FIFA World Cup tickets for $50? For lucky New Yorkers, yes.
Gothamist • • sports
Key Points:
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a lottery to sell 1,000 FIFA World Cup tickets to NYC residents for $50 each, significantly lower than the average $2,800 market price.
- The discounted tickets will be distributed in batches of about 150 for seven of the eight games at MetLife Stadium, excluding the July 19 final, with entry open from May 25 to May 30 on regnyctix.com.
- Winners can purchase up to two tickets, which are non-transferable and will be handed out at an official location on match days, with free round-trip transportation provided to MetLife Stadium.
- The initiative aims to make the World Cup accessible to working-class New Yorkers amid soaring ticket prices, and officials will verify residency to prevent scalping and non-resident participation.
- Mamdani criticized the high ticket costs compared to previous World Cups, noting that tickets were more affordable in past tournaments, such as the 2002 event where some tickets cost $120.