Same reason I refuse to spend $1,000 for one tickets to see former Led Zeppelin rock god Robert Plant (77 yo) in Chicago. Makes no sense. I’ll just enjoy replaying the NPR Tiny Desk Concert instead. Best ticket bargain ever? Beatles 1966 at the old Cleveland Stadium. Ticket was $5.50.
If you’re a LedZep fan, try to catch one of Jason Bonham’s “Led Zeppelin Experience” shows. Jason is, of course, John Bonham’s son. Caught it at Wolftrap in Northern Virginia a couple years back. Fantastic show! Jason is currently touring too! Check http://www.jasonbonham.net I think.
Speaking as someone from a less affluent country (which virtually everywhere is relative to the US). I could personally have afforded to fly to the US and even attend matches. But the extraordinary price gouging by FIFA, local hotels, even public transport was something I would have deemed to make it exceptionally poor value . Would I have got $10,000 of value from attending a couple of matches? Highly unlikely.
In any event I have a “home” Euros in 2 years which will likely be much more affordable if I really want to see top level international football.
Nope. Virtually anything that occurs in a stadium, surrounded by thousands of noisy, ill-mannered people is simply not on my list of things to do, no matter what the price. That said, I appreciate someone else can have a different opinion of witnessing an event in person – even when the cost is exorbitant. Great for them. If I’m lucky, I may be able to watch the same event on my television, sitting in a comfortable chair with clicker in hand to pause the event when I need to refresh my drink of choice. It also saves me from buying one more useless hat or T-shirt that I will never wear in public.
If one can afford it, why not? Many buy expensive cars and lose far more to depreciation, boats, etc. Many give to charity for zero return other than it feels good. In this instance you are seeing a game. The purpose of money is not to max financial returns.
OK, here is my story. Soccer not so much. Chicago Cubs, yes. I left Chicago in May of 2016 to move to TX. My Dad lived to be 101 never was able to see the Cubs win the World Series. That year as I lived in TX, the Cubs were destined to get to the World Series and of course I was skeptical. We wanted to go to a World Series game, but could not wait. Flew back to Chicago for game 6 of the playoffs, and it turned out to be PERFECT. With my Son and Son-in-law we went to see the Cubs shutout the LA Dodgers 5-0 on October 22, 2023. That trip cost $1700, but tickets like $200 each, experience and excitement that will last a lifetime. Maybe my Dad and I were the curse, because within a couple of months moving to TX, the Cubs won the World Series. So happy we went back to see a critical game.
I would pay that for game 7 of World series for the Cardinals, concluding game of Stanley Cup for Hurricanes (we almost did, but they won it on the road). I have paid close to that to see my Tar Heels win the NCAA. I’ve paid it for premium seats to Rolling Stones. My husband would pay twice that to see the Bills win the SuperBowl. And then there is my son…he would definitely spend MY money to do all those things 🤣
My dad purchased tickets from a scalper for one game in both the 1967 and 1968 World Series with the Cardinals. Years later he told me he paid $25 for each ticket. Times change.
FYI – The 1968 game was a blowout for Detroit, 13-1 I think. The upside, I saw Roger Maris’ last home run.
If the Cleveland Browns ever make the Super Bowl, I will likely get my wallet out – that’s one reason why I still don’t spend as much as I could in my semi-retirement (same for LTC, leaving a legacy, etc.)
For comparison, when the Guardians (then Indians) made the World Series and lost in the 10th inning of game 7 to the Cubs in 2016, I was there with my brother. While my brother had paid a couple hundred dollars each for our tickets in the fourth row in the upper deck, up from the 1st base dugout, the row in front of us was full of Cubs fans, as was the row behind us.
My brother could have sold our two tickets for $2,000+ each ($4,000+ each today), but we had to be there just in case the Tribe won it all. I still get a chill when, in the bottom of the 8th inning, Rajai Davis hit a two run home run off of Aroldis Chapman – fouling off four times to keep the at bat alive.
