As thousands of fans packed into Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara for Super Bowl LX, many found themselves shocked not just by the on-field action but by the staggering prices of food and beverages inside the venue. What should be a celebration of football, music, and spectacle has prompted criticism online with many attendees branding the stadium offerings as “trash” and outrageously priced.
The Super Bowl traditionally draws some of the highest ticket prices in sports, with many fans paying between $4,000 and $6,000 per seat. But once inside, the cost of refreshments and stadium fare appears to be adding insult to injury for many fans who thought they’d already splurged enough for the big game.
Outrage Over Basic Items and Luxury Options
Fans have taken to social media to share what they’re being charged for some of the most basic — and not-so-basic — concession items. Even a classic stadium hot dog is setting some spectators back around $20, while more elaborate takes on traditional fare, like a “Chinatown Dog” with char siu pork and sriracha, carry similar price tags.
At the other end of the price spectrum, luxury offerings have drawn both curious attention and mockery. One particularly expensive example is the “LX Hammer Burger,” a stacked creation featuring braised bone-in beef shank, Point Reyes blue cheese fondue, and a rich mirepoix demi-glace — but it has a price tag of about $180. Critics argue that such items are tasteless as well as overpriced, and photos have circulated online prompting amusement and disgust in equal measure.
On the beverage side, even a simple can of beer is far from cheap. Bud Light has been reported at around $17.50, with more premium beers starting at about $19. A can of wine is around $16, while mixed alcoholic drinks such as a Jack and Coke top out at around $32. Some fans joked that these prices might require more courage to swallow than a fourth-quarter deficit.
Fan Reactions: “Trash” and Meme Culture
Social media has been filled with reactions from fans inside the stadium and those watching from home. “Haven’t seen anything better than a hot dog — food options here are trash,” one fan complained, echoing a sentiment shared widely across platforms. Memes have also circulated mocking the inflation, one of which combined a still from a crying scene in Uncut Gems with a caption lamenting: “$3000 for Super Bowl tickets, $400 for Super Bowl parking, $20 for a Super Bowl beer.” Whether humorous or bitter, these posts underscore the perception among many that the event’s concessions are wildly overpriced.
However, not all reactions have been negative. Some fans pointed out that high stadium prices are common at major sporting events and that, relative to typical venue markups, this year’s pricing isn’t far outside what might be expected. One social media user noted that if attendees can afford a Super Bowl ticket, the premium for food and drink might seem insignificant in that broader context.
A Broader Trend at Sporting Events
The issue at Levi’s Stadium appears to reflect a broader trend at major sports venues, where food and beverage pricing routinely draws ire. Fans regularly complain about markups, leading to debates about affordability and fan experience. Even outside of football, reports from other stadiums show similar patterns of high concession costs, reinforcing the idea that such pricing is not unique to the Super Bowl but part of a wider culture in live sports entertainment.
Does It Affect the Fan Experience?
Whether the price tags will dampen the overall Super Bowl experience for those in attendance is still being debated. For many, the excitement of the game — and during this year’s event, standout moments like the halftime show — is the primary draw, with food merely a side consideration. For others, the cost of basic refreshments has added to an already steep financial burden, leaving a sour taste that’s being shared around as quickly as the burgers and beers are snapped up.
