Exactly Who Is Taking Advantage Of FIFA Fans In New York and NJ?
by Alex Lloyd Gross
In about two months’ time, FIFA will have invaded Philadelphia and Northern New Jersey for a highly marketed soccer competition between teams from all over the world. A lot of people want to see it and FIFA are touting the marketing and economic benefits. Some of that may be true.
During the negotiations to bring FIFA to New Jersey, New Jersey officials agreed that FIFA is not going to be putting in one penny for transportation costs so that fans can see the matches. At Met Life Stadium, most of the parking lot is off limits to fans. There is parking for employees, media and the handicapped who have to shell out a whopping $225.00 per game to park in the lot.
Many are outranged. Figure medicine, treatments, maintenance on specialized equipment and the average mobility challenged person is at a disadvantage and unable to pay an outrageous fee for parking. If they want to get a handicapped spot, they better get there early,
The other option is to take a train. New Jersey Transit put the brakes on that idea by charging 40,000 fans $150.00 per ride on their system. By comparison, when the Roiling Stones played there, it was less than $15.00. In fact, it’s always been less than $15.00.
NJ Transit officials put the blame on FIFA, claiming they have to pay $11 million for security, and more money on climate control and money to get their rail cars up to snuff. People are outraged. How will they get to the stadium, as it is not in a location conducive to walking. NJ Transit would have spent that money anyway. Officials claim they do not want to have taxpayers shoulder the burden so they passed it off to attendees. How many trains, how many cars per train and how often? You can bet rideshare companies will raise their rates for trips to the stadium, as well.
Philadelphia will have a smaller footprint for parking as well. A lot of the normal parking will be taken up by space reserved for lines of ticketholders. There are no plans to gouge handicapped fans with exorbitant fees. Parking for the matches could be around $100.00 for lots close to the stadium. This is high and obscene but still less than New York, North Jersey. Train rides on SEPTA will be about $6.00 round trip. Parking at a train station is also about $5.00. Tailgating in certain lots is allowed.
People taking rideshares can expect to pay higher than normal rates. In NJ and Philly, a cab may be your best bet, as their fees are regulated.