We had to be there, just in case, the Tribe won it all for the first time since 1948. Back then, only a couple of folks in my family, my sister (born on 8/14/48) and five in-laws were alive, and all were too young to care (only later becoming ball fans). My mom remembers listening to the Tribe on the radio that year, especially on the day she went into labor with my sister – Sachel Paige was pitching, on August 13, 1948, he threw a 5–0 shutout against the Chicago White Sox.
Earlier that season, Sachel came to the Indians in July 1948, at the age of 42! He was famous for a couple of quotes, that make sense for this group: “Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you,” and “Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it don’t matter,”
All of those stories and experiences are “memory dividends” for me.
For comparison, the Cubs fans had been waiting 108 years, since 1908, the last time they were a World Series winner (probably no one alive who was around).
Hard to begrudge them of their “memory dividends” when they paid a lot to watch the Cubs win in Cleveland in the 10th inning of Game 7, on November 2-3, 2016.
I’m trying to be less judgmental about how others spend their money and manage their finances. Huge ticket prices for sports aren’t for me. I’ve seen some great sports events for modest prices (part of growing up with the 2 of the best pro sports teams in the world at the time just down the road from me). But I think a lot of in person sports watching has become performative rather than a labour of love, more about showing you were there than the enjoyment or disappointment of being there.
But I see how some people derive great enjoyment from “blowing the budget” on big one off events. No one can deny that the Tartan Army will not have lifetime memories from their US adventure that won hearts and minds.
Later this year, I’m taking my grandson to his first Premier League match at the Kop. Living on the far side of the moon here in Ireland, it’s costing a decent four figures once you add up tickets, flights, and accommodation — but I don’t mind spending the money. I know it’s going to give him memories that will outlast my time on earth.
Never spent that kind of money on a sporting event… but back in 1972 I drove my then-girlfriend, now my wife of 52 years, to Greensboro, NC, to see Elvis in Concert. Tickets were @$125 each. We were on the floor, center, 6 rows back from the stage. At the time, I was earning @$600 a month.
Been to Super Bowls / World Series / major golf tourneys … that was as a young man. At this point I would not deal with the crowds and rowdy behavior. Crowds at major sporting events are not the same.
This is a bucket list item for many fans, especially from nations passionate about their national team. A fair analogy might be super bowl tickets when your team is playing or the Masters Golf Tournament (I own series badges for this), and people will pay comparable amounts for these tickets.
An excerpt from a WSJ article, “ This is a country (Argentina) where adoration of the national team is so fervent that many fans build their financial planning around the World Cup, taking out loans to buy tickets every four years. It’s also the country with the most psychologists per capita in the world. These facts are perhaps not unrelated.”
Dick, As I have written before, a few months after I inherited money from my parents I considered buying tickets for my son and I to go to the Patriots Super Bowl in Atlanta. The estimated total cost of the three day trip would have cost me between 20-30K, but since I had already spent a fair amount I balked at spending the money. I had even secretly called his boss (who was English and didn’t even know what the Super Bowl is) to confirm he could get the time off.
What did we miss out on? Only the last Super Bowl title with Tom Brady.
I have regretted not going ever since. Just think of the memories.
Our SF Giants won three World Series in five years (2010, 12, 14), and we never went to a World Series game. We did go to a couple first-round playoff games, but we still had a kid in college and I couldn’t stomach the price tag for the tickets. Here we are in 2026, and the Giants now haven’t won a playoff series since 2014. I have regrets.
I went to five World Cup games at Stanford when the tournament was last in the US in 1994. I was near broke and somewhat underemployed at the time, but I never even considered not going. It was worth every dollar, and no regrets.
This time around, despite being far better off financially, I barely considered it. Several games were played only a ferryboat ride away, but having been there and done that and not wanting to pay massive ticket prices, I waved it off and parked in front of the TV for every match. No regrets this time either.
Agreed! I enjoyed the vibe at community watch parties, bars and restaurants, and having folks over at our house to watch the games. I went five matches at the Rose Bowl during the 1994 World Cup. I live 15 minutes from the venue in Los Angeles now – couldn’t be bothered to go in person this year. Much more of a money grab now.
