Ticket Prices for Sporting Events Skyrocket by 25% Due to 'Funflation'

Ticket prices for sporting events have surged 25.1% in October 2023 compared to the same month last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This increase in prices, dubbed "funflation," is driven by consumers' desire to regain the experiences they missed during the pandemic. Dynamic pricing models and attention-grabbing sporting events also contribute to the rise. While some sports have seen significant price growth, tamer inflation and a return to normal entertainment spending patterns may help cool sector-specific growth. However, the rising costs are concerning for fans, with many unable to afford tickets and feeling excluded from the community experience of attending games.