What to know
- FIFA World Cup matches begin in Toronto this week, but many residents say soaring ticket prices, hotel rates, and other expenses are making the event inaccessible for average fans.
- Resale ticket prices remain extremely high, with the cheapest available ticket for Friday’s game listed at $885 on Wednesday, while nearby hotel rates have surged, with some rooms costing more than $800 per night before taxes.
- Several Torontonians told Now Toronto that inflated costs are difficult to justify during an affordability crisis, with some calling for limits on ticket resale pricing and questioning whether the event is worth the expense.
- Despite concerns about affordability, crowds, and neighbourhood disruptions, some residents believe hosting the World Cup is a rare opportunity that will create an exciting atmosphere and bring people together through sport.
FIFA games in Toronto kick-off this week, but some residents in the area are saying the cost of tickets, hotels and other necessities aren’t worth the hype.
Thousands of fans and tourists are expected to fill the Liberty Village area, close to Toronto Stadium, where the World Cup games will take place beginning on Friday, with the Canadian team facing off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Games can still be seen being sold in the thousands, at one point even reaching more than $130,000. On Wednesday, the lowest resale ticket was retailing for $885, for section 115, row 19.
For those flying or driving into the city for games, hotels and other accommodations also tend to cost a pretty penny, with a report by sports news organization The Athletic saying Toronto hotel costs are expected to rise up to 78 per cent on game days. The closest hotel to the stadium that hasn’t sold out yet is the Delta Hotel, a 10 minute drive east of the stadium. The hotel’s cheapest room was a guest room with a king bed, going for $807 before tax on Friday.
As for how much hosting the FIFA game is costing the City of Toronto, a report by the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer stated that hosting six games will cost Toronto an estimated $360 million dollars, with an overall cost of over $1 billion for Canada when also adding Vancouver’s pricetag as well as the cost of other preparations.
Toronto reaction to FIFA World Cup costs
There’s been complaints over FIFA ticket costs, as well as hotel costs on social media, and some Torontonians told Now Toronto they agreed with these complaints.
“It seems like these prices are over inflated,” Toronto resident Yavin P. said. “…I think it does reduce accessibility for those who are true fans and maybe just can’t afford it.”
Yavin added that he believes there should be safeguards added to ticket prices that would limit overinflated resale prices. Despite this, he says the cost is only worth it depending on the person.
“Is it worth it? It’s in the eye of the beholder,” he said. “I’m also not the biggest FIFA fan, so to me, I wouldn’t pay exorbitant fees that they have right now, but I guess it depends on who the person is, how much that stuff matters to them.”
One Toronto resident, who identified themselves as “L,” said the prices of many events have been on the rise.
“I am unaware of the cost of tickets. I’m only imagining knowing what other sporting events, and for that matter, entertainment bands [are like],” she said. “You can’t see a band for under 150 bucks now, so no, I don’t think it’s worth it.”
L added if a fan is able to afford the tickets, “power to them,” and added the money and tourism FIFA will bring to Toronto will still be exciting, but also terrifying.
“I am absolutely frightened by what it’s going to do to this little hood,” she said. “it’s going to be a sh*t show… Soccer fans are the biggest hoodlums, in my opinion, of fans. They’re volatile, they’re vocal, they are prone to getting into fisticuffs.”
Noelle C. said she doesn’t think the cost is worth it, especially in a time where the city is facing an affordability crisis.
“We’re put in a tough position,” she said. “No matter how much you love it, it’s like we don’t have so much money to go around.”
She added she doesn’t know how successful the turnout of the event will be.
“I feel like the economy being what it is, it’s really tough for people to justify paying something extra right now. So, I think it’s great that we’re bringing some attention to the city. Whether it’s going to be successful, I don’t know,” she said.
Although, Torontonian Logan L. believes the cost was worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“When do you get it to happen in your city?” she asked. “Might as well enjoy all the commotion and everything that comes along with it.”
She added that sports bring everyone together, and the atmosphere will make it all the while.
“Should be fun, definitely.”