Oh I definitely would. People spend that on Safaris and other life experiences all the time. The pinnacle of interracting with fellow humans… And it may be one game… but Lord knows it could be the longest 90+ minutes of your life! If it’s your jam and of course, you can afford it… God Bless!
Totally agree. I’m not a soccer fan so wouldn’t spend on the World Cup, but if there were an activity I were truly interested in, I’d definitely do it. Also think of all the money that dribbles out on cigarettes, alcohol, and cannabis. I think a big splurge spend is better than any of that.
No chance here. I’d rather watch any sporting event at home on an 85″ screen than pay those prices. I’d also prefer not to buy anything through Ticketmaster ever again.
We got an 85” TV when we moved to our new house in May. I thought it was ridiculous (we had a 75” TV in the old place, and I thought that was plenty big enough), but my husband wanted it, and since he’s “taking one for the team” by working half-time instead of fully retiring, I felt he should get it if he wanted it.
When it was installed, I said, “I feel like I live in a sports bar.” My husband: “You say that like it’s a bad thing!” 😂 This past weekend, he was flipping between the British Open and the World Cup games, and I do have to say that the golf course looked pretty nice on that big screen.
The World Cup is one of the few events that transcends politics, borders, and our everyday disagreements. For a few weeks, billions of people laugh, groan, celebrate, and mourn together.
I was lucky enough to attend one match, and it’s a memory I’ll always treasure.
My daughter and her family flew to Philly a few weeks ago to attend a game. Their experience with international fans echoed your comment perfectly. Though the tickets were not crazy expensive, their cost, along with round trip airfare for five, a hotel, and Uber for several days, wasn’t cheap. It is an experience that the family will never forget.
I’m sure you are right, but spending that much seems excessive.
I can just see those same folks complaining loudly they have to pay a $2,000 deductible on their health insurance… that is unaffordable, it should be “free.”
But then again some people will think that what you spent recently on a new Mercedes was excessive. Some will say you should pay as little as possible for a car because their only purpose is to get you from point A to point B as cost effectively as possible. As my father (a self designated genius- he was really smart though) used to say everyone has their spending priorities.
I can see it if you can afford it. Spouse and I have already spent more than that on tickets to the LA Olympics that will be held in 2028. They are having another lottery soon and we will buy more if we are chosen. I fully expect our trip will be a lot of $$ when all is said and done. But it is the Olympics. It is a bucket list item. Chris
Chris, The summer after I graduated from high school, I and a couple of my friends drove from NH to Montreal for a weekend for the Olympics, the aura was amazing. We slept off the island in a gravel parking lot, got to watch a preliminary boxing match and met Sugar Ray Leonard a gold metal boxer from the USA. You could do that in the olden days.
Yeah, I get that. I have wanted to go all my life and Spouse is agreeable. We are going to try to be easy going about it and go to one event per day and not staying the whole 2 weeks. I never thought we would be able to go in a million years. Very grateful. Chris
It’s not on any spreadsheet, but, I’d definitely consider spending that to watch Ireland in the final. Unfortunately I’m never going to need to make the choice 😊
People who choose cars wisely and maintain and keep them for 20 years and 200,000 miles or far more can splurge on all kinds of things just from those savings alone. It’s all up to personal preference on what is or is not deemed “excessive” for any given category of expenditure.
Same reason I refuse to spend $1,000 for one tickets to see former Led Zeppelin rock god Robert Plant (77 yo) in Chicago. Makes no sense. I’ll just enjoy replaying the NPR Tiny Desk Concert instead. Best ticket bargain ever? Beatles 1966 at the old Cleveland Stadium. Ticket was $5.50.
If you’re a LedZep fan, try to catch one of Jason Bonham’s “Led Zeppelin Experience” shows. Jason is, of course, John Bonham’s son. Caught it at Wolftrap in Northern Virginia a couple years back. Fantastic show! Jason is currently touring too! Check http://www.jasonbonham.net I think.
I did wonder how so many folks from less affluent countries could afford an overseas trip to the US along with tickets.
But I did spend $700 a ticket each to take my son to see Eric Clayton’s Crossroads in Austin in September. So to each his own I guess.
i am learning to spend it while I can enjoy it.
