Tickets for SMU vs Penn State in Happy Valley are incredibly cheap

The 12-team College Football Playoff was supposed to be the start of a new era for the sport. More teams, more games, more excitement. But the Penn State-SMU first-round matchup at Beaver Stadium is proving there’s a downside to expansion, too—and it’s showing up in the ticket market.

You can get into the game for under $50 on SeatGeek which these days is less than the cost of even a DoorDash dinner. Seats near the 50-yard line in the lower bowl are going for under $200. Compare that to other first-round games—like Notre Dame-Indiana, where tickets are starting at $500—and it’s clear: the enthusiasm just isn’t there.

Let’s start with the obvious. Once the playoff expanded to 12 teams, the risk of diluting the excitement was always on the table. College football thrives on exclusivity—every game used to feel like a playoff.

Now, with 12 teams in the mix, you’ve got first-round matchups that just don’t carry the same weight. A noon kickoff between Penn State and SMU? It’s not exactly must-see TV for the national audience.

Then there’s the timing. Scheduling games during the Christmas break was always going to be a challenge. Students—the heartbeat of any college football game day—are traveling home for the holidays. That automatically limits ticket sales from the most reliable base. The diehard fans will show up, but the casual fans? They’re staying cozy on the couch.

Penn State vs. SMU doesn’t exactly scream marquee.

Let’s be real: Penn State vs. SMU doesn’t exactly scream marquee. It’s a solid game, sure, but it’s not dripping with the same intrigue as, say, Clemson-Texas or Tennessee-Ohio State. Those games have star power, storylines, and big brands clashing in primetime.

And then there’s the location. Happy Valley is iconic, but it’s also remote. With limited hotel options and no major airport nearby, getting to State College isn’t exactly easy, especially during the holiday season.

This isn’t a knock on Penn State or SMU. Both programs earned their spots. But the low ticket prices and lack of buzz around this game should serve as a warning sign for the CFP. Expanding the playoff was always going to bring challenges, and this is Exhibit A.

If the goal is to capture the nation’s attention, the scheduling, matchups, and logistics need to be better thought out. Otherwise, you end up with a playoff game that feels more like a bowl game—nice to have, but not necessary to watch.

Still, A Bargain For Fans

If you’re in the area, though, it’s a great deal. For under $50, you can be part of history and see a College Football Playoff game live. Just don’t expect it to have the same energy as a packed White Out or a true primetime showdown.

The 12-team playoff is here to stay, but as Penn State-SMU shows, there’s still a lot to figure out if the CFP wants every game to feel like the biggest one of the season.

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