Soccer, Sports and Politics - Part Deux

I still haven't gotten over their fortune from 1998- golden goal v. Paraguay, PSO v. Italy, coming from behind v, Croatia. It was like watching a slow nightmare. By the time they reached the final, there was nothing even Brasil could do.

 

FIFA is now officially selling parking spots near 2026 World Cup stadiums for as much as $175 per spot, adding to the astonishing fees it will take some fans to attend next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Soccer’s global governing body launched a website, backed by JustPark, where supporters can reserve and purchase parking well in advance to guarantee a spot at venues throughout the three host countries.


Many of the cities, like Atlanta, Mexico City and Toronto, do not have prices or spaces available to reserve just yet. Those looking to attend matches in Miami, Kansas City, Boston, Dallas, or Philadelphia, though, can book their spots today.

Prices vary depending on the stadium and the match. For example, a group stage match in Kansas City costs $75 per spot. In Philadelphia, a parking spot for an equivalent group stage fixture costs $115.

Knockout stage prices are even higher. To reserve parking near Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts for the quarterfinals, a spot will set you back $145. Those driving to AT&T Stadium in Texas for the semifinals will need to pay $175 to park.


Fans heading to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami to see the third place match unfold on July 18 must also pay $175 to reserve parking ahead of time.

Prices are not yet out for parking at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, the venue hosting the 2026 World Cup final. The six cities across Mexico and Canada also do not have prices out yet.

At this time, the actual location of the spots in relation to the stadiums are unknown. A JustPark customer support representative told The Athletic: “Parking lots and spaces will be allocated closer to the event date. … Exact parking lot details and timings will be confirmed via email well before the match.”

 

Well, in these cases, it was more of "winning guaranteed money" on individual pitches.

But yes, I agree/get your point.

 

I got 2 spots in front of my house for the low-low price of $174.99. Bird poop hose wash will cost ya an extra $25

 

I was so hoping that story was internet generated nonsense, but it's become laughable at the extent that these organizations will wring every last dollar out of the public. I really wanted to go to a couple of matches, but at these overall prices, no thanks.

 

I can just imagine 20k of Ubers all showing up at the same time!

 

Here’s another scam: people paid $$ for the right to buy tickets and must do so by December 1 prior to the draw or their right becomes worthless. I mean, it’s legally not a scam and I question why anyone would have bought these, but at the very least it’s another indication of how FIFA is squeezing every last dollar out of fans. As far as I’m concerned it can fvck off.

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.c...-costly-right-to-buy-world-cup-ticket-gamble/

 

Those furriners without cars can stay in the garage with a dozen others for the low low price of $1000/night. Then they can figure out how to take NJ Transit to MetLife. As easy as beating the Argies with 9 men!

 

as my house is located right next to the NJ Transit train station I will have to charge $1,001/night.

 

Yes. You will. You have NO choice in the matter.

This is the way.

 

Here’s an off topic question.

Of the female pop megastars, are there any who aren’t a 9 or a 10? Like, every time one of them is in SNL, she’s more flawless than the last one. Dua, Beyoncé, Taylor, Sabrina, they all look like Miss America runners up.

I personally don’t think Miley Cyrus is in that category, but the rest of them? All 9s and 10s.

I’ll bet it would make an interesting study to see if advancements in recording technologies are directly correlated to how hot female pop stars are. My theory is that the easier it is to make mediocre singers sound great, the easier it is to find a super hot girl who is a mediocre singer.

 

I wouldn't call Lady GaGa or Jewel 9 or 10. Or Christina Aguilera either.

But that's just me.

 

Right, and the 90s are over (Wrt Jewel and Aguilera)

 

Am I now one of the "old" guys?

 

Despite all the shenanigans in some of the Korean matches I couldn't help but root for them as the were an exciting team to watch!

 

Because of recording tech, and changing musical tastes, ability to sing isn't the factor it used to be, no. So you're not gonna get many average looking female singers at the very very top anymore.

Plus, Dave listed pop stars. Pop is now a female driven art form, unlike the 60s and 70s and 80s. Men aren't making those ladies famous. My guess is that less attractive women still have a shot in serious genres where autotune isn't yet a thing.

 

"Video killed the radio star"