guard Jerry Kramer's block to punch the ball across the goal line for the winning touchdown. This play, simply known as "The Sneak," is replayed endlessly on NFL highlight reels and cemented the game's legendary status.

What Are Ice Bowl Stubs Worth?

Authentic Ice Bowl ticket stubs typically sell in the $500-$3,000+ range depending on condition and type. Full unused tickets command the highest premiums, often reaching $2,000-$5,000 for mint condition examples. Torn stubs in good condition still carry significant value, usually selling between $500-$1,500. The extreme cold that day affected everything — including the stubs themselves, which sometimes show wear consistent with being handled in frigid conditions.

Value Breakdown by Condition

Mint condition Ice Bowl ticket stubs (unused, no creases, sharp corners) represent the holy grail for collectors, with values ranging from $2,500-$5,000+. Excellent condition stubs with minor handling wear typically sell for $1,500-$3,000. Good condition examples with visible wear but intact printing usually bring $800-$1,800. Even poor condition stubs with significant damage can still command $300-$800 due to the game's legendary status.

PSA-graded Ice Bowl stubs consistently outperform ungraded examples at auction. A PSA 8 or higher graded stub can add 20-40% to the base value, while lower grades still provide authentication confidence that appeals to serious collectors. The grading also helps preserve the stub's condition for future generations.

Scarcity Factors

Several factors contribute to the scarcity of Ice Bowl stubs. The capacity at Lambeau Field was approximately 50,000, limiting the initial supply. The extreme cold led many fans to leave early, potentially discarding tickets. And the game was played nearly six decades ago, meaning many stubs have been lost to time. Authenticated examples that come to market generate significant collector interest.

Unlike modern games where tickets are often kept as souvenirs, 1960s fans commonly discarded ticket stubs after games. The brutal cold likely caused many fans to lose or discard their tickets while focused on staying warm. Additionally, the paper stock used for tickets in 1967 was not archival quality, making survival in good condition even more challenging.

Why Ice Bowl Stubs Are Rarer Than Other Championship Games

Compared to other significant NFL games from the era, Ice Bowl stubs face unique preservation challenges. The extreme weather conditions meant tickets were handled while fans wore thick gloves, leading to more creasing and damage. Many fans stuffed tickets deep into coat pockets where they were forgotten or damaged by moisture from melting snow and ice.

The game's significance wasn't immediately apparent to all attendees — unlike modern championship games where fans anticipate collecting memorabilia. Many viewed it simply as another cold December game in Green Bay, not realizing they were witnessing what would become known as the greatest game in NFL history.

Types of Ice Bowl Tickets

Ice Bowl tickets came in several varieties, each with different collector values. Reserved seating tickets, typically priced at $8-$10 in 1967, are the most common survivors and usually feature the classic green and gold Packers colors. General admission tickets, priced around $6, are less common but generally worth less than reserved seat examples.

Season ticket holder stubs often have different designs and can be particularly valuable if they show the complete season schedule. Press passes and VIP credentials from the game are extremely rare and can command premium prices when they surface at auction.

Authentication and Grading

Given the value of Ice Bowl stubs, authentication is strongly recommended for any examples being bought or sold. PSA and other authentication services can verify the stub's authenticity based on paper stock, printing style, and other physical characteristics. Authentic 1967 NFL tickets used specific paper weights and printing techniques that experts can identify.

Common red flags for fake Ice Bowl stubs include modern printing methods, incorrect fonts, and paper that's too white or crisp for a 1960s ticket. Legitimate stubs often show age-appropriate yellowing and may have unique characteristics from the extreme cold exposure, such as slight brittleness or specific wear patterns.

Professional Grading Benefits

PSA grading provides several advantages for Ice Bowl stub owners. The authentication eliminates buyer uncertainty, the protective holder prevents further deterioration, and the numerical grade provides an objective condition assessment. For high-value stubs, the grading fee (typically $20-$50) represents good insurance against the investment.

Market Trends and Demand

Ice Bowl ticket stub values have shown steady appreciation over the past decade, with increased interest from both Green Bay Packers collectors and general NFL memorabilia enthusiasts. The 50th anniversary in 2017 sparked renewed interest and media coverage, driving up demand and prices for authentic examples.

The collector market for vintage NFL tickets has expanded significantly, with ice Bowl stubs often considered essential pieces for serious collections. Unlike some sports memorabilia categories that experience boom-bust cycles, championship game tickets from legendary contests maintain consistent demand. Similar dynasty-era tickets, like those from the Pittsburgh Steelers 1970s Dynasty or New England Patriots Dynasty, show comparable collector interest and value retention.

Storage and Preservation Tips

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining Ice Bowl stub values. Store tickets in acid-free holders away from direct sunlight and humidity. Avoid lamination or tape, which can permanently damage the paper and destroy collector value. Temperature-controlled environments help prevent the brittleness that commonly affects 1960s paper stock.

Never attempt to clean or repair vintage ticket stubs yourself. Professional conservation services can sometimes improve appearance, but amateur efforts usually cause irreversible damage. When handling, use clean hands and minimize direct contact with the printed surface.

Comparing Ice Bowl Stubs to Other Vintage NFL Tickets

Within the vintage NFL ticket collecting market, Ice Bowl stubs rank among the most desirable pieces alongside other legendary games. They typically outvalue most Classic Monday Night Football ticket stubs and are generally more sought-after than Pro Bowl ticket stubs from any era due to their championship significance and legendary status.

The combination of perfect weather conditions (ironically), legendary players, championship stakes, and an iconic finish creates the perfect storm for collectible value. Few NFL games can match this combination of factors, which explains why Ice Bowl stub values have remained strong even as other vintage sports tickets fluctuate in price.

Selling Your Ice Bowl Ticket Stub

If you've discovered an Ice Bowl ticket stub among family memorabilia or personal collections, you're potentially holding a significant piece of NFL history. The key to maximizing value lies in proper authentication and finding knowledgeable buyers who understand the stub's historical significance.

StubHaul specializes in evaluating and purchasing vintage football ticket stubs, including rare pieces like Ice Bowl tickets. Our team understands the nuances of 1960s NFL ticket printing, paper stocks, and the specific characteristics that authenticate Ice Bowl stubs. We provide confidential appraisals and can walk you through the authentication process if needed.

Whether your Ice Bowl stub is in mint condition or shows wear from that frigid December day, we're interested in making a fair cash offer. Contact StubHaul today for a free evaluation of your Ice Bowl ticket stub — you might be surprised at what that piece of frozen football history is worth in today's collector market.