Iowa Hawkeyes are once again demonstrating that their fan base travels more than nearly any other in college football, and the statistics support this claim. Tickets for Iowa’s game against Vanderbilt are still among the most sought-after on the entire ReliaQuest Bowl schedule as kickoff draws near. Demand hasn’t decreased with about 24 hours until the Hawkeyes and Commodores play at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. If anything, it’s sticking together in a way that still surprises people watching college football.
The most affordable ticket to enter Raymond James Stadium is currently $73. Even though that price puts fans in the upper bowl of the Tampa venue, it’s still a significant investment for a bowl game that isn’t in the New Year’s Six. The entry point rises higher for those who want to be a bit closer to the field. The fact that the cheapest ticket in the lower bowl is currently $91 shows how excited fans are to see this specific matchup in person.
The way these prices compare to another well-known bowl game that is taking place nearby makes them particularly intriguing. The Michigan Wolverines and the Texas Longhorns will square off in a true blue-blood match at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. With enormous national fan bases and decades of history, those two brands are among the most well-known in all of college football. However, tickets for Michigan vs. Texas are much less expensive despite that star power.
The Citrus Bowl admission fee at Camping World Stadium is approximately $52, which is more than $20 less than the cheapest option in Tampa. Even more startling, fans can purchase tickets for lower-bowl seats in Orlando for as little as $53, putting them in close proximity to the action for almost the same cost as upper-level seating at the ReliaQuest Bowl. That comparison seems almost inverted in a vacuum, which is evidence of the special circumstances surrounding Iowa and Vanderbilt in this postseason.
Regardless of the opponent or the location, Iowa supporters have a long history of showing up. The black and gold usually move in large numbers from Pasadena to Tampa and all points in between. For the Hawkeyes, bowl season has frequently felt like a home away from home, and this year is no different. Supporters of Iowa seem to view this game as more than just another postseason trip. It’s another chance to reward a team that managed to win once more and end the season on a high note.
Another significant factor contributing to the increased demand is Vanderbilt’s presence. This season is among the Commodores’ best campaigns in program history. That in and of itself is exciting, but geography is also important. For Vanderbilt supporters, traveling to Tampa is comparatively easy, especially when contrasted with the cross-country trips that occasionally come with bowl assignments. It’s simple to understand why Commodore fans are excited to attend in person when you combine that accessibility with the uniqueness of a season like this for Vanderbilt.
When those elements are combined, the outcome is a bowl game that exceeds ticket window expectations. Due to two fan bases with compelling reasons to attend, Iowa versus Vanderbilt has emerged as the more difficult ticket, even though Michigan and Texas may have larger national brands. The numbers make it very evident how important this matchup is to all parties.
Prices may still change as kickoff draws near, but the message is already evident. There is more to the ReliaQuest Bowl than meets the eye. Loyal Iowa supporters, an enthusiastic Vanderbilt crowd, and the kind of mutual excitement that elevates a routine postseason game into a must-see event are driving this destination game. Every indication in Tampa is that the stadium will be full and the atmosphere will show how important this game is to both teams.
