The highly anticipated college football matchup between No. 1 Texas and No. 13 Tennessee is getting even more attention ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. However, as excitement grows, secondary-market ticket prices have moved in the opposite direction.
President Donald Trump’s announcement that he plans to attend the game has added another layer of interest to an already marquee matchup. The game is also featured on ESPN College GameDay, making it one of the biggest events on the college football schedule this week.
Yet despite the increased spotlight, fans are seeing significantly lower ticket prices than before Trump announced his attendance.
Texas vs. Tennessee Ticket Prices Drop
According to Ticketmaster listings, the cheapest available tickets have fallen to about $368, more than $100 lower than some prices listed before Trump confirmed his plans to attend.
Some lower-level seats have also dropped to roughly $380, although plenty of premium tickets remain priced above $600.
Secondary Market Drives Price Changes
The drop does not appear to have a single explanation. As kickoff approaches, the secondary ticket market naturally becomes more competitive.
Resellers who originally listed tickets at high prices must eventually adjust when buyers do not meet their asking prices. With fewer days remaining before the game, sellers have less time to wait for someone willing to pay a premium.
That dynamic can push ticket prices down, particularly when large numbers of tickets remain available close to game day.
Trump’s scheduled appearance may also be contributing to the change.
Heightened Security Adds Another Challenge
Fans attending Saturday’s game should expect more security procedures than usual.
The Knoxville Police Department, University of Tennessee Police Department and UT Athletics Department have warned fans about enhanced security measures surrounding the president’s visit. Additional checkpoints and increased Secret Service screening are expected around Neyland Stadium.
For some fans, those measures could make attending the game more time-consuming.
Getting to the stadium could require additional planning, while parking and entry procedures may take longer because of expanded security operations. As a result, some potential buyers may decide the experience isn’t worth paying a premium for.
That could be influencing demand on the secondary market.
Why Fans May Be Waiting
College football fans already know that major rivalry and ranked matchups can come with expensive ticket prices. Adding presidential security requirements creates another consideration for those deciding whether to attend.
For fans who have flexibility, waiting could make financial sense if sellers continue lowering prices as kickoff gets closer.
Still, even with the recent decline, tickets remain expensive. Paying more than $300 for a single sporting event is a significant expense for many fans.
A Different Kind of College Football Story
Beyond ticket prices and security, Trump’s attendance has sparked another familiar conversation among sports fans: the so-called “Trump curse.”
The idea stems from several high-profile games in which Trump attended while publicly supporting one team, only for that team to lose. One example came during the 2025 Super Bowl, when the Kansas City Chiefs lost while Trump attended.
Another example occurred during the NBA Finals, when the New York Knicks lost Game 3 at Madison Square Garden while Trump attended. The Knicks ultimately lost that championship series, although they won other games during the matchup.
Of course, the idea of a sports curse is part of fan culture rather than something that can be established as a cause of game results.
Who Will Trump Support?
That leaves another question heading into Saturday: Which team will Trump support?
His preferred side for the Texas-Tennessee matchup has not been established publicly. That uncertainty gives fans from both programs something else to debate before kickoff.
Texas supporters may be especially interested because they previously joked about a similar “curse” involving Sen. Ted Cruz.
Ultimately, the teams will decide the game on the field, not presidential appearances, ticket prices, or fan superstitions. Texas and Tennessee will enter Neyland Stadium before a national television audience. Fans will watch whether the Longhorns retain their No. 1 ranking or the Volunteers upset them at home.
Before kickoff, one surprise stands out: added security and logistics haven’t kept ticket prices from falling.