As a lifelong Cubs fan, the thought of purchasing season tickets has always crossed my mind. There’s something uniquely special about owning a piece of the season — an opportunity to witness every home game and perhaps even see my favorite players rise to new heights. However, I’ve often wondered if Cubs season tickets are a good investment. After all, purchasing season tickets involves a significant financial commitment, and like any investment, it comes with its own set of risks and rewards.
I’ve spent time researching, analyzing, and reflecting on the potential financial, emotional, and experiential returns that come with season tickets. In this article, I will provide an honest and comprehensive breakdown of whether or not Cubs season tickets are a good investment, discussing the pros and cons from a variety of angles. To help frame this, I’ll also include some comparisons and calculations to better illustrate the financial aspects of owning season tickets.
Table of Contents
1. The Cost of Cubs Season Tickets
The first thing that comes to mind when evaluating any investment is cost. Cubs season tickets are not cheap. The pricing for season tickets can vary greatly depending on the section of the ballpark you’re purchasing tickets for, as well as the seating options.
For example, if I were to purchase tickets in the premium sections behind home plate or in the club-level seats, I would expect to pay much more than I would for tickets in the upper deck. Here’s a quick breakdown of how ticket prices generally stack up:
| Ticket Type | Price Range (per season ticket) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Deck | $10–$40 per game | Affordable option, basic viewing experience |
| Field Level/Outfield | $40–$150 per game | Closer to the action, better experience |
| Premium Club Level Seats | $150–$500 per game | Luxury experience, food and drink included |
| Suite Tickets | $500+ per game | Exclusive access, high-end amenities |
The cost of Cubs season tickets in a full season (81 home games) can range from a couple thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the seating area. So, while there’s a significant financial commitment, the investment is not solely about the monetary value — it’s also about what I get in return.
2. Potential Financial Returns: Resale Value
Unlike many other sports teams, the Cubs have one of the most robust and vibrant fanbases. The demand for Cubs tickets is generally very high, especially during the summer months when the team is in contention for the postseason. This gives me the potential to resell my tickets for a profit.
The resale value of Cubs season tickets can be lucrative if I’m not able to attend a particular game. Websites like StubHub and SeatGeek provide platforms to resell tickets. A typical game ticket might not fetch more than face value, but if it’s a high-demand game, such as against a rival team or during a playoff race, the price could significantly exceed the original cost.
Let’s say I bought a ticket for $75 for a regular game, but the demand for tickets is so high that I can resell it for $150. That’s a 100% return on the investment for just one game. If I were to successfully resell even a few of my tickets at a premium, the profit could offset some of the costs associated with the season tickets.
3. Emotional and Experiential Value
There’s something intangible about being a season ticket holder. It’s not all about money — it’s about the experience, the community, and the memories made. Attending every home game, interacting with fellow Cubs fans, and having a front-row seat to history is something I personally value immensely.
For example, imagine being able to attend a game where the Cubs clinch a division title or have a walk-off win. The excitement and the memories of such moments can far outweigh the financial cost. For die-hard fans like me, the value of being at those games, the connection with the team, and the community atmosphere are priceless. This emotional return on investment, while difficult to quantify, is one of the strongest reasons to consider buying Cubs season tickets.
Additionally, there’s a certain level of exclusivity that comes with owning season tickets. I get access to special events, private fan clubs, and pre-game activities that other fans don’t have. The VIP experience also extends to discounts on food, merchandise, and even parking. If I’m someone who values these benefits, the investment becomes more than just a financial transaction — it’s a way to immerse myself fully in the Cubs experience.
4. The Risks Involved
No investment is without risks, and season tickets are no exception. The primary risk is, of course, the performance of the team. If the Cubs have a poor season and the games are not as exciting or well-attended, it might be difficult to resell tickets or enjoy the experience as much. While the Cubs are a storied franchise, with the unpredictable nature of sports, there’s always a chance that the season could be underwhelming.
Another risk is the long-term financial commitment. Season tickets often require a multi-year contract, and paying upfront for an entire season (or multiple seasons) can tie up a significant amount of money. If my personal financial situation changes unexpectedly, I might struggle to afford the season tickets, especially if I’ve committed to a long-term deal.
Lastly, there’s the possibility of injury or off-field issues affecting the performance of key players, which could dampen the overall experience. If I’m particularly attached to specific players, their absence from games could detract from the enjoyment of being a season ticket holder.
5. The Comparison: Cubs Season Tickets vs. Other Investments
I’ve also thought about how Cubs season tickets compare to other investments. For example, let’s say I put the money I would spend on season tickets into a stock portfolio. Based on historical averages, the stock market has returned roughly 7% per year. For instance, if I were to invest $10,000 in a diversified stock portfolio, I could expect the value of my investment to grow by $700 in a year.
Here’s a simple comparison of the two investment paths:
| Investment | Initial Investment | Annual Return (Estimated) | Potential Upside | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs Season Tickets | $5,000–$20,000 | 0% (Emotional/Experiential) | High emotional and experiential value | Dependence on team performance, injury |
| Stock Portfolio (Diversified) | $5,000–$20,000 | 7%+ per year | Long-term financial growth | Market volatility, economic downturns |
As you can see, season tickets don’t offer a direct financial return in the same way the stock market might, but they come with a unique emotional and experiential benefit that’s difficult to quantify in financial terms.
6. Alternatives to Season Tickets
For those who might not want to commit to the full cost of season tickets, there are alternatives. One option is to purchase single-game tickets as needed, which eliminates the financial commitment of buying a full season package. Another option is to consider a partial season ticket plan, where you can attend a set number of games per season at a lower cost. This approach gives flexibility without the full upfront cost and potential risk of not being able to resell tickets.
Additionally, I could look into fan memberships or club programs, which offer some of the perks of being a season ticket holder (such as exclusive access, early ticket purchasing, and discounts) without the hefty price tag.
Conclusion: Are Cubs Season Tickets a Good Investment?
Ultimately, whether Cubs season tickets are a good investment depends on my personal preferences and priorities. If my goal is purely financial growth, then the stock market or other investments might be a better choice. However, if I value the emotional connection to the team, the excitement of being at every home game, and the community experience, then season tickets are a solid investment from an experiential standpoint.
The key takeaway for me is this: Cubs season tickets are a great investment if I’m looking for an immersive and rewarding fan experience that goes beyond financial return. For some, the emotional and social benefits far outweigh the financial cost. For others, the financial risks and costs might make this a less appealing investment. At the end of the day, the right choice is a personal one — driven by my love for the Cubs and my goals as a fan.
