College football attendance in Utah is increasingly hampered by soaring ticket prices, a trend that has sparked concern among fans across the state.
Ticket Prices Vary Widely
Fans looking to see the University of Utah host the Idaho Vandals can purchase a single‑game ticket for as little as $38, while a marquee matchup such as BYU versus Notre Dame opens at roughly $600.
A family of four planning to attend a BYU game at LaVell Edwards Stadium would face a baseline cost of about $425, compared with $340 for a Utah game at Rice‑Eccles Stadium and $185 for a Utah State contest.
Demographic Divide
Polling data from a Deseret News/Hinckley Institute survey of 789 registered Utah voters shows that nearly 40 % of fans older than 45 consider game tickets unaffordable, whereas only about 20 % of those aged 18‑34 share the same view. Income also plays a role, with higher‑earning supporters far more likely to deem prices manageable.
The affordability issue is amplified by inflation and post‑pandemic demand, which have pushed prices upward across the board. While younger fans report relatively better value, the overall perception of unaffordability hovers near one‑third of all Utah football fans, according to the same poll.