Patriots Fans Battle Ticket Restrictions as They Head West for AFC Championship Clash in Denver

New England Patriots fans are packing their bags for Denver this weekend, but not without a few bumps along the way. With the team set to face the Broncos in the AFC Championship at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, many loyal supporters are traveling across the country to be part of what could be the Patriots’ first Super Bowl appearance since 2018.

According to WCVB, the cost of the trip is adding up quickly. Flights from Boston to Denver are averaging around $500, while hotels near the stadium are in high demand. Add in ticket prices that have been all over the place, and fans are putting serious money on the line for a chance to see their team make history.

Over the weekend, tickets for the matchup dropped sharply after Broncos starter Bo Nix fractured his ankle, forcing backup quarterback and former Patriot Jarrett Stidham into the spotlight. Prices sank to around $350 before climbing again. As of Monday, CBS Boston reported that ACE Ticket had roughly 500 seats left, most starting in the $600 range. “It’s the most I’ve ever paid for a playoff game,” said one fan, Keith Birchall, who goes by “The Silver Bullet” in Foxborough crowds. “But you can’t miss this one.”

Still, not everyone is finding it easy to buy a seat. Boston25 News reports that Ticketmaster is blocking purchases from anyone with a New England billing address. Only residents of the Rocky Mountain region — including Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Kansas — are allowed to buy through the site, citing “limited availability.” For Patriots fans back home, that means turning to third-party sellers like StubHub or SeatGeek to secure a seat.

Despite the obstacles, fan enthusiasm is undeniable. Season ticket holder Hayes McCarthy from Rhode Island told CBS Boston he already booked his travel. “It’s part of Patriots culture — bringing that energy and enthusiasm on the road,” he said.

The matchup marks a full-circle moment for New England. The last time the Patriots played an AFC Championship in Denver was in 2016, when Peyton Manning and the Broncos took down Tom Brady’s squad. This time, with a younger roster and a new chapter unfolding, fans are hoping for a different ending.

The Patriots and Broncos kick off Sunday at 3 p.m. Eastern, with a spot in Super Bowl LX on the line. For the thousands of New England fans making the trek — ticket hurdles and sky-high prices included — it’s all just another test of loyalty in Patriots Nation.