Bull market for Bears drives playoff ticket prices

With only a limited number of playoff tickets available for purchase through Ticketmaster beginning Wednesday morning at 10 a.m., if you're planning on attending the Bears' Divisional Playoff game at Soldier Field on Jan.16, some words of advice: prepare for sticker shock.

That's because the limited number of tickets available through Ticketmaster range in price from $107 to $559 and are subject to a convenience charge.

So imagine what the prices will be on the open market through ticket brokers and re sellers?

Imagine no more.

According to StubHub spokesperson Joellen Ferrer, on average, fans on that site are paying $345 per ticket with the most expensive ticket sold so far going for $1,877 (lower-level on the 50-yard line).

“Prices could fluctuate next week, based on the Bears' opponent and we also expect sales to pick up when we know who the Bears will be facing,” Ferrer said.

The Bears opposition will be either New Orleans, Philadelphia or Seattle.

But regardless of who it ends up being, Ferrer says the best strategy is not to wait to find out.

“Right now would be the best time to purchase tickets as the market hasn't set yet. There are a lot of tickets available right now, so sellers are being competitive,” she said. “If you are more focused on where you sit or to buy a larger group of tickets together, now is the best time to buy.”

StubHub currently has more than 5,400 tickets available for the game with the lowest priced seat currently available for $180 and rising into the $1,000 range.

All playoff game ticket sales through Ticketmaster are via phone and Internet only. Fans may charge by phone at (800) 745-3000, or on-line at www.ticketmaster.com.

A second sale date will be announced if Chicago hosts the NFC Championship game.

For further information, call the Bears ticket office at (847) 615-BEAR (2327) or log on to www.chicagobears.com.