Beer and water at KC Stadium is expensive

Thirsty? If you're at Kansas City Stadium for a World Cup match, you'll pay at least $18.39 for a beer.Why it matters: There is a wild variance in prices for food, water and other drinks across the 11 U.S. cities hosting the World Cup this year.Data: Axios Local reporting; Chart: Astrid Galván/AxiosState of play: Unlike previous World Cups, where FIFA had one concession model throughout all games, this year it partnered with different operators, per a spokesperson. "Food and beverage pricing at FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums is broadly in line with pricing at regular events held at each respective venue. As a result, prices may vary between venues," the spokesperson tells Axios.Case in point: A 20-ounce water bottle — one of the few items every U.S. stadium offers at concession stands — costs $8 in Kansas City. In Atlanta, it's only $3. Large craft beers in KC are priced up to $24.35, and souvenir cocktails are $28.49.Many items had unusually specific prices: $5.62 for a cheese cup, $12.22 for a large popcorn, and $9.59 for nuts.Aramark Sports and Entertainment, which runs concessions at Arrowhead, did not respond to our questions about pricing. FIFA did not respond to a question about how the revenue is shared among FIFA and the venues.What they're saying: Fans we spoke to said prices felt high but weren't surprising for stadium concessions. An Overland Park resident at the Netherlands game said food seemed comparable to a Chiefs game, but beer was more expensive. Zoom out: At Atlanta Stadium, fans are seeing remarkably low prices — $2 for a hot dog, $5 for a small draft beer.It's a different story at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, where a 20-ounce craft beer goes for $24.50. Dig in: Kansas City Stadium offers some unique bites, including burnt ends mac and cheese ($17.85) and a stand called Wings and Rings, selling baskets of chicken wings and onion rings for $26.89. 💭 Travis' thought bubble: With tip, the wings and rings came out to more than $30, but the chicken was hot and juicy, and the sauce tingled my lips, so I wasn't complaining.