Ticket Prices for One of America's Favorite Pastimes Are Up 25% Thanks to a Phenomenon Economists Call 'Funflation' Noticed ticket prices continue to rise? You're not the only one.

By Emily Rella Edited by Jessica Thomas

Key Takeaways

  • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index saw a 25.1% increase in sporting ticket admission prices in October 2023 as compared to the same time last year.
  • Overall inflation rates decreased month over month to 3.24% from 3.7%.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

If you've noticed an alarming uptick in ticket prices in the entertainment industry since last year, you're not alone.

In fact, a new report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics proves just that, as new Consumer Price Index data rolls in for October 2023.

According to the CPI, admission prices for sporting events increased an astounding 25.1% from the same time one year ago, making it the category with the highest inflation rate.

Related: 'Excruciating': Taylor Swift Opens Up About Ticketmaster Fiasco

Economists have dubbed the uptick in entertainment-related costs (like concert and sporting event tickets, airline tickets, vacation rentals and hotel rooms) "funflation." Prices are up compared to pre- and mid-pandemic prices when many people were unable or hesitant to participate in such activities.

October 2023's CPI also showed a 14.9% increase in prices of food from vending machines and mobile vendors (which would include dining choices made at entertainment venues and transportation locations) and motor vehicle insurance increasing 19.2%, with motor vehicle repair increasing 15.1% — indicating Americans are spending more time on the roads.

Related: Restaurants Are Adding 'Inflation Fees' to Customer Checks

Admissions to concerts, movies and theatres increased 4.5% from the same time last year, while overall admission to entertainment events was up 10.9% year over year.

Inflation as a whole was down in October to 3.24% from 3.7% the month prior and a jarring 7.7% at the same time period last year.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Mark Zuckerberg 'Insisted' Executives Join Him For a MMA Training Session, According to Meta's Ex-President of Global Affairs

Nick Clegg, Meta's former president of global affairs, says in a new book that he once had to get on the mat with a coworker.

Business News

You Can Get Paid $18,000 More a Year By Adding AI Skills to Your Resume, According to a New Study

Employers are emphasizing AI skills — and are willing to pay a lot more if you have them.

Buying / Investing in Business

From a $120M Acquisition to a $1.3T Market

Co-ownership is creating big opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Business News

United Airlines Says It Is Adding Extra Flights in Case Spirit 'Suddenly Goes Out of Business'

Rival airlines, including United and Frontier, are adding new routes as Spirit cuts 12 cities from its schedule.