What Are Old Super Bowl Tickets Worth? Complete Price Guide

The Complete Super Bowl Ticket Stub Value Guide

Super Bowl ticket stubs are among the most collectible items in all of sports memorabilia. As the biggest single-day sporting event in America, the Super Bowl produces stubs that carry both historical significance and strong monetary value. Whether you have a stub from Super Bowl I or from a recent championship, this guide will help you understand what it might be worth.

The market for Super Bowl ticket stubs has grown exponentially over the past two decades, driven by increased interest in sports memorabilia and the cultural significance of America's unofficial national holiday. Unlike regular season NFL ticket stubs, Super Bowl stubs represent singular moments in sports history, making them highly sought-after collectibles that often appreciate in value over time.

Understanding the Super Bowl Stub Market

The Super Bowl ticket stub market operates differently from most sports collectibles because each game represents a unique historical event that can never be repeated. When the Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the first AFL-NFL World Championship Game on January 15, 1967, only 61,946 people witnessed it live – making those ticket stubs among the rarest sports collectibles in existence.

What makes Super Bowl stubs particularly valuable is their scarcity combined with universal appeal. While a regular season game ticket might only interest fans of specific teams, Super Bowl stubs attract collectors nationwide. The big game's cultural impact extends far beyond football, creating a broad market of buyers who view these stubs as pieces of American sports history.

Super Bowl Stubs by Era: Detailed Value Analysis

Super Bowls I through V (1967-1971): The Holy Grail Era

The earliest Super Bowl stubs are the most valuable, with Super Bowl I tickets representing the absolute pinnacle of football collectibles. These early championship game stubs weren't even called "Super Bowl" tickets – the first game was officially titled the "AFL-NFL World Championship Game," making authentic stubs immediately recognizable to collectors.

Super Bowl I stubs in good condition typically sell for $8,000 to $25,000, with pristine examples reaching even higher values. The rarity cannot be overstated – many attendees discarded their stubs, not realizing they were witnessing the birth of America's biggest sporting event. Full unused tickets from this game have sold for six figures when authenticated.

Super Bowl II stubs (Packers vs. Raiders, 1968) are similarly valuable, typically ranging from $3,000 to $12,000. This game marked Vince Lombardi's final championship and the end of the Packers dynasty, adding historical significance beyond the game itself.

Super Bowls III through V maintain strong values in the $1,500 to $8,000 range. Super Bowl III holds special significance as Joe Namath's guaranteed victory over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts, legitimizing the AFL and changing professional football forever. Super Bowl IV (Chiefs' victory) and Super Bowl V (Colts vs. Cowboys "Blunder Bowl") complete this ultra-premium tier.

Super Bowls VI through XX (1972-1986): The Foundation Years

This era encompasses the establishment of the Super Bowl as America's premier sporting event and includes some of the most memorable games in NFL history. Values typically range from $300 to $3,000, with several standout games commanding premium prices.

Super Bowl VII stubs (Dolphins' perfect season, 1973) are among the most valuable in this era, typically selling for $1,200 to $2,800. The Miami Dolphins' 17-0 perfect season remains unmatched in the Super Bowl era, making these stubs highly desirable among football purists and casual fans alike.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' dynasty years produce consistently valuable stubs. Super Bowl IX (1975), Super Bowl X (1976), Super Bowl XIII (1979), and Super Bowl XIV (1980) stubs typically range from $800 to $2,200. The Steelers' dominance during this period, led by the "Steel Curtain" defense and featuring future Hall of Famers like Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and Lynn Swann, created lasting memories that drive collector demand.

Super Bowl XVI (49ers vs. Bengals, 1982) marks the beginning of the San Francisco dynasty and Joe Montana's legend, with stubs typically valued at $600 to $1,500. The emergence of the West Coast offense and Montana's cool-under-pressure performance created a template for modern quarterback play.

Other notable games from this era include Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders' dominant victory, valued at $400 to $1,000) and Super Bowl XX (Bears' defensive showcase, $600 to $1,400). The 1985 Bears' cultural impact, with their "Super Bowl Shuffle" and dominant defense led by coach Mike Ditka, creates sustained interest in these stubs.

Super Bowls XXI through XL (1987-2006): The Modern Classic Era

This period saw the Super Bowl reach full cultural maturity, with elaborate halftime shows, massive television audiences, and unforgettable moments that transcend sports. Stub values generally range from $100 to $800, with certain games commanding higher prices due to their historical significance.

Super Bowl XXV (Bills vs. Giants, 1991) produces some of the era's most valuable stubs, typically selling for $400 to $750. Scott Norwood's missed field goal, forever known as "Wide Right," created one of the most dramatic endings in Super Bowl history. The game's backdrop – played during the Gulf War with heightened security and Whitney Houston's iconic national anthem performance – adds layers of historical significance.

The Dallas Cowboys' 1990s dynasty games maintain strong values. Super Bowl XXVII and XXVIII stubs (both Cowboys victories) typically range from $250 to $550, while Super Bowl XXX (Cowboys vs. Steelers, 1996) commands $300 to $600 due to the matchup between two storied franchises.

Super Bowl XXXII (Broncos vs. Packers, 1998) holds special significance as John Elway's breakthrough championship after multiple disappointments. These stubs typically sell for $200 to $500, with the emotional weight of Elway's helicopter run and first championship driving collector interest.

The New England Patriots' early dynasty games are increasingly valuable. Super Bowl XXXVI (2002, Patriots' first championship under Bill Belichick and Tom Brady) stubs range from $300 to $650, marking the beginning of the most successful run in modern NFL history.

