March 30 (UPI) — Yes, the average ticket price to see the Final Four in Phoenix is more than $450.
But what about everything else it takes for fans to attend the big game? Well, South Carolina Gamecocks basketball followers can answer that question best, as it is costing them the most of any school to attend its matchup against Gonzaga.
Runzheimer, a data company and consultancy for business vehicle programs, calculated the real costs for the Final Four teams and fans who traveled from their hometown to Phoenix. The calculations included gas prices, mileage, food, beverages, hotels and more.
While airfare for the trip from Columbia to Phoenix has risen to more than $800 since the school clinched its first Final Four spot, the road trip is also pricey for the Gamecocks.
The average nightly hotel rate is $222 for South Carolina fans from March 31 to April 4. Oregon fans are paying $165 on average, while North Carolina’s are paying $178 and Gonzaga’s are paying $216. The cost to drive from North Carolina’s Chapel Hill campus is the highest at $965, while Gamecocks fans would pay $955, Zags fans $649 and Ducks fans $505.
The cost to drive includes fuel, costs modeled around fuel, maintenance, tires and a car payment for a midsize domestic automobile. Hotel rates are based on one room for four nights, double occupancy, three to four stars, +/- 5 miles from the city center, and includes local taxes and fees. All hotel rates exceed national average for business travelers.
Before the tournament began, MyTopSportsbooks.com gave the Zags and Tar Heels an 11-1 shot at winning the national championship. The Ducks opened as 20-1 favorites, while the field was a 15-2 favorite to bring home the trophy.
The Gamecocks battle the Zags at 6:09 p.m. Saturday at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Tar Heels face the Ducks at 8:49 p.m. for a chance to advance to Monday’s title game.
There was a suite available Thursday for the game at University of Phoenix Stadium on TicketCity for $110,975.
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