Analysis: Charlotte MLS ticket prices expected to be more expensive than league average
Last week, Charlotte MLS sent a survey to ticket-deposit holders with potential pricing for season tickets. Although those prices are subject to change, the survey provided an idea of what the new soccer club is considering charging for season tickets in the coming months.
The Observer went club-by-club across Major League Soccer to break down of what other teams charge for three tiers of season tickets — supporters section, general seating and premium/club seating — and how Charlotte’s prices compare based on the numbers provided in the survey.
It is important to note that clubs use different ticketing models. LAFC, LA Galaxy, Minnesota United and Inter Miami CF, for example, provide rates per match, while other teams (Houston and Vancouver) provide monthly rates.
The number of events included in ticket packages also varies, but most teams provide pricing based on a 17-match package for games at their home stadiums. Amenities included in “premium” packages also varies. For most teams, premium seating includes food and beverage, more comfortable seating/lounging options and a better view of the pitch.
Pricing for individual matches is subject to club and opponent, but across the board, season tickets benefit team superfans.
“The prices are going to be a little more expensive on a single-game rate,” Chicago Fire ticketing representative Andrew Miloser said. “Whereas if you do a season-ticket plan and package a group of tickets together, you’re going to get a discounted rate.”
Charlotte MLS potential prices ranked slightly higher than the league average of the data available. Supporters section (standing only) season tickets were listed between $550 and $600 on the team’s survey, while the league averages around $400 for similar sections. That pricing, however, is similar to that of nearby Atlanta United ($558).
Charlotte is also offering tunnel club seating, between $5,200 and $5,850, in which ticket-holders will have access to views of players entering and exiting the pitch in its tunnel club lounge. The section is specific to Charlotte’s team and is part of an ongoing renovation project at Bank of America Stadium to revitalize the venue for soccer events.
The @CharlotteMLS front office just sent an email survey to its season ticket deposit holders: Attached are a few highlights. (Blues and crowns in those tunnel concepts…) pic.twitter.com/WBrukGlpVA
— Mint City Chronicle (@MintCityChron) February 27, 2020
If Charlotte moves forward with those prices, it should create good revenue for the club. In December, MLS Commissioner Don Garber said he would be “disappointed” if Charlotte MLS did not average better than 30,000 fans per match.
“We’re going to count on you when your team hits the field in 2021,” Garber said at the announcement of Charlotte being awarded the expansion team.
Last season, Atlanta averaged around 52,000 fans a game, while Seattle averaged 42,000, he said.
The season-ticket pricing data that follows was collected from teams websites and online ticketing portals, as well as through calls to team ticketing offices. Not all prices were provided. Any price ranges — including average calculations — are for a given team’s cheapest and most expensive options.
MLS season ticket prices
MLS club | Supporters seating | Premium/club seating | General seating |
Atlanta United FC | $558 | $4,500-14,000 | $558-4,500 |
Charlotte MLS* | $550-600 | $2,000-5,200 | $550-2,250 |
Chicago Fire FC | $442 | $1,088-5,100 | $442-1,088 |
FC Cincinnati | $325 | $1,030-1,555 | $230-645 |
Colorado Rapids | $299 | $1,100-3,740 | $340-816 |
Columbus Crew | $391 | $2,380-3,468 | $391-1,020 |
FC Dallas | $370 | N/A | N/A |
D.C. United | $520 | $2,500-3,500 | $466-4,040 |
Houston Dynamo | $300 | $5,174-9,286 | $1,171-2,510 |
Los Angeles FC | $374 | N/A | N/A |
LA Galaxy | $374 | $2,300-3,200 | $349-6,426 |
Inter Miami CF | $425 | $2,550 base | $425-2,550 |
Minnesota United FC | $410 | N/A | $765-5,100 |
Montreal Impact | $360 | N/A | $375-3,079 |
Nashville | $400 | $1,440-3,200 | $400-800 |
New England Revolution | $345 | $1,191-4,930 | $397-688 |
New York City FC | $442 | $1,275 base | $476-1,139 |
New York Red Bulls | $420 | $3,384 base | $420-3,384 |
Orlando City SC | $391 | $1,717-2,788 | $281-1,063 |
Philadelphia Union | $414 | $1,440-6,084 | $414-1,035 |
Portland Timbers | $475 | $11,500 max | N/A |
Real Salt Lake | $216 | $684-3,312 | $216-648 |
San Jose Earthquakes | $400 | $1,515-3,040 | $532-1,349 |
Seattle Sounders FC | $441 | $961-1,369 | $417-1,088 |
Sporting Kansas City | $500 | N/A | $500-1,100 |
Toronto FC | N/A | N/A | $535-2,628 |
Vancouver Whitecaps FC | $402 | $1,176 base | $528-1,092 |
League average (of available data) | $400 | $1,870-4,286 | $462-2,078 |
*Begins play in 2021. Not included in league average totals
MLS stadium-specific ticket notes
Atlanta United FC: (NFL stadium) For its highest-paying premium members ($8,000-14,000 range), Atlanta United offers on-field access to matches.
