Using its own data combined with information from SeatGeek, ratings were based on an algorithm that considered the total number of sporting event tickets sold (professional and college), average ticket prices, destination popularity and average hotel prices.
Fans of the NBA Washington Wizards will cheer the fact that Washington, D.C., came out on top in this survey. The average ticket price of a sporting event in the nation’s capital in 2014 was $51, while the average hotel cost $160 per night. Detroit came in second place, while Los Angeles ranked third. Rounding out the other top five cities were Tampa, Florida, and St. Louis, Missouri. While Boston is a huge sports town, it ranked lower in the study due to higher-than-average ticket prices and hotel rates.
Overall, the most affordable destination for sports travel was Augusta, Georgia, site of the PGA Masters. In 2014 fans could purchase a ticket to the golf tournament for $68 and find a hotel room for $96, combining for an affordable total of $164. Other bargain sports destinations in 2014 were Milwaukee ($165), Tampa ($166) and Cincinnati ($168). The most expensive city for sports travel was New York, where an average ticket cost $124 and lodging was $271, for a grand total of $395.
