15 Vintage Sports Event Tickets That Are Now Collectibles
Here's a look at some of the most iconic vintage sports event tickets that are now worth a fortune to collectors.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Sports fans love to hold onto memories. Only a few keepsakes capture a sports moment, like an original event ticket. Years later, some of these paper stubs have grown into valuable collectibles. From historic matchups to game-changing performances, these vintage tickets are now worth more than just sentimental value.
1. 1932 World Series Game 3 – Babe Ruth’s Called Shot
Wikimedia Commons
This legendary ticket is tied to one of the most debated moments in baseball — Ruth pointing to the stands before hitting a home run. It was Game 3 at Wrigley Field, and it’s now a piece of American sports folklore.
2. 1980 Winter Olympics – “Miracle on Ice”
Henry Zbyszynski on Wikimedia Commons
The U.S. hockey team’s underdog win against the Soviets is frozen in American history. A ticket to this semifinal game is like holding a piece of Cold War sports drama.
3. 1956 NBA All-Star Game Ticket
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Held in Rochester, this All-Star game featured legends like Bob Cousy and Bill Russell. NBA memorabilia from this era is already rare, and an official ticket only adds to its desirability.
4. Super Bowl I – 1967
Jimberg13 on Wikimedia Commons
The first Super Bowl ticket is a true holy grail for football fans. It marked the beginning of an American tradition, featuring the Packers and Chiefs.
5. 1927 Dempsey vs. Tunney – “Long Count Fight”
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One of boxing’s most dramatic bouts took place at Soldier Field, drawing a record crowd. The controversy surrounding the “long count” adds to its mystique. This heavyweight clash gave birth to one of the most debated referee calls.
6. 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair (with NY Mets World Series Crossover)
Woodstock Whisperer on Wikimedia Commons
While not a sports event itself, some stubs feature advertisements for the Mets’ World Series run, creating an unlikely collectible crossover. These rare prints capture two cultural touchstones in one. Unique variants with both event references are highly prized.
7. 1971 Ali vs. Frazier I – “Fight of the Century”
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Held at Madison Square Garden, this heavyweight clash was more than a title bout — it was a cultural moment. Tickets from this event ooze significance and style.
8. 1947 Jackie Robinson’s MLB Debut
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This ticket represents more than a game — it’s a civil rights milestone. On April 15, Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball at Ebbets Field.
9. 1962 Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-Point Game
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This game was barely attended, making the few surviving tickets incredibly rare. Held in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the ticket is now one of the most sought-after in basketball history.
10. 1996 NBA Finals Game 6 – Jordan’s First Post-Retirement Title
mccarmona23 on Flickr
This game sealed Jordan’s return to greatness, with the Bulls capturing another title. The ticket represents triumph, legacy, and nostalgia.
11. 1966 World Cup Final (England vs. West Germany)
David Wilson on Flickr
Held at Wembley Stadium, this game crowned England champions on their home turf. The ticket is a must-have for international football collectors. Its classic design and historical weight make it a European favorite.
12. 1958 NFL Championship – “The Greatest Game Ever Played”
Joe Haupt on Flickr
Giants vs. Colts in a sudden-death thriller that changed football forever. This game laid the groundwork for the NFL’s surge in popularity. Original tickets are treasured for their historical impact.
13. 1935 Jesse Owens at the Big Ten Championships
Ron Cogswell on Flickr
Owens set three world records and tied a fourth in 45 minutes. A ticket to this college track meet became legendary overnight. It’s a pre-Olympic gem tied to one of the greatest athletes in history.
14. 1999 Women’s World Cup Final – USA vs. China
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Brandi Chastain’s penalty kick and celebration became instantly iconic. This ticket represents a watershed moment in women’s sports. Interest has grown significantly as the legacy of that match continues to inspire.
15. 1989 World Series Game 3 – Earthquake Game
David Schultz on Unsplash
This ticket is tied not just to a game, but to a natural disaster. The Loma Prieta earthquake rocked the Bay Area just before first pitch. As a result, the game was postponed and tickets became historic oddities.