Survey finds rising sports costs push some fans from bars and events

A survey of 1,747 sports fans conducted between June 17 and 22 found that rising ticket and dining prices are altering how people watch games. One in five respondents said they have stopped going to sports bars or watch parties altogether. The same poll showed that 47 percent of fans would attend a championship game involving their team no matter the cost, and one in five said they would take on credit card debt to do so.

Among respondents ages 18 to 34, the same share reported they would use emergency savings.

Ticket prices and spending patterns Resale data cited in the survey indicate the cheapest seat for the World Cup final in New York on July 19 costs $10,329. In Miami, the lowest quarterfinal ticket is listed at $3,150, which exceeds the city's median monthly mortgage payment.

Among fans who changed their spending because of higher costs, 31 percent reported buying less merchandise, 29 percent said they attend fewer games, and 20 percent cut streaming subscriptions. Twenty-one percent said they go to fewer watch parties or restaurants.

Debt and generational differences The poll found that 38 percent of fans cite creating memories with friends and family as the main reason for major sports spending. Among younger respondents, social media exposure influenced 33 percent of spending decisions.

The survey also reported that the NFL had the highest share of fans willing to splurge at 45 percent, followed by the NBA at 30 percent and MLB at 24 percent.