Disclaimer: Some data shared in this article may fluctuate as new listings are added and market conditions change. Article last updated on September 18, 2024, with the latest statistics and insights.
Let me start off by saying that my expertise in sports and real estate did not start early on in my life. I didn't live near a stadium as I was raised in a small town. As a country kid, I grew up ten miles away from my high school's football field. I rarely attended sporting events.
However, while I may not have lived in a city or near a stadium, I bring a unique perspective from attending events as I got older and understanding and researching real estate trends.
In real estate, location is key. And being close to a professional sports stadium has become an asset for property owners. From the crowd's roar to the economic ripple effect, living near a stadium can significantly boost real estate value.
All professional sporting venues have their appeal, but since it's football season, let's focus on stadiums that host NFL games. Buying real estate near a football stadium, for the most part, is a costly undertaking. Statistics prove that owning real estate next to a stadium increases market value. The average price per square foot of light rail homes near the U.S. Bank Stadium is over $364 as of 9/18/2024.
The average price of homes for the whole city of Minneapolis per square foot (the city where the U.S. Bank Stadium is located) is only $239 as of 9/18/2024.
Recap: As of 9/18/2024, the average price for homes near the light rail and U.S. Bank Stadium is over 52% higher than the general per square foot for Minneapolis real estate. High-end real estate near stadiums can be expensive enough to be considered part of the luxury real estate market.
Lamar Jackson, the highest-paid quarterback of the 2023 NFL season, could afford a pretty piece of real estate. His salary for playing in the NFL in 2023 is $80 million.
You don't have to be as rich as a pro quarterback to live near a football stadium. There are some low-income housing options near stadiums, but this is rare, and they typically still require a longer commute as the low-income options often aren't the nearest residential real estate near the stadium.
It's important to note that most individuals residing near stadiums prefer urban lifestyles. The environment near stadiums is almost always bustling, loud, and unpredictable. Families typically opt out of this type of living experience. Especially since football has games during inconvenient times, such as Monday night or Thursday night games.
Furthermore, stadiums typically host other events, bringing in rowdy crowds, such as rock concert attendees.
The specific demographic of people who live near a stadium typically includes sports enthusiasts who love to show support for their favorite football team and who thrive on the vibrant atmosphere on game days and other stadium events.
Additionally, real estate investors view properties in such proximity as a lucrative investment opportunity.
Income-wise, high-income individuals may live near stadiums in upscale urban neighborhoods, enjoying the convenience and vibrant atmosphere on game days. They might opt for luxurious housing options offering a premium stadium view.
Middle-income residents often live in nearby neighborhoods, enjoying the benefits of urban living while being close to the stadium for entertainment and social activities.
On the other hand, low-income residents might also reside in these areas, particularly in affordable housing complexes or older, more budget-friendly apartments. These communities can benefit from the economic activity generated by the stadium, including employment opportunities and local businesses catering to fans.
Recap:
Though it can vary, these are some common trends among people who live near stadiums:
Sports Enthusiasts: Passionate fans who enjoy the excitement of game days and other stadium events.
Real Estate Investors: Individuals who view properties near stadiums as profitable investment opportunities.
High-Income Residents: People living in upscale urban neighborhoods with premium stadium views.
Middle-Income Residents: Those living in nearby neighborhoods appreciate the convenience and vibrant atmosphere.
Low-Income Residents: Residents in affordable housing near the stadium or older apartments benefit from economic activity and job opportunities generated by the stadium.
Why Stadium Proximity Affects Property Values
Location, they say, is everything in real estate, and being a stone's throw away from a sports stadium is no exception. Properties within walking distance or a short commute to the stadium often experience a surge in value. The convenience of being close to the action and avoiding parking and traffic hassles are key factors driving up prices.
Economic Uplift
The economic impact of a stadium on its surrounding area is undeniable. The allure of game days attracts businesses, restaurants, bars, hotels, and entertainment venues, transforming the neighborhood into a vibrant hub. Local enterprises often thrive in these areas, creating a bustling atmosphere that attracts residents and visitors.
Revitalizing Communities
Stadium development can often be pivotal in urban revitalization projects. Cities may invest in infrastructure improvements, parks, and public spaces around the stadium, making the neighborhood more attractive for residents and investors. This rejuvenation process can have a pronounced impact on property values.