Speaking as someone from a less affluent country (which virtually everywhere is relative to the US). I could personally have afforded to fly to the US and even attend matches. But the extraordinary price gouging by FIFA, local hotels, even public transport was something I would have deemed to make it exceptionally poor value . Would I have got $10,000 of value from attending a couple of matches? Highly unlikely.
In any event I have a “home” Euros in 2 years which will likely be much more affordable if I really want to see top level international football.
Clapton?
Nope. Virtually anything that occurs in a stadium, surrounded by thousands of noisy, ill-mannered people is simply not on my list of things to do, no matter what the price. That said, I appreciate someone else can have a different opinion of witnessing an event in person – even when the cost is exorbitant. Great for them. If I’m lucky, I may be able to watch the same event on my television, sitting in a comfortable chair with clicker in hand to pause the event when I need to refresh my drink of choice. It also saves me from buying one more useless hat or T-shirt that I will never wear in public.
If one can afford it, why not? Many buy expensive cars and lose far more to depreciation, boats, etc. Many give to charity for zero return other than it feels good. In this instance you are seeing a game. The purpose of money is not to max financial returns.
I’m thinking that many of the 80,000 in MetLife stadium for the final game were not in the “if one can afford it.” group.
Many of us who give money to charities do so to help out those who are less fortunate than we are.
OK, here is my story. Soccer not so much. Chicago Cubs, yes. I left Chicago in May of 2016 to move to TX. My Dad lived to be 101 never was able to see the Cubs win the World Series. That year as I lived in TX, the Cubs were destined to get to the World Series and of course I was skeptical. We wanted to go to a World Series game, but could not wait. Flew back to Chicago for game 6 of the playoffs, and it turned out to be PERFECT. With my Son and Son-in-law we went to see the Cubs shutout the LA Dodgers 5-0 on October 22, 2023. That trip cost $1700, but tickets like $200 each, experience and excitement that will last a lifetime. Maybe my Dad and I were the curse, because within a couple of months moving to TX, the Cubs won the World Series. So happy we went back to see a critical game.
I would pay that for game 7 of World series for the Cardinals, concluding game of Stanley Cup for Hurricanes (we almost did, but they won it on the road). I have paid close to that to see my Tar Heels win the NCAA. I’ve paid it for premium seats to Rolling Stones. My husband would pay twice that to see the Bills win the SuperBowl. And then there is my son…he would definitely spend MY money to do all those things 🤣
My dad purchased tickets from a scalper for one game in both the 1967 and 1968 World Series with the Cardinals. Years later he told me he paid $25 for each ticket. Times change.
FYI – The 1968 game was a blowout for Detroit, 13-1 I think. The upside, I saw Roger Maris’ last home run.
If the Cleveland Browns ever make the Super Bowl, I will likely get my wallet out – that’s one reason why I still don’t spend as much as I could in my semi-retirement (same for LTC, leaving a legacy, etc.)
For comparison, when the Guardians (then Indians) made the World Series and lost in the 10th inning of game 7 to the Cubs in 2016, I was there with my brother. While my brother had paid a couple hundred dollars each for our tickets in the fourth row in the upper deck, up from the 1st base dugout, the row in front of us was full of Cubs fans, as was the row behind us.
My brother could have sold our two tickets for $2,000+ each ($4,000+ each today), but we had to be there just in case the Tribe won it all. I still get a chill when, in the bottom of the 8th inning, Rajai Davis hit a two run home run off of Aroldis Chapman – fouling off four times to keep the at bat alive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFJ3Z76kDc8
We had to be there, just in case, the Tribe won it all for the first time since 1948. Back then, only a couple of folks in my family, my sister (born on 8/14/48) and five in-laws were alive, and all were too young to care (only later becoming ball fans). My mom remembers listening to the Tribe on the radio that year, especially on the day she went into labor with my sister – Sachel Paige was pitching, on August 13, 1948, he threw a 5–0 shutout against the Chicago White Sox.
Earlier that season, Sachel came to the Indians in July 1948, at the age of 42! He was famous for a couple of quotes, that make sense for this group:
“Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you,” and
“Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it don’t matter,”
All of those stories and experiences are “memory dividends” for me.
