As tickets to actual NFL games have become more expensive over the years, so has the cost of tailgating. It’s no longer as simple as grabbing some beers, hot dogs, and folding chairs. Now you’re spending hundreds, thanks to rising food costs and parking fees.
Curious as to which stadiums cost the most? Sports betting community Oddspedia put together a report detailing estimated prices for food, drink, parking, and more to create a ranking for the most expensive NFL stadiums for tailgating. To gather food prices, Oddspedia looked at the cost of beer, hot dogs, wings, and more for groups of four people.
Where does your local stadium stack up? Here’s every NFL stadium, ranked by how much it will cost you to tailgate.
(Every stadium except for Lumen Field in Seattle, that is. They don’t allow tailgating there, citing complications with permits for public alcohol consumption. Every other team figured it out, though. Bummer, Seahawks fans.)
Most Expensive: SoFi Stadium
Los Angeles Rams and Chargers
Estimated parking cost: $160
Estimated food and drink cost: $141
Total estimated cost: $301
This place is essentially brand new and one of the top stadiums in the country. While SoFi Stadium is actually ranked as one of the cheapest grocery hubs for food and drink, the parking prices are staggering, especially when you see what Gillette Stadium is up to.
2. Highmark Stadium
Buffalo Bills
Estimated parking cost: $132
Estimated food and drink cost: $142
Total estimated cost: $274
During temporary construction, parking prices have shot up at Highmark Stadium. That’s a shame since food and drink costs are pretty mid-level.
3. AT&T Stadium
Dallas Cowboys
Estimated parking cost: $117
Estimated food and drink cost: $146
Total estimated cost: $263
The parking difference between the top three most expensive stadiums and the rest is pretty substantial. From here on out, you’ll see all parking options under $100. You’d expect the price tag from one of the most famous sports franchises in history.
4. Commanders Field
Washington Commanders
Estimated parking cost: $77
Estimated food and drink cost: $154
Total estimated cost: $231
We’re looking at a $40 drop in parking prices here at Commanders Field, which is sometimes known as Northwest Stadium, and will in the future be known as New Commanders Stadium if they rebuild the place.
5. Levi’s Stadium
San Francisco 49ers
Estimated parking cost: $58
Estimated food and drink cost: $172
Total estimated cost: $230
Everything in San Francisco is expensive, especially food and drink. Groceries for a basic tailgate are going to run you over $170 for four people at a Niners game, and that’s a tough pill to swallow. Thanks, tech industry.
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6. Ford Field
Detroit Lions
Estimated parking cost: $80
Estimated food and drink cost: $145
Total estimated cost: $225
7. Acrisure Stadium
Pittsburgh Stealers
Estimated parking cost: $70
Estimated food and drink cost: $153
Total estimated cost: $223
8. Hard Rock Stadium
Miami Dolphins
Estimated parking cost: $80
Estimated food and drink cost: $141
Total estimated cost: $221
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9. Empower Field at Mile High
Denver Broncos
Estimated parking cost: $55
Estimated food and drink cost: $157
Total estimated cost: $212
10. NRG Stadium
Houston Texans
Estimated parking cost: $60
Estimated food and drink cost: $150
Total estimated cost: $210
11. M&T Bank Stadium
Baltimore Ravens
Estimated parking cost: $60
Estimated food and drink cost: $150
Total estimated cost: $210
12. State Farm Stadium
Arizona Cardinals
Estimated parking cost: $50
Estimated food and drink cost: $155
Total estimated cost: $205
13. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Kansas City Chiefs
Estimated parking cost: $57
Estimated food and drink cost: $143
Total estimated cost: $200
14. Huntington Bank Field
Cleveland Browns
Estimated parking cost: $50
Estimated food and drink cost: $150
Total estimated cost: $200
15. MetLife Stadium
New York Giants and Jets
Estimated parking cost: $56
Estimated food and drink cost: $144
Total estimated cost: $200
16. Paycor Stadium
Cincinnati Bengals
Estimated parking cost: $56
Estimated food and drink cost: $142
Total estimated cost: $198
17. Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta Falcons
Estimated parking cost: $46
Estimated food and drink cost: $153
Total estimated cost: $199
18. Raymond James Stadium
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Estimated parking cost: $56
Estimated food and drink cost: $141
Total estimated cost: $197
19. Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia Eagles
Estimated parking cost: $50
Estimated food and drink cost: $146
Total estimated cost: $196
20. Soldier Field
Chicago Bears
Estimated parking cost: $50
Estimated food and drink cost: $143
Total estimated cost: $193
21. EverBank Stadium
Jacksonville Jaguars
Estimated parking cost: $50
Estimated food and drink cost: $142
Total estimated cost: $192
22. U.S. Bank Stadium
Minnesota Vikings
Estimated parking cost: $50
Estimated food and drink cost: $141
Total estimated cost: $191
23. Allegiant Stadium
Las Vegas Raiders
Estimated parking cost: $40
Estimated food and drink cost: $151
Total estimated cost: $191
24. Bank of America Stadium
Carolina Panthers
Estimated parking cost: $40
Estimated food and drink cost: $150
Total estimated cost: $190
25. Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis Colts
Estimated parking cost: $45
Estimated food and drink cost: $142
Total estimated cost: $187
26. Lambeau Field
Green Bay Packers
Estimated parking cost: $45
Estimated food and drink cost: $141
Total estimated cost: $186
27. Caesars Superdome
New Orleans Saints
Estimated parking cost: $50
Estimated food and drink cost: $136
Total estimated cost: $186
No city understands the nature of partying like New Orleans. Lucky for Saints fans, they spend less than $50 a person for the whole shabang and have a great time. And at $136 for groceries, this is the cheapest food haul you can get at a tailgate.
28. Nissan Stadium
Tennessee Titans
Estimated parking cost: $40
Estimated food and drink cost: $145
Total estimated cost: $185
Things are generally less expensive in the South, and at a Titans game, you’re looking at some of the cheapest parking in the NFL, despite Nashville being the most expensive city in Tennessee. Plus, groceries for $36 a person isn’t bad.
29. Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots
Estimated parking cost: Free
Estimated food and drink cost: $147
Total estimated cost: $147
As a born and raised Angeleno, I take no pride in seeing L.A. as the most expensive and Boston as the least expensive. It’s a sports rivalry nightmare come true. That said, I can’t help but respect the free parking that the Patriots offer. And I’m definitely not thinking that they want to pack the stadium nice and full so people can watch their team deflate balls illegally. No way, ‘cause I’m over that now.
More Stadium Coverage From Cheapism
- 30 Craziest Foods Worth Trying at Stadiums Across America — Here are some of the wackiest and most unusual stadium foods you can get at pro football and baseball stadiums across the country.
- The Cost of a Beer and Hot Dog at Every NFL Stadium — This report examines ticket prices, parking, merchandise, and, specifically, the cost of beer and hot dogs at every stadium for all 32 NFL teams.
- 20 Grill-Ready Tailgate Recipes for Easy Game Day Meals — If plain old burgers and dogs just aren’t going to cut it this tailgate season, try some of these easy and delicious grill recipes perfect for a game day cookout.
