World Cup fans say soaring ticket prices are highest in years

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A longtime World Cup supporter says this year's tournament is the most expensive he has ever attended, with ticket prices climbing from the hundreds into the millions on resale sites.

Sean Riskowitz, who moved from South Africa to Society Hill, has been attending World Cup matches since 2010.

"It's very expensive," he said.

Riskowitz purchased tickets for 13 matches, including all six being played in Philadelphia.

"The World Cup is the best thing that's ever happened, and it's my once-in-a-lifetime event every four years," he said.

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He ultimately decided to sell some of his tickets. Riskowitz said the opening match between Mexico and South Africa was the priciest.

"That ticket was $1,795 per ticket, and I managed to sell it to someone in Mexico for double that price," he said.

By contrast, he said Ivory Coast vs. Curacao at Philadelphia Stadium was the cheapest, at about $140.

"I think the ticket prices are reflecting the market demand," he said.

TicketData.com, which tracks prices on primary and secondary platforms, reports that the most expensive Philadelphia match is on July 4, with prices starting at $1,100 and reaching as high as $20,000.

Fans visiting from West London said they, too, felt the financial strain.

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"It's just ridiculous," said Ted Bloomfield.

His friend Jed Macdonald agreed, calling the prices "just a bit of a rip off to be honest."

StubHub advises buyers to avoid scams by purchasing only through verified sites with platform guarantees and payment protection, checking seller ratings, and confirming seat numbers on venue maps. The company warns that if a deal appears too good to be true, it likely is.

Some fans say the rising costs are shutting people out.

"It's unfair. It's unfortunate," said Julia Riskowitz of Society Hill. "Soccer is a game for the fans and for everyone, and it's a shame more people can't go."

Still, others insist the experience is worth the price.

"It is very expensive, but it's worth it for the memories, isn't it?" Bloomfield said.

Philadelphia's first match is scheduled for Sunday, when Ivory Coast faces Ecuador at 7 p.m.

As of Wednesday, the cheapest ticket on StubHub for that game is about $900.