With record-high ticket, travel, and accommodation prices, the cost of the World Cup has burned a hole in the pockets of local and international fans planning to attend a game this summer — and that’s even before they reach the stadium.Concession prices have already started to do the rounds on social media, with some international fans indignant about the cost, while many U.S.-based fans, well accustomed to inflated stadium prices, wonder what all the fuss is about.But there’s one man, Arthur Blank — whose holding company AMB Sports and Entertainment owns the Atlanta Stadium (typically known as the Mercedes-Benz Stadium), and who also owns its tenants the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta FC — who prides himself on doing things a bit differently. Food and beverage prices at the Atlanta Stadium will have a markedly lower impact on supporters’ bank balances this summer, owing to a “fan-first” scheme driven by Blank.Here, The Athletic explains why and how Atlanta Stadium is unique in concession pricing.What are the typical food and drink prices at the World Cup?There is no uniform set menu at concession stands for the World Cup, and venues are free to price food and drink as they please.At the New York/New Jersey (typically known as MetLife Stadium), which hosted last Saturday’s 1-1 draw between Brazil and Morocco and is the venue for the World Cup final, food prices are at the top end of what you would expect to pay at a Premier League match.
Why is food and drink for World Cup fans so much cheaper in Atlanta?
Concession prices are more than half the price of other World Cup venues — and it's all part of a 'fan-first' strategy














