CINCINNATI (WKRC) – As the 2025-2026 NFL season approaches, fans are scrutinizing which stadiums offer the best value and experience. A recent analysis by sports betting experts at SiGMA Play revealed that Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati is pretty low on the list.
Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, ranked as the top venue of 30 for gameday experience, scoring an impressive 9.09 out of 10. Fans enjoy a relatively affordable gameday cost of $123.5, with median ticket prices at $80 and parking at $28. The stadium boasts a high Yelp rating of 4.4 out of 5 and a positive online sentiment, with 62.5% of Reddit mentions being favorable.
In stark contrast, Levi’s Stadium, home to the San Francisco 49ers, ranked as the worst NFL stadium for gameday experience, scoring just 3.24 out of 10. Fans face steep costs, with median ticket prices at $120 and parking at $100, totaling approximately $238.5 for a full day. Despite the high expenses, the experience is underwhelming, with a negative average sentiment and 42.9% of Reddit mentions being critical.
Paycor Stadium isn’t much better, finishing sixth worst. While only five other venues had cheaper beer prices, it had one of the higher prices for hot dogs. The median ticket price of $134 is relatively high — only eight other stadiums were more expensive. The price of parking ($35) is relatively low in comparison. The Yelp rating was near the bottom of the list, as were Reddit mentions. Only Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia had a less percentage of positive mentions.
David Gravel, spokesperson at SiGMA Play, commented on the findings: “Stadiums are more than just venues to watch a game or a gig – they create memories for fans. What stands out from the results is that a memorable gameday experience isn’t just about big budgets or technology – it’s about how a venue makes fans feel.”
The analysis highlights that high prices do not always equate to high satisfaction. Levi’s Stadium and Lincoln Financial Field, with average gameday expenses of $238 and $310 respectively, are well-known venues, yet their low online sentiment suggests fans aren’t receiving the value they expect. Gravel emphasized the importance of creating experiences that justify the cost, noting, “Keeping stadiums full isn’t just about performance or profit, it’s about creating an experience that fans genuinely want to come back for.”