The UEFA Euro 2024 presented a unique opportunity for soccer fans across Europe. With the World Cup not hosted in Western Europe since 2006, many enthusiasts saw the European Championships as a more accessible alternative, aiming to minimize travel costs. In 2021, UEFA experimented with a pan-European format, allowing fans to watch matches in their home countries. However, attending multiple games often required extensive travel across the continent, compounded by COVID-19 restrictions that further complicated ticket acquisition.
This summer, the European Championships in Germany offer European soccer fans a great chance to see their teams. But is EURO 2024 affordable?
A study by Conotoxia found that English fans could watch England’s opening game for about $1,400 for two people. This includes $100 for tickets, $500 for two nights in hotels, $500 for flights, and $250 for food and drinks. Watching all England’s group games could cost around $3,200.
This compares favorably to Qatar 2022, where costs for group stage games were estimated at least $6,000. Unlike Qatar, fans traveling to Germany can find budget options. Flights to hubs like Frankfurt or Dusseldorf might be costly, but buses or trains from nearby cities or neighboring countries offer cheaper alternatives.
Four tournament venues are in North Rhine-Westphalia, near Dusseldorf Airport. Budget-conscious fans could fly to Amsterdam and take a $20-25 bus to Dortmund or Dusseldorf. Petrol in Germany is pricier than in the UK, but matchday travel is free for ticket holders, and discounted long-distance tickets are available.
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Germany’s reliable public transport means fans can stay in neighboring cities instead of near match venues. For instance, England’s first match is in Gelsenkirchen, but staying in Essen or Bochum could save money. Accommodations vary; Gelsenkirchen’s cheapest hotel for England’s game costs $303, while Bochum and Essen offer cheaper options like $110 and $101 hotels, respectively. Hostels and apartments are even more economical.
For those without tickets, fan parks in host cities offer game viewing. UEFA warns against buying tickets from third-party sites due to possible cancellations. Ticket prices vary widely, with Germany’s games being the most expensive. Official hospitality packages start at $1,360 to $1,630 per person for most group stage games.
Lastly, while beer was pricey in Qatar, a pint at German stadiums costs $5.50. This surely is going to be a treat for the ones who enjoy a drink alongside their football.
UEFA Euro 2024 offers fans a more affordable option compared to recent World Cups, with cheaper accommodations and local travel options in Germany. However, costs can still mount up, especially if attending multiple games or traveling long distances. Ticket prices vary, and while fan parks provide cheaper viewing options, official packages and some match tickets can be expensive. Overall, whether Euro 2024 is affordable depends on personal choices and budget considerations while navigating different costs across host cities.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
