The 10 Most Valuable NFL Game Ticket Stubs of All Time

Football's Most Prized Ticket Stubs

Across more than a century of professional football, certain games have achieved legendary status — and their ticket stubs have become some of the most valuable collectibles in sports. These aren't just expensive pieces of paper; they're physical connections to the moments that defined the sport.

The market for valuable NFL ticket stubs has exploded in recent decades, with collectors paying thousands of dollars for pristine examples from historic games. Unlike other sports memorabilia that can be reproduced or signed later, ticket stubs are irreplaceable artifacts that prove someone was there for history in the making. The rarity factor is crucial — while a stadium might hold 70,000 fans, only a fraction of those original ticket stubs survive in collectible condition today.

The Crown Jewel: Super Bowl I (January 15, 1967)

Super Bowl I ticket stubs represent the holy grail of NFL collectibles, routinely selling for $15,000-$35,000 depending on condition and seating section. The Green Bay Packers' 35-10 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum wasn't even a sellout — the game drew only 61,946 fans to a stadium that could hold over 90,000. This relative lack of attendance, combined with the passage of 55+ years, makes authentic Super Bowl I stubs extraordinarily rare.

What makes these stubs even more valuable is the historical context. In 1967, this wasn't called "Super Bowl I" — it was simply the "AFL-NFL World Championship Game." The "Super Bowl" name wasn't officially adopted until later, making these original ticket stubs the only physical evidence of the game's humble, unofficial beginnings. PSA-graded examples in excellent condition have reached the $30,000+ range at major auction houses.

The Most Valuable NFL Game Stubs: A Complete Ranking

1. Super Bowl I (1967) - $15,000-$35,000

As mentioned above, nothing competes with the original. The game that started it all remains the most sought-after NFL ticket stub among serious collectors.

2. 1958 NFL Championship Game - $8,000-$18,000

Often called "The Greatest Game Ever Played," the Baltimore Colts' 23-17 overtime victory over the New York Giants at Yankee Stadium is credited with launching the NFL into the television age. Johnny Unitas led the Colts on two dramatic drives, including the game-winning touchdown in sudden-death overtime — the first championship game to go to extra time. This game's cultural impact on professional football cannot be overstated, and surviving ticket stubs reflect that importance.

3. 1967 NFL Championship Game "Ice Bowl" - $5,000-$12,000

Green Bay's frozen tundra provided the backdrop for one of football's most legendary games. With temperatures at -15°F and wind chills reaching -48°F, the Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 on Bart Starr's quarterback sneak with 13 seconds remaining. The Ice Bowl ticket stub market remains strong due to the game's mythical status and Vince Lombardi's final game coaching the Packers. High-grade examples from this frozen classic command premium prices.

4. AFC Divisional Playoff "Immaculate Reception" (December 23, 1972) - $4,000-$10,000

Franco Harris's miraculous catch and run with five seconds left gave the Pittsburgh Steelers their first playoff victory in franchise history, launching their 1970s dynasty. The controversy surrounding whether the ball touched Oakland's Jack Tatum or Pittsburgh's John Fuqua first only adds to the mystique. Steelers dynasty ticket stubs from this era are highly sought after, but none more so than from this December afternoon at Three Rivers Stadium.

5. Super Bowl II (1968) - $3,500-$8,500

Green Bay's second consecutive championship, defeating Oakland 33-14 at Miami's Orange Bowl, represents Vince Lombardi's final game as Packers coach. While not as rare as Super Bowl I, these stubs carry significant historical weight.

6. AFC Divisional Playoff "Epic in Miami" (January 2, 1982) - $2,500-$6,000

The San Diego Chargers' 41-38 overtime victory over the Miami Dolphins in 85-degree heat produced 1,036 total yards of offense and is considered one of the greatest playoff games ever played. Dan Fouts and Don Coryell's "Air Coryell" offense was at its peak, making these ticket stubs particularly valuable to collectors of high-scoring offensive showcases.

7. First Monday Night Football Game (September 21, 1970) - $2,000-$5,500

The Cleveland Browns' 31-21 victory over the New York Jets at Cleveland Stadium launched a television institution. Classic Monday Night Football ticket stubs from this inaugural broadcast are especially prized, as the game featured Joe Namath, Howard Cosell's debut, and the birth of primetime football culture.

