On a significant Monday night in downtown Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will witness the climax of an intense competition between two prestigious Midwestern football teams. This game marks the conclusion of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff era, where Ohio State and Notre Dame vie for supremacy. The stadium will be filled with passionate supporters, their enthusiasm palpable as they hope to see either scarlet and gray or blue and gold reign supreme. This playoff season introduced several firsts for college football, including home stadium games and increased financial burdens on fans who followed their teams through multiple matches. The article explores the experiences and expenses of four fans from each of the four semifinalist teams.
The Road to Atlanta: Fan Dedication and Sacrifice
For many fans, reaching the national championship in Atlanta required immense dedication and financial commitment. Traveling across states, securing tickets, and booking accommodations were just part of the journey. Each fan's path was unique, reflecting both personal sacrifices and unwavering loyalty to their alma maters. Whether it was driving long distances or flying across the country, these supporters went above and beyond to cheer for their teams.
Kristi Busack, an alumna of Notre Dame based in Pittsburgh, exemplifies this dedication. Her journey involved attending all four playoff games, starting with booking hotel rooms over a year ago for the first-round match against Indiana. She secured box seats for the quarterfinal victory over Georgia in New Orleans and enjoyed the South Florida atmosphere during the semifinal win over Penn State. Like many other Fighting Irish fans, she hopes Atlanta will be the place where her beloved team claims its first national title since 1988. Her story highlights the lengths fans are willing to go to support their teams, often planning far in advance and making significant financial investments.
The Cost of Passion: Ticket Prices and Travel Expenses
The financial toll of following a team through the playoffs can be substantial. For fans, the cost of tickets, travel, and accommodation adds up quickly, especially when multiple games are involved. The first rounds held on campus drew large crowds, but the prices varied significantly depending on location and demand. The inaugural playoff game in South Bend, Indiana, set a record with an average ticket price of $770, showcasing how witnessing history comes at a premium.
Robert Cherry, an Ohio State fan from Toledo, Ohio, now residing in Santa Monica, California, faced his own set of challenges. His journey began with a work trip to Atlanta, followed by attending the first-round match against Tennessee. Thanks to his brother's season tickets, he managed to watch the Rose Bowl victory over Oregon, staying close to home in Santa Monica. Cherry has been a loyal attendee of Ohio State's playoff appearances since 2014, highlighting the ongoing commitment of fans to their teams. Similarly, Nichole Williamson, a Texas alumna, stayed within the Lone Star State for most of her playoff experience, attending the first-round win over Clemson and braving a snowstorm to watch the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State. Cory Sprankle, a Penn State alumnus, utilized military discounts to reduce travel costs but still faced high ticket prices, paying $675 per club seat at Hard Rock Stadium. These stories illustrate the financial sacrifices fans make to follow their teams, balancing passion with practicality.