Fostering Community Spirit
The presence of a local sports team fosters community pride and spirit, making the area around the stadium more appealing to potential homebuyers. Game days become communal celebrations as neighbors come together to support their team. This contributes to a vibrant and lively atmosphere and helps forge lasting bonds within the neighborhood. A sense of belonging and shared enthusiasm can drive up demand and raise property values.
Big Football Fans
Football fans desire real estate next to the stadium primarily for its convenience on game days, allowing easy access and an immersive experience. It's easy to find the football score or get last-minute tickets to a football game when you live near the stadium. Additionally, it can be a profitable investment due to rising property values and potential rental income during events. Being part of a community of like-minded fans is also a significant draw.
The quality and reputation of the stadium itself cannot be discounted. Modern, well-maintained stadiums enhance the overall appeal of the neighborhood, contributing positively to real estate values. Real estate values definitely increase when a new stadium is built, such as the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis in 2016. During that time, Vikings fans became rejuvenated, the Vikings almost made it to the Super Bowl, and real estate prices soared.
The lesson is that constructing a new stadium can rejuvenate the football fan experience, offering modern amenities and enhancing game-day excitement while simultaneously stimulating the local real estate market. The increased buzz around the stadium can lead to a surge in demand for housing in the area, potentially driving up property values.
While living near a stadium can have its perks, such as easy access to events and a vibrant atmosphere, it also has downsides. One significant downside is the potential for noise and disruption on event days. The crowd's roar, traffic congestion, and street closures can make it challenging to enjoy peace and quiet, especially if there are frequent events or games.
Additionally, property values near stadiums can be influenced by the success and popularity of the sports teams or events hosted there. If the team's performance declines or the stadium faces financial difficulties, it could negatively impact the neighborhood's property values. Lastly, parking can be a nightmare when events occur, with limited parking spots, leaving residents to contend with limited street parking options and the influx of event-goers in their neighborhoods.
Finally, big events, especially sporting events where adrenaline can run high, often foster an environment of crime.
Crime near football stadiums can include vandalism, theft, assaults, public intoxication, drug-related offenses, ticket scams, traffic violations, and sometimes protests or civil unrest. Last year, a Patriots fan died after a Miami Dolphins fan punched him.
These crime incidents are often influenced by the emotions and large crowds associated with sporting events and the catastrophic amount of alcohol consumed within the stadium walls.
Real estate investors are increasingly eyeing areas near stadiums due to the potential for short-term rentals, like Airbnb, during game days and events. This heightened investor interest can create additional demand for properties in the vicinity.
In recent years, rental prices near stadiums have experienced a significant upward trend, and platforms like VRBO (Vacation Rental by Owner) have played a pivotal role in this surge. This phenomenon is often a topic of bragging among homeowners and property investors fortunate enough to own real estate in these prime locations. With sporting events and concerts drawing crowds of enthusiastic fans, these homeowners have tapped into a lucrative market by listing their properties on VRBO.
As a result, they can demand premium prices during event weekends, and their properties become highly sought-after accommodations for sports enthusiasts and concert-goers.
This spike in rental prices near stadiums represents an excellent opportunity for homeowners to generate substantial income and see impressive investment returns. They proudly showcase their properties on VRBO, highlighting the proximity to the stadium, modern amenities, and the amenity of staying within walking distance of the action. This trend benefits individual property owners and contributes to the surrounding economic vitality, as restaurants, bars, and local businesses thrive from the influx of visitors.
While rental prices continue to climb, those lucky enough to own such properties near stadiums revel in the financial rewards and the bragging rights of being part of this lucrative market.
Scoring Success in Stadium-Adjacent Real Estate
Tracking property values near stadiums offers valuable insights for potential buyers and investors. If these values consistently rise over time, it suggests a strong real estate market linked to the stadium.
On game days, the neighborhood changes as streets fill with parked cars and enthusiastic fans in team colors. The stadium doesn't just impact the area physically; it also creates an atmosphere of excitement and togetherness.
Property values near stadiums depend on more than just physical factors. Cultural, economic, and community aspects play a crucial role. Savvy investors are eyeing neighborhoods that draw in sports fans, making them attractive for long-term investment.