Remaining tickets are limited for most of the seven FIFA World Cup matches in Vancouver, but there are lots available on resale sites – at a steep markup. It’s not yet clear if fans will be willing to meet the asking price. As a Colombian living in Kelowna, Andrés Noreña has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity potentially coming his way. If fate smiles, Colombia could play in the round of 16 match at BC Place – possibly against Noreña’s adopted country of Canada. “I want to see Colombia in a World Cup, and I also dream of seeing Canada in a World Cup,” he told CTV News. “So, it would be an amazing situation if the stars align.” Theres just one problem. On FIFA’s official resale site, some people are asking tens of thousands of dollars for tickets to that match. One optimistic hustler wants $869,000 for a single seat behind the goal. Taxes and fees bring the total cost of that ticket to $1 million. At $3,500, the neighbouring seat looks like a bargain in comparison. “It’s ruining the experience for the fans to be in the games and supporting their teams,” Noreña said. The asking price for Canada’s group game against Qatar ranges all the way up to $12,000, with several other seats going for $6,000 to $8,000. But just because people advertise tickets for thousands of dollars, that doesn’t mean fans will be willing or even able to pay that much. If demand is not there, prices could still come down before the matches. “As much as I would love to be in there, nope, I’m not selling a car, I’m not mortgaging the house to get inside a World Cup stadium,” Blake Price, co-host of the Sekeres and Price podcast, said in an interview with CTV News. He thinks many sellers who purchased tickets hoping to turn a profit may have to adjust their expectations. “I wouldn’t feel as confident that I’m going to get as rich as I originally hoped here on a resale of a of a World Cup ticket,” Price said. “Anything more than four figures for a ticket, I’ll need to see it to believe it, quite frankly.” Even if prices remain out of reach and Noreña doesn’t get the chance to see his national teams in person, he still plans to travel from Kelowna to Vancouver during the tournament to experience the atmosphere in the city. “I will be hanging out with more Colombian fans, or with Canadians if Colombia is not there. And my plan is to go to the fan fest, as well,” he said. The province has hinted at plans to regulate the resale market for tickets to sporting events and concerts to prevent price-gouging, but has not tabled any legislation in time to make a difference for the kick-off of the World Cup in just over two months.
