New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has publicly criticized the Denver Broncos’ decision to restrict online ticket sales for the upcoming AFC Championship Game, sending a pointed seven-word message to Broncos controlling owner Greg Penner amid growing fan frustration.
The controversy stems from the Broncos’ implementation of a geofencing policy on Ticketmaster, the NFL’s primary ticketing platform, for the high-stakes matchup at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The policy limits purchases to buyers with billing addresses in the Rocky Mountain region, including Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Montana, South Dakota, and western Kansas.
This restriction, intended to prioritize local fans and prevent scalping, has effectively blocked many Patriots supporters from acquiring tickets directly through official channels, sparking widespread backlash.
Tickets for the game sold out rapidly—within less than 24 hours—leaving limited inventory available to the general public. The Broncos cited the policy as a longstanding practice for AFC Championship Games, noting that over 98 percent of their season-ticket members had opted in for playoff tickets. A team spokesman emphasized that the move was designed to give Broncos fans the best opportunity to attend, ensuring a strong home-field advantage in the thin air of Denver.
Patriots fans expressed immediate outrage on social media, sharing screenshots of error messages from Ticketmaster and venting about being shut out from supporting their team in person. Many die-hard supporters vowed to find alternative ways to secure seats, turning to third-party marketplaces like StubHub, SeatGeek, or Vivid Seats, where prices have surged due to high demand. Some fans even planned to travel to Denver regardless, hoping to attend the game through secondary means or last-minute opportunities.
Kraft, speaking from Foxborough, did not mince words in addressing the situation. He directly called out Penner with the seven-word message: “It’s time for a change.” The statement underscores Kraft’s belief that such restrictions undermine the spirit of fairness in the league, particularly for a championship-caliber contest where opposing fans deserve reasonable access.
He further elaborated, stating, “We will not let this diminish Patriots fans’ spirit,” and stressed that “fairness and equality are what we need to strive for.” When asked about Penner’s role in the decision, Kraft added, “Fans are always the top priority,” highlighting his long-standing commitment to supporter engagement.
The Patriots owner expressed clear displeasure with the geofencing measure, describing it as unfair in the context of such a pivotal game. While acknowledging that teams have used similar policies in the past to protect home interests, Kraft implied that applying it here crosses a line, potentially alienating a significant portion of the NFL’s passionate fanbase. His comments have fueled discussions across the league about ticket accessibility, home-field advantage tactics, and the balance between protecting local supporters and welcoming visiting fans.
The AFC Championship pits two 14-3 powerhouses against each other, with the Broncos hosting as the top seed and the Patriots advancing as the AFC East champions. Denver’s defense has been dominant all season, while New England’s balanced attack, led by quarterback Drake Maye, has shown resilience. The altitude in Denver is expected to play a factor, and a packed house of orange-clad Broncos fans could amplify that edge. However, the ticket controversy has added an extra layer of tension, with Patriots supporters determined to make their presence felt despite the obstacles.
This is not the first time geofencing has drawn criticism in the NFL. Teams often employ it during playoffs to combat ticket brokers and ensure a favorable crowd, but the practice has become more scrutinized as fan travel and loyalty grow. In this case, the restriction has backfired in terms of public perception, amplifying the rivalry between the two franchises and their ownership groups.
Kraft’s outspoken stance reflects his reputation as a vocal advocate for fans, built over decades of ownership that includes multiple Super Bowl titles. His message to Penner serves as both a personal rebuke and a broader call for change in how the league handles postseason ticketing. While the Broncos defend the policy as a way to reward loyal local supporters, the episode has highlighted ongoing debates about equity in fan access.
As the game approaches, attention remains on the field, but the ticket saga has already heightened the stakes. Patriots fans, undeterred, continue to rally, proving that restrictions alone cannot silence their support. Whether through secondary markets or sheer determination, many plan to descend on Mile High, turning a potential disadvantage into a show of resilience.
The incident underscores the passionate nature of NFL fandom, where every decision—from on-field calls to off-field policies—can ignite strong reactions. For now, all eyes turn to Sunday’s clash, where the winner earns a trip to Super Bowl 60. Kraft’s words linger as a reminder that beyond the scoreboard, the fans remain the heart of the game.