Modern Super Bowls (XLI-Present): Contemporary Collectibles

Modern Super Bowl stubs typically range from $75 to $400, but several games have already achieved premium status due to their historical significance and memorable moments. As these games age, values generally appreciate, especially for contests that produced iconic moments.

Super Bowl LI (Patriots vs. Falcons, 2017) stubs are among the most valuable modern examples, typically selling for $200 to $400. The Patriots' historic 28-3 comeback, the first Super Bowl to go to overtime, and Tom Brady's performance solidified this game's place in football lore immediately.

Super Bowl LII (Eagles vs. Patriots, 2018) stubs maintain strong values of $150 to $350, driven by Philadelphia's first championship in 57 years and Nick Foles' "Philly Special" trick play touchdown. The emotional impact on Eagles fans and the David vs. Goliath narrative create sustained demand.

Super Bowl XLII (Giants vs. Patriots, 2008) stubs, valued at $125 to $300, represent one of the greatest upsets in sports history. The Giants' victory prevented the Patriots from completing a perfect season, with Eli Manning's escape from a near-sack and throw to David Tyree becoming legendary.

Factors That Determine Super Bowl Ticket Stub Value

Condition: The Primary Value Driver

Condition is absolutely crucial for Super Bowl stub values, often making the difference between a $500 stub and a $2,000 stub from the same game. Collectors use standard grading criteria: pristine stubs show no wear, creases, or tears; excellent stubs may have minor handling but retain sharp corners and clear printing; good condition stubs show moderate wear but remain intact; poor condition stubs have significant damage like tears, stains, or missing portions.

For high-value stubs (generally Super Bowls I-X), the difference between conditions can be dramatic. A pristine Super Bowl III stub might sell for $4,000, while the same stub in poor condition might only bring $800. Modern stubs are less condition-sensitive in terms of percentage impact, but pristine examples still command premiums.

Ticket Type and Completeness

Full unused tickets are typically worth 25-50% more than torn stubs, as they represent complete artifacts from the game. However, this premium varies by era – for extremely rare early Super Bowls, even torn stubs command high prices due to scarcity.

Special access tickets create unique collecting opportunities. Press passes, VIP credentials, and field access badges from Super Bowls often match or exceed regular ticket values. Parking passes, program vendor credentials, and other auxiliary items also have collector value, typically selling for 10-30% of equivalent ticket stub prices.

Seat Location and Ticket Price

Lower-level seats and premium locations generally add 10-25% to stub values, though this factor is less significant than condition or game importance. Club level, luxury box, and 50-yard line tickets from any era typically command slight premiums. However, for the rarest early Super Bowls, any authentic stub is valuable regardless of seat location.

Authentication and Grading Considerations

For Super Bowl stubs valued above $1,000, professional authentication becomes important. Services like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) and SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation) provide authentication and grading services specifically for ticket stubs. The process typically costs $50-$150 but can significantly increase stub values by providing buyer confidence.

Authentication is particularly crucial for Super Bowls I-V, where reproductions and counterfeits exist. Authentic early Super Bowl stubs have specific paper types, printing methods, and design elements that experts can verify. The investment in professional authentication often pays for itself through increased sale prices.

Storage and Preservation Tips

Proper storage is essential for maintaining Super Bowl stub values. Store stubs in acid-free holders or toploaders, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Never laminate valuable stubs, as this destroys collectible value. Avoid folding or writing on stubs, and handle them minimally to prevent oils from your skin from causing deterioration.

For valuable stubs, consider climate-controlled storage environments and archival-quality materials. The small investment in proper storage materials can preserve thousands of dollars in collectible value over time.

Market Trends and Future Outlook

The Super Bowl ticket stub market has shown consistent growth over the past decade, driven by increased sports memorabilia interest and the cultural significance of the big game. Early Super Bowl stubs (I-X) have appreciated at rates exceeding 8-12% annually, while modern stubs typically appreciate more modestly at 3-6% per year.

Demographic trends favor continued growth. As younger collectors enter the market with more disposable income, demand for iconic sports memorabilia continues expanding. Super Bowl stubs represent accessible entry points into high-end sports collecting, with examples available across all price ranges.

Notable Super Bowl Stub Variations and Rarities

Some Super Bowl stubs have unique characteristics that affect their value. Misprinted tickets, special commemorative versions, and tickets from relocated games create collecting niches. Super Bowl stubs with printing errors or unique design elements sometimes command premiums among specialized collectors.

Season ticket holder versions, corporate sponsor tickets, and NFL executive tickets occasionally surface with different designs or paper stock, creating interesting variations for advanced collectors. These specialty stubs typically sell for 15-40% premiums over standard tickets from the same games.

Ready to Sell Your Super Bowl Stubs?

If you have Super Bowl ticket stubs you'd like to sell, StubHaul offers free appraisals and competitive cash offers based on current market conditions. Our team of experts understands the nuances that affect Super Bowl stub values, from the historical significance of specific games to the condition factors that drive pricing.

We purchase Super Bowl stubs from all eras, whether you have a single ticket from a recent game or a collection spanning decades. Our process is straightforward: simply send us clear photos of your stubs, and we'll provide a detailed valuation typically within 10 minutes. We handle everything from common modern stubs to ultra-rare early Super Bowl tickets, ensuring you receive fair market value for your collectibles.

Don't let valuable Super Bowl stubs sit forgotten in drawers or boxes. Contact StubHaul today for your free appraisal and discover what your piece of Super Bowl history might be worth. Our quick, professional service and competitive cash offers make selling your Super Bowl ticket stubs simple and profitable.