Study: Reduced Attendance Cost NFL $2.7 Billion As Fan Cost Rise

DENVER (CBS4) - How much money has the pandemic cost the NFL without its full compliment of fans in the stands? Billions of dollars according to a recent study.

Team Marketing Report, a Chicago-based sports business intelligence firm, released the 2020 Fan Cost Index. It concluded the NFL is looking at a potential loss of $2.7 billion this season.

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 25: The Denver Broncos host the Kansas City Chiefs in a general view during a game at Empower Field at Mile High on October 25, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

Using the ticket sale price for all 32 teams entering the season, the Fan Cost Index study estimated the cost to attend one game is $553. The figure includes "four adult non-premium tickets, single-car parking, four hot dogs and two adult-sized adjustable hats."

The highest estimated average was the Las Vegas Raiders at $783.36 and the Denver Broncos came in 18th on the list at $535.81. The NFL average is $553.53.

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 15: A general view of the exterior of Empower Field at Mile High before a game between the Denver Broncos and the Chicago Bears on September 15, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

According to Bleacher Report and Statista, the league's 32 teams earned 15.02% of their total revenue from gate receipts in 2019.

Only 17 teams allow a limited number of fans in the stands. The Broncos will allow 5,700 fans to attend games at Empower Field at Mile High.