Thanksgiving Football Tickets: How to Find NFL and College Rivalry Games

Guide

Thanksgiving Football Tickets: How to Find NFL and College Rivalry Games

Which games are usually on Thanksgiving, when to buy, what to check before you pay, game-day tips and where checkout happens.

Read Time
4 min
Focus
Thanksgiving football
Updated
2026
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Which games are played on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day is a long-standing tradition for NFL football in the United States. By tradition, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys each host a home game on Thanksgiving Day. The league also schedules a night game that day, and in recent seasons it has added a Black Friday game as well.

Many college rivalry games are played on Thanksgiving weekend, not always on Thursday itself. Opponents and kickoff times change every year, so check each team's schedule page on TicketsGarage for this season's matchup before you compare seats.

When to buy and why prices move

Thanksgiving football is one holiday with a fixed number of seats in each stadium. Popular games can sell out, and the prices that remain can rise as the date gets closer. There is no rule that waiting saves money.

If you know which game you want to attend, buying when you see a seat you like usually gives you more choice. Our When to Buy Tickets guide, linked above, explains how timing can affect price and availability.

Before you pay

Compare the all-in price at checkout, including fees, not just the listed seat price. Check the section and row on the venue seating map so you know what view you are buying; our Sports Seating Guide explains sideline, end zone and upper-deck trade-offs.

Confirm how tickets are delivered. Ticketmaster listings are usually mobile tickets in your account; HelloTickets orders show the delivery method at checkout. Check the venue bag policy before you pack, especially for clear-bag rules at NFL stadiums.

Game-day tips

Holiday traffic is heavy around stadiums and airports, so plan to arrive early and allow extra time for parking or transit.

Outdoor NFL stadiums can be cold or wet in late November. Check the forecast, dress in layers and know what the venue allows through security.

Where to buy

TicketsGarage lists Thanksgiving NFL and college games and sends you to partner checkout to complete your purchase. Depending on the listing, checkout finishes on Ticketmaster or HelloTickets; the seller on that page handles your order, delivery and any refund if plans change.

Always buy through the verified checkout shown for the event. Our How to Avoid Fake Tickets guide covers red flags if a listing looks off.

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Frequently asked questions

Which NFL teams always play on Thanksgiving?

By tradition, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys each host a Thanksgiving Day home game. The league also schedules additional Thanksgiving and Black Friday games; check each team's schedule for this year's opponents.

When should I buy Thanksgiving football tickets?

Thanksgiving is a single holiday window with limited seats, so waiting is no guarantee of a lower price. If you know which game you want, buying when you see a seat you like usually gives you more choice.

Are Thanksgiving NFL tickets mobile only?

Ticketmaster NFL tickets are usually mobile tickets in your Ticketmaster account. HelloTickets orders show the delivery method at checkout before you pay.

What should I check before buying football tickets?

Compare the all-in price at checkout, confirm the section and row on the seating map, check mobile delivery and read the venue bag policy. Our Sports Seating Guide explains common stadium seat locations.

Does TicketsGarage sell Thanksgiving football tickets?

No. TicketsGarage helps you find games and links to the official Ticketmaster or HelloTickets checkout. The seller handles your order and tickets.