England supporters attending Wednesday’s World Cup opener against Croatia in Dallas face paying exorbitant prices for food and drink at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
First Glimpse at Costs
Sunday’s Group F opener between the Netherlands and Japan offered a first glimpse at those costs, which do not make for pleasant reading when compared with other World Cup host cities. A normal draft pint of beer (16oz) will set you back $18.50 (£13.84) while ‘American beer’ costs $15.95 (£11.93).
Even non-alcoholic beer (16oz) will cost fans $16.95 (£12.68) a pop. Meanwhile, a basic bottle of water (20oz) is priced at $8.25 (around £6.20), though all fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic factory-sealed disposable bottle of water into any World Cup game in the USA and Canada.
Bottle Lid Policy
Upon arrival at the Dallas Stadium, however, supporters were asked to remove their bottle lids. For the USMNT’s 4-1 victory over Paraguay, water was priced at $5.25 (£3.93) while ‘premium American draft beer’ - which is not an option in Dallas - was priced at $18.50 (£13.84).
Comparison with Other Venues
At the Gillette Stadium in Boston where England face Ghana in their second group fixture, water is priced at $7 (£5.24), making Dallas more expensive.
Subject to alteration water is $5 (£3.74) at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey where England face Panama in their last Group L game on Saturday June 27, meaning it’s the cheapest of the lot. Beer is also cheaper there, an American beer for instance, will set you back $16 (£11.97).
Reasons for Price Variations
The reason alcohol prices specifically vary from stadium to stadium is that commercial partnerships and government laws are taken into consideration.
Food Prices
Food at the Dallas Stadium is also unsurprisingly expensive. Crisps, better known as chips, will cost supporters $7 (£5.24). ‘Dallas Nachos’ cost $16 (£11.95) while chicken tenders and fries will set you back $16.75 (£12.53). Fries on their own cost $8 (£5.99).
