Business of the Super Bowl 2012

Die-Hard Celebrity Sports Fans

Celebrity Sport Fans

Sometimes the spectators at sporting events can draw as much attention as the players. It’s now common to find celebrity sports fans in the spotlight during telecasts of their favorite teams.These avid and loyal fans spend big bucks to sit up close – often in the first row. Take "Sopranos" actor Steve Schirripa , a longtime New York Yankees baseball fan who likes to sit behind home plate, where tickets cost up to $2,500a game. Or “Fantastic Four” star Jessica Alba, who often sits courtside at Go
Photo: Grant Faint | Photographer's Choice | Getty Images

Sometimes the spectators at sporting events can draw as much attention as the players.

They'll no doubt be plenty of stars popping up on TV during the Super Bowl, but it's quite another thing to be a loyal fan,  who shows up on a regular basis.

These avid and loyal fans spend big bucks to sit up close — often in the first row. Take "Sopranos" actor Steve Schirripa, a longtime New York Yankees baseball fan who likes to sit behind home plate, where tickets cost up to $2,500 a game. Or “Fantastic Four” star Jessica Alba, who often sits courtside at Golden State Warrior basketball games. A premium seat at the team’s Oakland arena can cost $1,700. And of course, there’s three-time Academy Award winner Jack Nicholson, who goes to just about every Los Angeles Lakers home game. He has held courtside season tickets for more than three decades. Courtside tickets to Lakers games can cost more than $5,000.

Who are these die-hard celebrity sports fans? Click ahead to find out who made our list of celebrity sports fans and how much one of their tickets might cost.

Oh, and by the way, we’ve excluded those celebs with a financial or personal interest in the team. So sorry, George W. Bush; even though you are a big Texas Rangers baseball fan, you were once part-owner of the team. And Jay-Z: We know you’re a Nets fan, but you, too, are an owner.

By Jessica NaziriPosted 27 January 2012

Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Steven King

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are born-and-raised Bostonians, so it makes sense they are big Red Sox baseball fans. Affleck even paid tribute to them by narrating a documentary about the mythical “Curse of the Bambino”, stemming from the trade of Babe Ruth to the hated New York Yankees and the Sox’ 86-year-long World Series drought that ended when they finally won the championship in 2004. Author Steven King’s book "Faithful" chronicled the 2004 season, when Boston beat the Yankees after being down
Matt Damon: Jim Rogash | WireImage | Getty ImagesBen Affleck: Getty ImagesSteven King: Getty Images

Boston Red Sox

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are born-and-raised Bostonians, so it makes sense they are big Red Sox baseball fans. Affleck even paid tribute to them by narrating a documentary about the mythical “Curse of the Bambino”, stemming from the trade of Babe Ruth to the hated New York Yankees and the Sox’ 86-year-long World Series drought that ended when they finally won the championship in 2004.

Author Steven King’s book "Faithful" chronicled the 2004 season, when Boston beat the Yankees after being down 3-0 in the American League championships and then went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series.

If you want to watch a Boston Red Sox game from a premium seat, it will cost anywhere from $3,900 to $7,000 —depending on the game.

Pictured here (left to right): Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Steven King.

Sources: boston.com, redsox.com, MLB

Jessica Alba

Despite the spotty Warriors’ record, Alba is a huge Golden State fan. Alba proves that you don’t need to be a Bay-Area native to be a fan—she lives in Los Angeles, but is frequently spotted at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, cheering on the Warriors. Premium seats were about $1,700 for the Miami Heat-Warriors game Jan. 10.
Photo: Getty Images

Golden State Warriors

Despite the spotty Warriors’ record, Alba is a huge Golden State fan. Alba proves that you don’t need to be a Bay-Area native to be a fan — she lives in Los Angeles, but is frequently spotted at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, cheering on the Warriors.

Premium seats were about $1,700 for the Miami Heat-Warriors game Jan. 10.

Pictured here: Jessica Alba watching the game with husband, Cash Warren.

Source: StubHub

Billy Crystal

Crystal has been a Clippers season ticket holder for years, despite the basketball team’s poor record. While hosting the Oscars a few years ago, Crystal sat on Jack Nicholson's lap and asked the person sitting next to him to take a picture because of the Lakers-Clippers rivalry. The suddenly talented and competitive Clippers recently beat the Lakers, so that photo may now be worth more to a fan. It might be a sign of the Clippers’ time, as the most expensive courtside seats are up to $48,400 for
Photo: Getty Images

Los Angeles Clippers

Crystal has been a Clippers season ticket holder for years, despite the basketball team’s poor record. While hosting the Oscars a few years ago, Crystal sat on Jack Nicholson's lap and asked the person sitting next to him to take a picture because of the Lakers-Clippers rivalry. The suddenly talented and competitive Clippers recently beat the Lakers, so that photo may now be worth more to a fan.

