A new admission charge has appeared at McGregor Square, the downtown Denver gathering spot owned by the Monfort family, for select World Cup matches featuring the United States and Mexico. The fee, set at $23.18 per person, includes an additional $3.18 surcharge and is being applied only to those high‑profile fixtures.
The price tag raises questions
While other matches such as England‑Ghana and Panama‑Croatia remain free to attend, the cost for the U.S. and Mexico games has drawn attention for its steep price and the way it is packaged.
Local bars like The Celtic and The British Bulldog have opted not to raise their own prices, choosing instead to keep drinks affordable and maintain a welcoming atmosphere for patrons who may be watching the games on television or gathering informally.
Community perspective
Noel Hickey, owner of The Celtic, has been vocal about his opposition to charging fans, emphasizing that the venue’s purpose is to foster community rather than generate profit from spectators.
Mike Corbett and his family also decided not to attend the upcoming U.S.-Turkey match, citing the admission fee as a deterrent that conflicts with their values of accessibility and camaraderie.
Safety and experience rationale
McGregor Square’s management defends the charge as a necessary step to manage crowd size safely and to provide a better overall fan experience, arguing that controlled entry can reduce congestion and improve security.
The move has been compared to FIFA’s broader commercial strategy for the tournament, a comparison that has fueled criticism from those who view the fee as a money grab rather than a public service.