For many attendees, the Super Bowl’s biggest surprise was not on the field. It was the staggering price list displayed at Levi’s Stadium’s concession stands.
After investing thousands in tickets and travel, fans were confronted with digital menus. The costs brought their excitement to a sudden halt.
A basic canned beer was priced at $17.50, with premium options reaching $19. Canned wine cost $16, and a bottle of water was set at $8. Even veteran event-goers were stunned.
Social media erupted with photos of the menus, sparking immediate jokes and outrage. Many fans declared they would simply not purchase any concessions at all.
The anger stemmed from a feeling of exploitation. While stadium markups are expected, these prices felt disrespectful amid the already exorbitant cost of attending.
Anecdotes spread of groups sharing single beers and people hesitating to buy water. This contrasted sharply with news of celebrities placing million-dollar bets on the game.
Ultimately, the backlash highlighted a broader tension in modern sports, where elite pricing can make events feel exclusive. Yet, for those in the stadium, the live experience still held its irreplaceable value.