Ticket brokers have found prices for the Bears-Packers epic encounter have settled nowhere near the highs expected.
"I think the recession has to deal with it. A lot," said Max Waisvaiz, Gold Coast Tickets.
Let's say you want four Club Level seats, $321 each at face. After last Sunday's win over the Seahawks they were briefly fetching in the $500 range.
Brokers had visions of $750 and beyond dancing in their heads. But now, with a plethora of supply, the cost is more like $400 -- still pricey, but in a range Bears fans have shown they are willing to pay.
"I think we basically scared off a lot of people, thinking it was not an affordable ticket, and now that prices have dropped it is a much more affordable ticket," said Waisvaiz. "I don't know what the market will do, but right now, if people call today they will get a great deal."
The ticket brokers' loss is a gain for a range of retailers. At Grant's Appliances and Electronics, the flat-screens -- also a commodity dropping in price -- are marching out the door.
Customers want installation and full home theatre hookups by Sunday
"They'd rather stay at home and watch TV at home rather than pay these high ticket prices and go out to the stadiums," said Eric White, Grants Appliances and Electronics.
"It is actually benefitting us because we have great prices on TVs," said White. "So folks are coming in and grabbing larger TVs and inviting the guys over."
Grocery merchandisers know, too, a mini-Super Bowl party needs their inspired creations to help set the game day tone.
Bears hype has led to carte blanche for Jewel-Osco bakers, whose $8 cookies and anticipation-sweetening cupcakes, among other delights, are flying out of the stores like a Devin Hester kick return, all in the name of serving those staying in to watch the game.
"In the grocery business, Bears hype is get the product out. Sell, sell, sell," said John Ross, Jewel-Osco.
The two clubs have won a combined 21 NFL championships, including four Super Bowls, and have 48 members in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
