Introduction to the Club World Cup
The Club World Cup is set to kick off on Saturday with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami facing Al Ahly at Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium. The tournament, which features 32 teams, will be played across 11 U.S. cities, with the final taking place on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. However, despite the excitement surrounding the event, fans don’t appear to be snatching up tickets.
Slow Ticket Sales
If slashed ticket prices, closed stadium sections, and moved seats are any indication, fans aren’t exactly clamoring to attend the Club World Cup. On Ticketmaster, FIFA’s official ticketing partner for the Club World Cup, the least expensive tickets to the opener were $349 in December. As of Thursday, there were tickets available for just under $80. This significant price drop suggests that demand for tickets is lower than expected.
Closed Stadium Sections
Upper deck seats for certain games at Seattle’s Lumen Field and Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field were no longer available. Links to a smattering of resale tickets in those sections did not work. A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Associated Press that some sections of Lumen Field in Seattle had been closed, but did not offer details. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak on the record.
Ticket Relocation
In Philadelphia, some ticketholders received messages that said they were moved. The message stated that the move was due to "stadium optimizations" aimed at delivering a "world-class event" and ensuring the "best possible matchday experience" for fans. The message assured ticketholders that their new seat would be in the same or better value zone than their original one.
Dynamic Pricing
Ticketmaster used dynamic pricing for ticket sales, which is based on demand and other factors. They referred all questions about sales to FIFA. FIFA did not respond to questions about whether sections were closed due to slow ticket sales, or whether fans who originally bought tickets in those sections were moved or offered refunds.
FIFA’s Response
FIFA offered a general statement, anticipating "great attendances and electric atmospheres" at the tournament. The statement highlighted that fans from over 130 countries have already purchased tickets, with the top 10 markets led by the United States, followed by Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, France, Japan, Switzerland, Germany, and Portugal.
Challenges Facing the Tournament
With 32 international teams, there are undoubtedly some clubs that are unfamiliar to American audiences. There are also 63 total matches, meaning not all can occur in prime hours for fans. This may contribute to the slow ticket sales, as some matches may not be as appealing to fans as others.
Popular Matches
However, some matches were drawing fans, including Paris Saint-Germain’s opener against Atletico Madrid on Sunday at the Rose Bowl, where the least expensive seats were $100. The least expensive ticket for July’s tournament final available through Ticketmaster was $769.
Conclusion
The slow ticket sales for the Club World Cup are a concern for FIFA and the tournament’s organizers. Despite the excitement surrounding the event, fans don’t appear to be snatching up tickets. The closed stadium sections, moved seats, and slashed ticket prices all suggest that demand for tickets is lower than expected. FIFA will hope that the tournament can still deliver "great attendances and electric atmospheres" despite the slow start.
FAQs
Q: What is the Club World Cup?
A: The Club World Cup is a tournament featuring 32 international teams, played across 11 U.S. cities.
Q: Why are ticket prices being slashed?
A: Ticket prices are being slashed due to slow demand, with the least expensive tickets to the opener dropping from $349 to under $80.
Q: Are some stadium sections being closed?
A: Yes, some upper deck seats for certain games at Seattle’s Lumen Field and Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field are no longer available.
Q: What is dynamic pricing?
A: Dynamic pricing is a ticket pricing strategy based on demand and other factors, used by Ticketmaster for the Club World Cup.
Q: How can I purchase tickets for the Club World Cup?
A: Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, FIFA’s official ticketing partner for the Club World Cup.
