NFL team gear
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The full 2025 NFL schedule is almost here! The countdown is on to the start of football season with the Pro Football Hall of Fame game taking place on July 31 followed by the NFL preseason. The official start to the NFL season will kick off on Thursday, September 4 with a matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field.
If you’re headed to an NFL game this season, the first stop is definitely securing your tickets. But, what else is important? If you’re a Philadelphia Eagles fan, you might want to pick up some Super Bowl champs gear. If you’re a Jacksonville Jaguars fan, you might want to sport the Travis Hunter jersey, which will undoubtedly be popular. If you’re a Cowboys fan like me, you might want to pick up some tissues.
Whatever your team’s situation, here’s some helpful travel tips for NFL-related travel, as well as some important game day advice.
How to buy NFL tickets?
The NFL schedule release is going to take place on Wednesday, May 14 at 8 p.m. EDT. Some people blindly purchase individual game tickets before the schedule is released, but you don’t know the dates or times of the game. Once the schedule is released, it will be a mad dash for tickets to the top matchups, so stay tuned!
When to buy flights?
Once you have your tickets, I’d say you’re clear to buy flights. You could buy the flight first, but you risk the team actually being away that weekend. The good news is, no matter where you’re heading, whether it’s up the road to Jerry’s World, or a few states over to see the insane technology at SoFi Stadium, or even across the big pond to watch your team somewhere like Germany, you can get a great deal on flights on Expedia.
Travel tip for 2025: Don’t forget your Real ID before heading to the airport!
Book your flight on Expedia today
Where to stay during your NFL trip?
You always have options when you travel, one of them being where you stay. This will depend on which city you’re heading to, maybe you’ll want to be in the mix of things in downtown near the stadium, or maybe in a less urban space (looking at you, Glendale).
If you’re looking for something a little more personal, or if you’re traveling in a group, AirBnB has great options in cities around the world. Plus, you might find a unique stay like this Green Bay Packers dreamhouse.
Stock up on your favorite jersey ahead of the game
Whether you’re going for a classic fan favorite like Travis Kelce, or looking to sport some of the NFL’s newest fan gear for players like Travis Hunter, fanatics has you covered. My personal favorite is the apparel line WEAR by longtime sports reporter Erin Andrews. It combines fashion and sports in the best way, but you can never go wrong with a jersey.
Gameday essentials: what to bring to the stadium with you
You’re in the city, you’ve got your tickets, you’ve got your merch, you’re ready to go, right? Here’s a few things that might make your gameday experience a little smoother.
- Event-approved transparent bag: First things first, grab a clear stadium bag. Most, if not all, stadiums and arenas have moved to a clear bag policy. Try this cute, three-pocket, crossbody purse for women. Or, for something a little more gender-neutral, try this transparent backpack with reinforced shoulder straps.
- Stay charged: Definitely consider your phone life. When I’m traveling, I’m taking a million photos, and getting ubers, dinners recommendations, Google Maps, and before you know it, my phone is dead and we’re only halfway through the day. But, ditch the brick and the cords. Grab this slim, portable charger with built-in cords for both iPhone and Samsung that comes in over a dozen colors.
- Skip the bad breath: If you plan on indulging in stadium food, like nachos, make sure to pack these PUR spearmint-flavored mints so your breath doesn’t smell like cheese and jalapenos all day.
- Bag essentials: Don’t take that clear bag empty! Here a few bag essentials to help make your life easier. If you’re like me and need lip balm in every bag and room of the house, grab this four-pack of Burt’s Bees lip moisturizer in different flavors. There’s a lot of standing, stairs, and walking during travel and games, save yourself the pain and include a to-go pack of Tylenol for those aches and pains. Last, but not least, public areas of any kind are gross, grab this set of Touchland’s moisturizing hand sanitizer mist spray.
Always remember to double-check stadium and arena FAQ sections for any location-specific rules.