For comparison, the Cubs fans had been waiting 108 years, since 1908, the last time they were a World Series winner (probably no one alive who was around).
Hard to begrudge them of their “memory dividends” when they paid a lot to watch the Cubs win in Cleveland in the 10th inning of Game 7, on November 2-3, 2016.
I’m trying to be less judgmental about how others spend their money and manage their finances. Huge ticket prices for sports aren’t for me. I’ve seen some great sports events for modest prices (part of growing up with the 2 of the best pro sports teams in the world at the time just down the road from me). But I think a lot of in person sports watching has become performative rather than a labour of love, more about showing you were there than the enjoyment or disappointment of being there.
But I see how some people derive great enjoyment from “blowing the budget” on big one off events. No one can deny that the Tartan Army will not have lifetime memories from their US adventure that won hearts and minds.
Later this year, I’m taking my grandson to his first Premier League match at the Kop. Living on the far side of the moon here in Ireland, it’s costing a decent four figures once you add up tickets, flights, and accommodation — but I don’t mind spending the money. I know it’s going to give him memories that will outlast my time on earth.
Being at Anfield could just as easily traumatize him for life as give him precious memories based on last season’s variability.
Never spent that kind of money on a sporting event… but back in 1972 I drove my then-girlfriend, now my wife of 52 years, to Greensboro, NC, to see Elvis in Concert. Tickets were @$125 each. We were on the floor, center, 6 rows back from the stage. At the time, I was earning @$600 a month.
Good investment. She married me.
Been to Super Bowls / World Series / major golf tourneys … that was as a young man. At this point I would not deal with the crowds and rowdy behavior. Crowds at major sporting events are not the same.
This is a bucket list item for many fans, especially from nations passionate about their national team. A fair analogy might be super bowl tickets when your team is playing or the Masters Golf Tournament (I own series badges for this), and people will pay comparable amounts for these tickets.
An excerpt from a WSJ article, “ This is a country (Argentina) where adoration of the national team is so fervent that many fans build their financial planning around the World Cup, taking out loans to buy tickets every four years. It’s also the country with the most psychologists per capita in the world. These facts are perhaps not unrelated.”
Just spent $1200 on tickets to the Final Four in April for nosebleed seats, well worth it and would do it again!
And to think I was complaining about a $9 net for my grandson’s hoop 😉
Mark, Mark, Mark; just think you’ll never have to pay for a bridal gown for him.
I sincerely hope not David 😂
Dick,
As I have written before, a few months after I inherited money from my parents I considered buying tickets for my son and I to go to the Patriots Super Bowl in Atlanta. The estimated total cost of the three day trip would have cost me between 20-30K, but since I had already spent a fair amount I balked at spending the money. I had even secretly called his boss (who was English and didn’t even know what the Super Bowl is) to confirm he could get the time off.
What did we miss out on? Only the last Super Bowl title with Tom Brady.
I have regretted not going ever since. Just think of the memories.
Our SF Giants won three World Series in five years (2010, 12, 14), and we never went to a World Series game. We did go to a couple first-round playoff games, but we still had a kid in college and I couldn’t stomach the price tag for the tickets. Here we are in 2026, and the Giants now haven’t won a playoff series since 2014. I have regrets.
What price can you put on memories?
I went to five World Cup games at Stanford when the tournament was last in the US in 1994. I was near broke and somewhat underemployed at the time, but I never even considered not going. It was worth every dollar, and no regrets.
This time around, despite being far better off financially, I barely considered it. Several games were played only a ferryboat ride away, but having been there and done that and not wanting to pay massive ticket prices, I waved it off and parked in front of the TV for every match. No regrets this time either.
Agreed! I enjoyed the vibe at community watch parties, bars and restaurants, and having folks over at our house to watch the games. I went five matches at the Rose Bowl during the 1994 World Cup. I live 15 minutes from the venue in Los Angeles now – couldn’t be bothered to go in person this year. Much more of a money grab now.