Charlotte MLS: (NFL stadium) So far, Charlotte MLS fans are able to put down deposits for season ticket memberships. Those fans were sent an email last week with potential seating and pricing options for various tiers in the supporters, general, premium and tunnel club locations.
Chicago Fire FC: (NFL stadium) The club offers tiers for club, “Price Level 2” (more expensive sideline views), “Price Level 3” (behind the goals) and a supporters section.
FC Cincinnati: Cincinnati is offering 2020 season ticket-holders priority over the general public to purchase tickets in West End Stadium, where the MLS club will play starting in 2021.
Colorado Rapids: The soccer-specific stadium offers upper and lower-level seating in its general section. Premium locations include access to The Summit Club, suites, terrace club boxes, fieldside seats and patio tables.
Columbus Crew: Benefits listed for season ticket-holders include discounted parking rates, a member gift, automatic seat renewal and team store discounts, among others. There is currently a wait list for the team’s new downtown stadium, expected to open in 2021.
FC Dallas: All season ticket-holders have access to two clubs, free parking, merchandise/concession discounts and priority access for stadium events.
D.C. United: The season membership package includes guaranteed seating for 20 matches. The club also offers an app in which fans collect Fan Allocation Money (FAM) in a virtual marketplace to upgrade and change seating.
Houston Dynamo: Prorated pricing per month with payment plans through July 2020. The club also offers an extensive loyalty program for consecutive years as a season ticket-holder. The stadium also hosts the city’s NWSL team, the Houston Dash.
LAFC: Although LAFC is home to the steepest Supporters Section in MLS, it is also the largest safe standing section on the West Coast and the first of safe-standing rail seats in North America.
LA Galaxy: Also features a safe-standing area and corner section for LA Riot Squad fan group.
Inter Miami CF: Season tickets include seating for 17 matches plus the home opener, as well as founding season member pricing for future seasons.
Minnesota United FC: Allianz Field is a soccer-specific stadium that utilizes both upper and lower levels for ticketing.
Montreal Impact: The Impact offers a wide selection for its premium members, including President’s Club, Tower Club, Touchline Tables, BMO Pavillion and Field-Side Seats
Nashville SC: (NFL stadium) The club provides season ticket pricing for sections on the sidelines and behind the goals.
New England Revolution: (NFL stadium) Revolution season-ticket holders are guaranteed the same seats for 17 regular season games, savings on tickets and VIP parking at Gillette Stadium, among other benefits.
New York City FC: (MLB stadium) The team offers monthly membership pricing, and differing rates for founding members and city members.
New York Red Bulls: Red Bull Arena is implementing a faster security process at the stadium in 2020 with walk-through metal detectors and shorter lines. The team also uses a mobile ticketing app.
Orlando City SC: The team’s ticketing options include either a five-time monthly payment plan or rates for various sections per match.
Philadelphia Union: Subaru Park (soccer-specific) offers various upper and lower-level rows.
Portland Timbers: Providence Park underwent expansion in 2019, adding 4,000 new seats to the eastside of the stadium, which also hosts college football.
Real Salt Lake: Rio Tinto Stadium offers suites and club seating along the sidelines, and general/supporters seating behind both goals. The stadium is also home to the NWSL team, the Utah Royals.
San Jose Earthquakes: The Quakes play in a soccer-specific stadium with various club options, and prices running upwards of $532 for non-supporters section season tickets.
Seattle Sounders FC: (NFL stadium) The team offers season ticket payment plans for both six-month and 12-month payments.
Sporting Kansas City: Season ticket membership includes guaranteed seating for 17 regular season matches and first-access to MLS Cup Playoff matches. The team plays at a soccer-specific location.
Toronto FC: (Canadian Football League stadium) Toronto’s ticketing package includes seating for 20 matches (17 MLS matches and three Canadian Championship matches).
Vancouver Whitecaps FC: The team offers monthly payment plans starting at $44 per month. It also offers a separate rate for youth season tickets. The Whitecaps’ stadium is soccer-specific.
