The upcoming exhibition match between England and New Zealand is set to take place next Saturday at 4 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The game, billed as a friendly showcase, will fill a venue that can accommodate more than 50,000 spectators.
Ticket sales have been sluggish, with only about 13,000 tickets sold so far. That leaves a large portion of the stadium empty despite the event's high‑profile nature.
The slow uptake is being linked to steep price points. Ticketmaster’s cheapest listings sit around $74, a figure that many local supporters find prohibitive for a non‑competitive fixture. Fans such as Courtney Stewart have openly stated that the cost is unaffordable for a friendly match.
Eyuel Yimer, who purchased a $120 ticket, echoed the sentiment, noting that many of his friends were unaware of the game altogether. Cheryl Stewart, another attendee, said she would not consider paying the current rates, highlighting a broader reluctance among the community.
A seat map released by Ticketmaster shows ample inventory in the upper decks and designated fan sections, suggesting that the stadium is not sold out but rather under‑utilized.
Dynamic pricing and market response
The Athletic’s sports analyst Adam Leventhal has suggested that dynamic pricing could trigger late‑stage discounts as the kickoff approaches, potentially lowering prices for unsold inventory.
The match’s scheduling at 4 p.m. next Saturday places it in direct competition with other weekend activities, further complicating demand. While some observers predict a possible price correction, the current market indicates that the event may proceed with a fraction of its intended audience.