Big Ten Championship Game Tickets Down 38% From Last Season

December 2, 2014

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The Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1), who rank No. 6 in the most recent AP Poll, are seeking their first Big Ten Championship game win while their opponents, the Wisconsin Badgers (10-2), who rank No. 14th, are seeking their third Big Ten Championship in the last four seasons. Ohio State renewed its annual rivalry with Michigan at the Horseshoe and came away with a 42-28 victory. Ohio State, however, lost quarterback and Heisman Trophy hopeful J.T. Barrett to a season-ending ankle injury. Third-string quarterback Cardale Jones only attempted three passes against Michigan, but will be asked to lead Ohio State to a Big Ten Championship. Running back Ezekiel Elliott, who rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns against Michigan, will look to alleviate some of the burden. While it may seem improbable for a third-string quarterback to win a conference championship game, Ohio State has head coach Urban Meyer, who is one of the game’s best coaches. Expect Meyer to motivate Jones and his team before the Big Ten Championship game. Fans traveling to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis can expect to pay high ticket prices for this game.

According to TicketIQ, the average ticket price for Ohio State vs. Wisconsin is currently %150.64 on the secondary market while the get-in price for the game is $48. This is the second most expensive Big Ten Championship over the last four years, with only last year's Ohio State vs Michigan State match-up being higher. Here's a look at the last four years of Big Ten Championship game ticket prices:


Year Match-up Avg Price Get-in Price
2014 Ohio State vs Wisconsin $150.64 $48
2013 Ohio State vs Michigan State $244.99 $121
2012 Wisconsin vs Nebraska $115.42 $33
2011 Wisconsin vs Michigan State $142.89 $35

While Ohio State has some obvious question marks on offense, Wisconsin has arguably the nation’s top offensive weapon in its backfield. Running back Melvin Gordon has rushed for 2,260 yards and 26 touchdowns. Gordon has showcased his dual-threat ability by catching 17 passes for 151 yards and three additional touchdowns. In Wisconsin’s most recent victory, Gordon gashed Minnesota’s porous rush defense for 151 yards and two total touchdowns. With a weapon like Gordon in his backfield, quarterback Joel Stave hasn’t had to do much, but threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Minnesota. Starve dealt with injuries early on, but is 7-1 as a starter this season.

While fans can expect to pay top prices to attend Lucas Oil Stadium for the Big Ten Championship, Wisconsin will look for a rare win over Ohio State. Wisconsin has lost six of its last seven meetings against Ohio State, which dates back to 2007. These two teams have not played this season, but Ohio State won last year’s match-up, 31-24. Expect a spirited effort from both sides as Wisconsin attempts to derail Ohio State’s bid for a spot in the college football playoff.

For more on Championship Weekend in college football, check out this post.