Seahawks say ticket limits were to avoid brokers

RENTON — The Seattle Seahawks say their decision to limit ticket sales for the NFC championship game to certain states was due to concerns over ticket brokers.

The Seahawks sold out a small allotment of available tickets — less than 3,000 — in less than 30 minutes Monday. The team has taken heat for excluding fans with billing addresses in California from purchasing tickets to Sunday’s game between the Seahawks and San Francisco.

The team says that when tickets went on sale for the playoff game against New Orleans, brokers had found a way to manipulate the system and acquire most of them, then increasing the price on the open market.

Seattle announced its decision to limit sales to those with billing addresses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Hawaii, Alaska and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta after Saturday’s win over New Orleans and before the Seahawks knew their opponent.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (left), Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III (center) and head coach Mike Macdonald celebrate with the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 at Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks win Super Bowl LX

Behind a dominant defense, Seattle defeated New England 29-13 to become champions Sunday.

Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass during Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 8, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Sam Darnold completes redemption with Super Bowl title

Once considered a draft bust, the Seahawks quarterback proved himself a winner.

Lake Stevens boys wrestling gathers for a team photo after winning the District 1 4A Tournament at Jackson High School on Feb. 7, 2026. (Joe Pohoryles/The Herald)
Lake Stevens boys continue winning tradition at districts

The Vikings capture team title behind six individual champions on Saturday.

Lake Stevens girls wrestling poses with the District 1 4A Championship trophy on the podium at Jackson High School on Feb. 6, 2026. (Joe Pohoryles/The Herald)
Lake Stevens girls win back-to-back district titles

Seven individual champions help Vikings win team title by over 100 points on Friday.

Stanwood’s Ellalee Wortham reacts during the game against Snohomish on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Stanwood girls outlast Meadowdale in crossover

Shorecrest, Snohomish also pick up Friday crossover wins.

Tulalip Heritage boys eclipse 100 points in district quarterfinals

The Hawks defeat Grace Academy 102-24 in the District 1 1B Tournament on Thursday.

Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (right) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon hold up NFC Championship T-shirts at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Jarran Reed remains Seahawks defense’s lead voice

The 33-year-old defensive lineman is Seattle’s last bride to the Legion of Boom.

Seattle's Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs after a catch during the first half as the Seahawks take on the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL game on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at Lumen Field in Seattle. The Seahawks won 16-6. (Naji Saker/TNS)
‘Best in the world:’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba wins OPOY

The 23-year-old receiver earns top offensive award, personifies Seahawks’ attitude.

Lindsey Vonn, with torn ACL, completes Olympic training run

The 41-year-old skier is attempting to win her second downhill gold medal.

United States' Hilary Knight (21) scores a goal against Canada goaltender Kristen Campbell (50) during the third period of a rivalry hockey game at the Dollar Loan Center on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, in Henderson. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal via TNS)
Hilary Knight embarks on final Olympics

The Seattle Torrent captain will lead the U.S. in her record-tying fifth Winter Games.

Edmonds-Woodway’s William Alseth makes a jump shot over the top of Shorewood’s Thomas Moles during the game on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds-Woodway boys clinch second straight Wesco South title

The Warriors hold off Shorewood in 55-48 win on Wednesday, break tie atop standings.

Seahawks fans Daniel Abad (left) and Donald Kracht arrive at San Jose International Airport on their way to Sunday's Super Bowl. (Photo courtesy of Daniel Abad)
Local Seahawks fans take over Bay Area

Leaving behind spouses, jobs and lots of cash, enthusiasts flock to the Super Bowl.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.