Oh I definitely would. People spend that on Safaris and other life experiences all the time. The pinnacle of interracting with fellow humans… And it may be one game… but Lord knows it could be the longest 90+ minutes of your life! If it’s your jam and of course, you can afford it… God Bless!
Blow That Dough (BTD)…we all have our priorities and splurge items if we can afford them. Who’s to judge others choices of what to blow it on?
Totally agree. I’m not a soccer fan so wouldn’t spend on the World Cup, but if there were an activity I were truly interested in, I’d definitely do it. Also think of all the money that dribbles out on cigarettes, alcohol, and cannabis. I think a big splurge spend is better than any of that.
The key is “if we can afford them.”
No chance here. I’d rather watch any sporting event at home on an 85″ screen than pay those prices. I’d also prefer not to buy anything through Ticketmaster ever again.
We got an 85” TV when we moved to our new house in May. I thought it was ridiculous (we had a 75” TV in the old place, and I thought that was plenty big enough), but my husband wanted it, and since he’s “taking one for the team” by working half-time instead of fully retiring, I felt he should get it if he wanted it.
When it was installed, I said, “I feel like I live in a sports bar.” My husband: “You say that like it’s a bad thing!” 😂 This past weekend, he was flipping between the British Open and the World Cup games, and I do have to say that the golf course looked pretty nice on that big screen.
I now feel inadequate with my 65 inch screen. Time to go shopping.
Oh, you mean the Ticketmaster that was recently severely punished by the government for being a monopoly? 🤔
Just to confuse our American cohort even further, I’ve been more interested in the Women’s Cricket T20 World Cup than the FIFA extravaganza.
Go Australia!
The World Cup is one of the few events that transcends politics, borders, and our everyday disagreements. For a few weeks, billions of people laugh, groan, celebrate, and mourn together.
I was lucky enough to attend one match, and it’s a memory I’ll always treasure.
My daughter and her family flew to Philly a few weeks ago to attend a game. Their experience with international fans echoed your comment perfectly. Though the tickets were not crazy expensive, their cost, along with round trip airfare for five, a hotel, and Uber for several days, wasn’t cheap. It is an experience that the family will never forget.
I’m sure you are right, but spending that much seems excessive.
I can just see those same folks complaining loudly they have to pay a $2,000 deductible on their health insurance… that is unaffordable, it should be “free.”
But then again some people will think that what you spent recently on a new Mercedes was excessive. Some will say you should pay as little as possible for a car because their only purpose is to get you from point A to point B as cost effectively as possible. As my father (a self designated genius- he was really smart though) used to say everyone has their spending priorities.
I can see it if you can afford it. Spouse and I have already spent more than that on tickets to the LA Olympics that will be held in 2028. They are having another lottery soon and we will buy more if we are chosen. I fully expect our trip will be a lot of $$ when all is said and done. But it is the Olympics. It is a bucket list item. Chris
Chris,
The summer after I graduated from high school, I and a couple of my friends drove from NH to Montreal for a weekend for the Olympics, the aura was amazing. We slept off the island in a gravel parking lot, got to watch a preliminary boxing match and met Sugar Ray Leonard a gold metal boxer from the USA. You could do that in the olden days.
Oh wow, David, Sugar Ray Leonard! Of course I remember him. How fun! C
I guess there are a lot of people with buckets to fill. Hope you win the lottery.
I have an aversion to crowds and lines. I wouldn’t go if it was free.
Yeah, I get that. I have wanted to go all my life and Spouse is agreeable. We are going to try to be easy going about it and go to one event per day and not staying the whole 2 weeks. I never thought we would be able to go in a million years. Very grateful. Chris
It’s not on any spreadsheet, but, I’d definitely consider spending that to watch Ireland in the final. Unfortunately I’m never going to need to make the choice 😊
Really? The person who agonizes over a car would do that? Many tickets are $10,000 + 🤑
People who choose cars wisely and maintain and keep them for 20 years and 200,000 miles or far more can splurge on all kinds of things just from those savings alone.
It’s all up to personal preference on what is or is not deemed “excessive” for any given category of expenditure.
Really, I would. But it’s a fantasy that’s never going to occur 😕