It might also be a sign that this is the Clippers’ time, as the most expensive courtside seats are up to $48,400 for a full 41-home-game season.

Pictured here: Billy Crystal (R) with wife, Janice Goldfinger (L) attend Game 6 of the Phoenix Suns - Los Angeles Clippers NBA Western Conference.

Source: ESPN

Will Ferrell, Snoop Dogg

Ferrell, a USC alumnus, often performed motivational stunts for the team’s players during coach Pete Carroll’s nine-year tenure. While Snoop Dogg did not attend USC, the Southern California native stays close to his roots and has remained a loyal Trojan fan despite recent scandals with the team. Premium seats (sideline, club level) for marquee games will can cost $1,500.
Will Ferrell : Getty ImagesSnoop Dog: Getty Images

University of Southern California Trojans football

Ferrell, a USC alumnus, often performed motivational stunts for the team’s players during coach Pete Carroll’s nine-year tenure.

While Snoop Dogg did not attend USC, the Southern California native stays close to his roots and has remained a loyal Trojan fan despite recent scandals with the team.

Premium seats (sideline, club level) for marquee games can cost $1,100.

Pictured here: Will Ferrell (L), Snoop Dogg (R).

Source: Ticketsnow.com

David Hasselhoff

"The Hoff" had always been a Mavericks fan, but never earned much notoriety for it until star player Dirk Nowitzki revealed in an interview that he sings Hasselhoff's songs to himself at the free-throw line to concentrate. The “Baywatch” start proves that you don’t need to be a Dallas native to be a star of the basketball team. Premium seats (courtside, club level) against the Los Angeles Lakers were about $1,200 against the Miami Heat Dec. 25.
Photo: Getty Images

Dallas Mavericks

"The Hoff" had always been a Mavericks fan, but never earned much notoriety for it until star player Dirk Nowitzki revealed in an interview that he sings Hasselhoff's songs to himself at the free-throw line to concentrate. The “Baywatch” star proves that you don’t need to be a Dallas native to be an icon for the basketball team.

Premium seats (courtside, club level) against the Los Angeles Lakers were about $1,200 against the Miami Heat Dec. 25.

Pictured here: Fans holding signs of David Hasselhoff.

Source: deadspin.com,StubHub

Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova

She’s beautiful and he’s handsome. But singer Enrique Iglesias and retired tennis player Anna Kournikova have more than good looks in common. Both are season ticket holders and longtime Miami Heat fans. Now that LeBron James is with the team, more celebrities might be jumping on the bandwagon. Premium seats (courtside, club level) sold for about $1,500 against the Boston Celtics on Dec. 27.
Photo: Getty Images

Miami Heat

She’s beautiful and he’s handsome. But singer Enrique Iglesias and retired tennis player Anna Kournikova have more than good looks in common. Both are season ticket holders and longtime Miami Heat fans. Now that LeBron James is with the team, more celebrities might be jumping on the bandwagon.

Premium seats (courtside, club level) sold for about $1,500 against the Boston Celtics on Dec. 27.

Pictured here (left to right): Anna Kournikova and Enrique Iglesias.

Source: nba.com, StubHub

Ashley Judd

Although Judd was born in California, she moved with her mother to Kentucky when she was young and graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1990. It would be shocking to be watching a Kentucky basketball game on television and not see Judd cheering in the stands. Premium seats (courtside, club level) were about $2,000 against North Carolina Dec. 3.
Photo: Getty Images

University of Kentucky basketball

Although Judd was born in California, she moved with her mother to Kentucky when she was young and graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1990. It would be shocking to be watching a Kentucky basketball game on television and not see Judd cheering in the stands.

Premium seats (courtside, club level) were about $2,000 against North Carolina Dec. 3.

Sources: Sports Illustrated, StubHub

Spike Lee

Take one look at filmmaker Spike Lee’s outfit and you know he’s all about the New York Knicks. A lifelong fan, Lee, at age 14, watched Willis Reed’s amazing performance against the Los Angeles Lakers in the seventh game of the 1970 NBA finals from the “nosebleed” (upper tier) section. During the heated Knicks-Pacers playoff series in 1995, Lee taunted Indiana Pacers star Reggie Miller during the decisive game. Premium seats (courtside, club level) were in the $5,000 range Boston Celtics-NY Knick
Photo: Getty Images

New York Knicks

Take one look at filmmaker Spike Lee’s outfit and you know he’s all about the New York Knicks. A lifelong fan, Lee, at age 14, watched Willis Reed’s amazing performance against the Los Angeles Lakers in the seventh game of the 1970 NBA finals from the “nosebleed” (upper tier) section. During the heated Knicks-Pacers playoff series in 1995, Lee taunted Indiana Pacers star Reggie Miller during the decisive game.

