As MetLife Stadium in New Jersey prepares to host its first World Cup game next Saturday, NJ Transit faces a challenge in selling train tickets to the event. Originally priced at $150 for a round trip, the tickets have been reduced to $98 thanks to additional private funding. Despite this reduction, sales remain sluggish, with only 17,739 tickets sold out of the 320,000 available for the eight-game slate.
Transportation Challenges
NJ Transit aims to transport 40,000 people for each of the games at MetLife Stadium. However, as of Monday, the sales figures indicate less than 6% of the total tickets have been purchased. The train schedules have yet to be released, but fans can buy tickets for select departure times, ranging from one to five hours before kickoff. It is important for fans to purchase tickets in advance, as they will not be available on game day.
Government and FIFA Dispute
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has criticized FIFA for not contributing to transportation costs, leaving NJ Transit with a $48 million bill to safely transport fans. Sherrill stated, “Our administration inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup — zero. That leaves New Jersey Transit with a $48 million bill to safely get 40,000 fans to and from every game.” She emphasized that New Jersey commuters should not bear the financial burden.
FIFA responded, expressing surprise at Sherrill’s approach, noting that they are not aware of any other major events at the stadium where organizers were required to pay for fan transportation. FIFA highlighted the economic impact and the influx of fans expected in North America for the tournament.
Logistical Adjustments
On game days, NJ Transit service into and out of New York will be suspended four hours before matches, except for World Cup attendees. Additionally, there will be no parking at MetLife Stadium, and rideshare services will be unavailable on stadium property, with drop-offs occurring near the adjacent racetrack.
The first match at MetLife Stadium features Brazil and Morocco, with the championship game scheduled for July 19. As the tournament approaches, NJ Transit and local authorities continue to navigate the challenges of accommodating fans while managing logistical and financial constraints.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