8. "Miracle at the Meadowlands" (November 19, 1978) - $1,800-$4,500

Herman Edwards' fumble return for a touchdown as time expired gave the Philadelphia Eagles a stunning 19-17 victory over the New York Giants. The play occurred when Giants quarterback Joe Pisarcik botched a simple handoff, leading to one of the most shocking endings in NFL history.

9. AFC Championship "Tuck Rule Game" (January 19, 2002) - $1,500-$4,000

New England's controversial 16-13 overtime victory over Oakland launched the Patriots dynasty and Tom Brady's legendary career. Patriots dynasty ticket stubs have seen increased interest, particularly from this snow-covered game that hinged on a disputed fumble ruling.

10. NFC Divisional Playoff "Minneapolis Miracle" (January 14, 2018) - $800-$2,500

Stefon Diggs' 61-yard touchdown reception as time expired gave the Minnesota Vikings a 29-22 victory over New Orleans. As one of the most recent entries on this list, these stubs prove that instant classics can create immediate collectible value.

What Makes an NFL Game Stub Valuable?

Historical Significance

The most valuable NFL ticket stubs come from games that changed football history. Super Bowl I created the modern championship template. The 1958 NFL Championship Game brought football to television prominence. The Ice Bowl epitomized the sport's rugged nature. These weren't just games — they were cultural moments that transcended sports.

Legendary Players and Coaches

Games featuring icons like Vince Lombardi, Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath, Franco Harris, and Tom Brady command higher prices. Collectors pay premiums for stubs from career-defining performances, record-breaking games, or final appearances by legendary figures.

Rarity and Survival Rate

Many factors affect how many original ticket stubs survive: stadium capacity, weather conditions (the Ice Bowl's brutal cold surely destroyed many stubs), and the passage of time. Games from the 1960s and 1970s naturally have fewer surviving stubs than more recent contests.

Condition is Everything: Grading and Authentication

PSA Grading Standards

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) grading has revolutionized the ticket stub market. PSA grades stubs on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being "gem mint" condition. A PSA 8 or higher ticket stub from a major game can sell for 3-5 times more than an ungraded equivalent. Key condition factors include:

• Complete stub with no missing pieces
• Sharp, clean perforated edges
• Minimal creasing or folding
• Clear, legible text and graphics
• No tape, glue, or adhesive residue
• Original color retention without fading

Authentication Challenges

The high values of premium NFL ticket stubs have unfortunately led to counterfeiting. Reproduction stubs from major games like Super Bowl I and the Ice Bowl circulate in the market. Professional authentication through PSA or other reputable services is essential for high-value stubs. Authentic stubs show period-appropriate printing techniques, correct paper stock, and proper venue information.

Storage and Preservation Tips

If you own valuable NFL ticket stubs, proper storage is crucial for maintaining their condition and value. Store stubs in acid-free holders away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Never use tape, glue, or adhesives on original stubs. Consider professional grading for high-value examples, as the protective holder and authentication can significantly increase market value.

Keep stubs flat rather than folded, and handle them minimally with clean hands. Temperature fluctuations and moisture are particularly damaging to vintage paper items. Many collectors use climate-controlled storage for their most valuable pieces.

Beyond the Top 10: Other Valuable Game Stubs

While the top 10 represents the most expensive NFL ticket stubs, numerous other games produce valuable collectibles. First games at historic stadiums (Lambeau Field, Soldier Field), championship games from any era, playoff debuts by legendary teams, and games featuring significant records or milestones all command collector interest.

Regular season games can also be valuable if they featured historic moments: perfect games, record-breaking performances, or final games by retiring legends. Even some preseason games carry value if they marked significant debuts or farewells.

Turn Your NFL Ticket Stubs Into Cash

Do you have ticket stubs from memorable NFL games gathering dust in old scrapbooks or storage boxes? The market for authentic vintage NFL ticket stubs has never been stronger, and what seemed like worthless paper keepsakes might represent significant value today.

StubHaul specializes in purchasing NFL ticket stubs from collectors nationwide. Our expert team understands the nuances of the ticket stub market and can quickly assess the potential value of your collection. Whether you have a single stub from a legendary game or boxes full of stubs from decades of game attendance, we're interested in making a fair cash offer.

We handle everything from common regular season games to the rarest championship stubs, and our evaluation process is completely free with no obligation to sell. Contact StubHaul today to discover what your NFL ticket stub collection might be worth — you could be sitting on a goldmine of football history.