Premium seats (courtside, club level) were in the $5,000 range Boston Celtics-NY Knicks Dec. 25.

Source: foxsports.com, StubHub

Matthew McConaughey

“People” magazine’s sexiest man alive is a huge Longhorns football fan. McConaughey, a Texan native, attended the University of Texas, and is often spotted cheering for the team. Premium (north end zone seats start at $200.)
Photo: Getty Images

University of Texas football

“People” magazine’s sexiest man alive is a huge Longhorns football fan. McConaughey, a Texan native, attended the University of Texas, and is often spotted cheering for the team.

Premium (north end zone seats) start at $200.

Source: imdb.com, tickco.com, nytimes

Bill Murray

Murray has played his share of hard-luck characters on the big screen, so it’s fitting that he is a fan of one of the most heartbreaking sports teams in America. Nonetheless, Murray is a big fan of the Cubs, and filled in for TV announcer Harry Caray in 1987 after Caray’s stroke. Premium seats (sideline, club level) start at $1,000, depending on the game.
Photo: Getty Images

Chicago Cubs

Murray has played his share of hard-luck characters on the big screen, so it’s fitting that he is a fan of one of the most heartbreaking sports teams in America. Nonetheless, Murray is a big fan of the Cubs, and filled in for TV announcer Harry Caray in 1987 after Caray’s stroke. 

Marquee club box (infield) tickets start at $114, depending on the game.

Source: MLB

Mike Myers

Like many Canadians, Myers — comedian, actor, screenwriter, and producer — is enamored with hockey. He even chose his favorite team to provide the backdrop for his movie “The Love Guru.” In an Austin Powers movie, the Mini-Me wore a Maple Leafs jersey in one scene. Tickets to game could cost $1,176 for a top match up against the Montreal Canadiens.
Photo: James Devaney | WireImage | Getty Images

Toronto Maple Leafs

Like many Canadians, Myers — comedian, actor, screenwriter and producer — is enamored with hockey. He even chose his favorite team to provide the backdrop for his movie “The Love Guru.” In an Austin Powers movie, Mini-Me wore a Maple Leafs jersey in one scene.

Tickets to a game could cost $1,176 for a top matchup against the Montreal Canadiens.

Pictured here: Mike Myers (right) attends the Toronto Maple Leafs vs the New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden on October 27, 2011 in New York City.

Sources: Yahoo! Sports, StubHub

Jack Nicholson

Nicholson, a native of New Jersey, has been a courtside fixture for more than 30 years. He's the consummate fan; he harangues refs, talks with opposing coaches and trash talks with players. He's shown his famous face in opposing arenas when the Lakers have made the finals. If he misses two games in a row, the announcers jokingly blame him for any team loss during his absence. Premium seats (courtside, club level) were in the $5,000 range against the New York Knicks on Dec. 29.
Photo: Getty Images

Los Angeles Lakers

Nicholson, a native of New Jersey, has been a courtside fixture for more than 30 years. He's the consummate fan; he harangues refs, talks with opposing coaches and trash talks with players. He's shown his famous face in opposing arenas when the Lakers have made the finals. If he misses two games in a row, the announcers jokingly blame him for any team loss during his absence.

Premium seats (courtside, club level) were in the $5,000 range against the New York Knicks on Dec. 29.

Pictured her: Jack Nicholson (center) with his son, Jack Nicholson.

Sources: Nba.com, StubHub

Regis Philbin

One of Notre Dame’s biggest football fans, Regis Philbin narrated an audio CD about the history of the program. With Philbin’s retirement from “Live with Regis and Kelly,” expect to see a lot of him in South Bend, Ind. Premium seats (sideline, club level) for the USC-Notre Dame game were in the $1,500 range.
Photo: Getty Images

University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football

One of Notre Dame’s biggest football fans, Regis Philbin narrated an audio CD about the history of the program. With Philbin’s retirement from “Live with Regis and Kelly,” expect to see a lot of him in South Bend, Ind.

Premium seats (sideline, club level) for the USC-Notre Dame game were in the $1,500 range.

Pictured here: Regis Philbin and his wife, Joy Philbin.

Sources: ESPN, University of Notre Dame Football

Condoleezza Rice

Condoleezza Rice grew up watching the Cleveland Browns with her father, John , who was a football and basketball coach. She was also engaged to Rick Upchurch, a professional football player, in the 1970s. After finishing her term as secretary of state, Rice hinted that she wanted to be NFL commissioner, but returned to Stanford University as a professor. Premium seats (sideline, club level) were in the $500-range for the Pittsburgh Steelers-Cleveland Browns game Jan. 1.
Photo: Getty Images

Cleveland Browns

Condoleezza Rice grew up watching the Cleveland Browns with her father, John, who was a football and basketball coach. She was also engaged to Rick Upchurch, a professional football player, in the 1970s. After finishing her term as secretary of state, Rice hinted that she wanted to be NFL commissioner, but returned to Stanford University as a professor.

