The Detroit Lions’ decision to once again raise season ticket prices for the 2025 NFL season has stirred up significant discontent among their fanbase. For the second consecutive year, the team has increased ticket prices in various sections, with some areas seeing steep hikes. Unfortunately, many long-time ticket holders are now faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to renew their season tickets.
Impact on Ford Field Atmosphere
This price increase could have far-reaching consequences for the atmosphere at Ford Field. Fans are already raising concerns about a noticeable shift in crowd dynamics during games this season.
Local Lions blogger Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit recently expressed his concerns about the crowd’s energy, noting, “I've said it a couple times this year, but Ford Field already doesn't feel as loud as it was last year. Maybe it was lightning in a bottle, maybe it was the result of ticket price increases, maybe it's just my imagination. But I do fear Ford Field losing its edge.”
His comments highlight a key issue: as ticket prices rise, the environment in the stadium could begin to change. Fans who have been priced out may no longer fill the stands with the same energy and passion.
The Risk of Alienating Die-Hard Fans
Lions podcaster Matt Dery, host of Locked On Lions, echoed Reisman’s concerns after attending the Week 14 game against the Green Bay Packers. “It’s a fun environment, but was it as loud last Thursday as it was last season when I went to some games? It was not,” Dery said as quoted by SI. “I'm not saying it's a wine-and-cheese crowd, but I think they're starting to price out some of the louder die-hards.”
This raises a crucial point: by pricing out the die-hard fans—many of whom contribute to the loud and energetic atmosphere at Ford Field—the Lions risk losing the passionate fanbase that makes the stadium an intimidating environment for opposing teams.
Long-Term Effects of Price Hikes
While the price hikes may generate additional revenue in the short term, the long-term effects could be damaging. A quieter, less engaged stadium could result in a diminished home-field advantage and a disconnection between the team and its most loyal supporters. The energy that fans bring to the games plays a vital role in creating a home-field advantage and fueling the team’s momentum. Losing that could have serious repercussions, especially for a team like the Lions, where fan energy is crucial to their success.
Bottom Line
As the team pushes forward with its plan to increase ticket prices, the Lions face a significant challenge. While attracting wealthier fans may seem appealing in the short term, alienating the passionate, vocal fanbase could have lasting consequences. The true cost of this price hike might not be fully realized until the fans who have stood by the team for years start to feel disconnected from their beloved franchise. Time will tell if the Lions can strike a balance that keeps their core supporters engaged and their stadium atmosphere intact.
It also happened at LCA and CoPa. Willian C Ford was responsible for running the team to make money (as if Ford needed money) instead of getting players before there was a cap and even after there was a cap. Ticket pricing should always be more gradual than severe changes to keep the “real” fans who can impact the team and crowd.