Premium seats (sideline, club level) were in the $500-range for the Pittsburgh Steelers-Cleveland Browns game Jan. 1.

Pictured here: ABC Monday Night Football announcer Al Michaels talks with  Condoleezza Rice prior to a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Carolina Panthers on September 13, 2004.

Source: www.cleveland.com, StubHub

Adam Sandler

Funnyman Sandler has been a long time Jets fan. He even gave Coach Rex Ryan a cameo in his new movie, “I Hate You, Dad,” where he plays – get ready for this – a New England Patriots fan. Premium seats (sideline, club level) were about $1,500 range against the Dallas Cowboys Sept. 11.
Photo: Al Pereira | WireImage | Getty Images

New York Jets

Funnyman Adam Sandler has been a long-time Jets fan. He even gave Coach Rex Ryan a cameo in his new movie, “I Hate You, Dad,” where he plays — get ready for this — a New England Patriots fan.

Premium seats (sideline, club level) were about $1,500 range against the Dallas Cowboys Sept. 11.

Pictured here: Sandler meets with quarterback Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets.

Source: StubHub

Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins

Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon are regulars at Rangers games — even if they're not seated together anymore. Sarandon even bought up a stack of seats at a New York Rangers ice hockey game for Robbins’ 43rd birthday. Robbins played in the "Heroes of Hockey" game at the NHL’s All-Star Game, and claims to own every Rangers highlight video released since their 1994 Stanley Cup championship season. Premium seats (center ice, club level) were about $1,000 against the Philadelphia Flyers Nov. 26.
Photo: Getty Images

New York Rangers

Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon are regulars at Rangers games — even if they're not seated together anymore.

Sarandon even bought up a stack of seats at a New York Rangers ice hockey game for Robbins’ 43rd birthday.

Robbins played in the "Heroes of Hockey" game at the NHL’s All-Star Game, and claims to own every Rangers highlight video released since their 1994 Stanley Cup championship season.

Premium seats (center ice, club level) were about $1,000 against the Philadelphia Flyers Nov. 26.

Pictured here (left to right): Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon with family.

Source: NY Daily News, StubHub

Jerry Seinfeld

It’s always nice when a superstar roots for the underdog—especially when it’s so easy to live in New York and be a Yankees fan. Seinfeld is such a fan that he even had first baseman Keith Hernandez guest star on the “Seinfeld” show when the team won the World Series in 1986. Premium suites start at $3,200 for 35 people, depending on the game.
Photo: Getty Images

New York Mets

It’s always nice when a superstar roots for the underdog — especially when it’s so easy to live in New York and be a Yankees fan. Seinfeld is such a fan of the Mets that he even had first baseman Keith Hernandez guest star on the “Seinfeld” show when the team won the World Series in 1986.

Premium suites start at $3,200 for 35 people, depending on the game.

Source: MLB

Chris Tucker

Although the Hawks team boasts a big star following, Chris Tucker roots for the team on a continual basis. The Atlanta native is such a Hawks fan that he is seen at even the lowest-attended games. Premium seats (courtside, club level) were in the $800 range against the Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 5 of this year.
Photo: Moses Robinson | WireImage | Getty Images

Atlanta Hawks

Although the Hawks boast a big star following, Chris Tucker roots for the team on a continual basis. The Atlanta native is such a Hawks fan that he is seen at even the lowest-attended games.

Premium seats (courtside, club level) were in the $800 range against the Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 5 of this year.

Source: StubHub

Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett

Former Playboy bunny and ex- Hugh Hefner girlfriend, Wilkinson-Baskett has always been a huge football fan, which may explain why she married wide receiver Hank Baskett. Even though the E! TV personality’s husband is currently a free agent, Wilkinson-Baskett does not hide the fact that she is still a lifelong, diehard Chargers fan. Premium seats (sideline, club level) were in the $800 range against the Kansas City Chiefs Sept. 25.
Photo: Jason Laveris | FilmMagic | Getty Images

San Diego Chargers

Former Playboy bunny and ex-Hugh Hefner girlfriend, Wilkinson-Baskett has always been a huge football fan, which may explain why she married wide receiver Hank Baskett. Even though the E! TV personality’s husband is currently a free agent, Wilkinson-Baskett does not hide the fact that she is still a lifelong, diehard Chargers fan.

Premium seats (sideline, club level) were in the $800 range against the Kansas City Chiefs Sept. 25.

Sources: kendrawilkinson.com,StubHub